Oprah is talking about Skype. So, I thought it would be good to share some basic info with my readers. I have and still use Skype and enjoy it. Yet, there is sooo many of the features I have not used. I am currently researching recording features so I can do a teleseminar via Skype.

Below is a Wikepedia definition of this cool tool.

Skype (IPA: [ska?p]) is a software application that allows users to make telephone calls over the Internet. Calls to other users of the service, and in some countries to free-of-charge numbers are free, while calls to other landlinesmobile phones can be made for a fee. Additional features include instant messaging, file transfer and video conferencing. and

Skype was written by Estonia-based developers Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu and Jaan Tallinn, who had also originally developed Kazaa.^[1] The Skype Group, founded by Swedish-born entrepreneur Niklas Zennström and the Dane Janus Friis, has its headquarters in Luxembourg, with offices in London, Tallinn, Tartu, Stockholm, Prague,^[2]San Jose. and

One of the initial names for the project was “Sky peer-to-peer”, which was then abbreviated to “Skyper”. However some of the domain names associated with “Skyper” were already taken. Dropping the final ‘r’ left the current title “Skype”, for which domain names were available.

Skype has experienced rapid growth in popular usage since the launch of its services. The company was acquired by eBay in September 2005 for $2.6 billion. EBay has written Skype down to $1.7 billion on its books and announced a public stock offering for 2010 to spin Skype off as a separate company.

Must Read Updates on Skype

• A read an engaging  post written by blogger Howard Wolinskylast year.
• Read news item on how Oprah promoted Skype
• 30 free Skype tools (note, this was done in 2007)
• Comments from those who selected Skype as a Top Tool for 2009!

I am convinced that Skype is not just Hype!  Toolie turned me on to in and I am glad she did.

Would be interested in your views and experience.