Skype

What Does Skype Mean?

Skype is a voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) software application used for voice, video and instant messaging communications. Skype software allows user to make calls, video calls or engage in chat over the Internet. Unlike other similar services, Skype calls use peer-to-peer technology rather than the client-server system.

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Techopedia Explains Skype

Skype to Skype calls are free, while public switched telephone network (PSTN) and mobile calls are either free or subject to certain fees. Registered Skype contact information may be included in the public Skype directory if this is authorized by users.

Skype uses a proprietary codec to facilitate phone and audio/video conferencing calls. Unlike other VoIP applications, Skype relies on servers and background device processing for communication.

Due to network policies, Skype is generally banned in organizations, including government, business, and university settings. Overall, network administrators maintain a unified stance on improper resource and security usage as pertaining to Skype.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…