Skype help needed

**Labontet** · 11-30-2011, 09:22 AM

I have downloaded and installed Skype so that I can share video with my children, etc.

Now, what do I do? I have no idea how to use it.

**Ssindi** · 11-30-2011, 11:48 AM

Do you have a camera and a microphone? I just downloaded Skype and they give you pretty good directions on what to do.Someone said you can buy the camera and mike at Best Buy. Mine came with my cable internet.

**Labontet** · 11-30-2011, 12:30 PM

My computer has a webcam but I am not sure about a microphone. From what I can tell, I will need to go purchase a microphone.

**lparker** · 11-30-2011, 01:10 PM

My laptop has a built in mic. When you fire up Skype, there is a thing in the left pane for testing video and sound. Click on it, your camera should turn on and you will be asked speak a sentence. If the sentence gets repeated to you - you have a mic set up.

**MissSeetonFan** · 11-30-2011, 03:40 PM

Also look at the sides of your laptop (open or closed), around your screen and on the edges around your keyboard. The mic will be a small hole that a paper clip could fit in. Sometimes, it is sitting somewhere near the places that external plugs can fit in for headphones and external microphone. Mine (Dell) has two larger holes for plugging in headphones or speakers, a similar sized hole for an external microphone, and then the tiny hole for the built in mic but the small hole isn't marked. In my case it is next to the SD card slot. All on the front edge of the laptop, most visible when closed.

Microphones should be on the front edge or at least facing you.