Lab Exercise 14

Skype Inventory:
Things that are provided in Skype that are not in cell phones is there are video capabilites in Skype. This allows you to see the person you are communicating with as opposed to just talking with them. Skype is free between other people that are using Skype, so as a result you can talk to anyone around the world that is also using Skype for free. There is a cost between other providers and Skype, however. Desktop PCs don't have a built in camera so you would need to buy a camera in order to Skype. Some Laptop PCs have built in cameras, in which case you would not have to buy a camera. Another feature available in Skype is chatting options which is much like texting through the computer. Skype also allows you to take pictures and change the features of the screen. You can manipulate the pictures that are taken. These would be considered advantages.

Advantages to Skype would be the fact that it is free between Skype users, you can see the person you are talking to, you can take pictures, and text with them all that the same time.

Disadvantages of Skype is that the quality is not as good as other technologies. Also, it is dependent on internet services so it often gets bad reception. The video freezes often as well, making it difficult to understand what the other person is saying. Our overall impression of the software is that it is very useful and a good tool for communication, however their can be lag of service and the voice and video quality is not very good. We think it is worth investing in the Skype technology.

*We did this exercise on a PC as opposed to an iPod touch.