Skype

At the time of writing, Skype is about a decade around, and since its release in 2003 it has been widely adapted by millions of users. Basically, it is a communication service using your computer's microphone and webcam, but it also supports placing calls to landlines and mobile numbers, for instance.

Skype is a free VoIP application, with VoIP standing for Voice over IP, but not all services are free.

Calling other users within the Skype service is free of charge, but using other companies traditional telephone networks will be charged via a debit-based user account.

Now, Skype was bought by Microsoft in 2011 and recently the latter company, the same one offering your Windows operating system, announced it will retire MSN messenger, also known as Windows Live Messenger, in favour of its Skype service.

As you're reading this article, the aforementioned Microsoft transformation has yet taken place. Thus, you might want to jump on the bandwagon and install Skype on your system to make use of the technology offered to connect with friends, family and colleagues everywhere.

So, if interested in free video and voice calls to anyone else on Skype, free instant messaging and file sharing, as well as access to a variety of additional paid services, proceed to the download.