Skype is a free Internet telephony product that allows users to make telephone calls over the internet (VOIP). Skype accomplishes this using peer-to-peer (P2P) protocols, similar to those used by file sharing programs.

Campus Use

Information technology discourages the use of Skype on our network for a variety of reasons:

Skype is not a traditional phone, and as such lacks features available on traditional phones, such as emergency services (911).
Skype is free only for Skype-to-Skype calls. Calls to and from traditional phones (landline and mobile) are charged per minute by Skype.
Because Skype uses the internet to provide its service, the quality of the calls will vary depending upon internet traffic and the connection speed/quality of each of the participants in the call.
Like other P2P programs, Skype can use excessive bandwidth.
Installing the program and accepting the Skype User Agreement allows Skype to use that computer as a hub, or "supernode," allowing it to use University network resources for non-University purposes while that machine is running Skype and connected to the network.
Information Technology does not currently support Skype and is unable to respond to calls for assistance with this product. Support for this product will come directly from Skype itself at https://support.skype.com/.

Alternatives to Skype

Some departments have conference rooms that have PolyCom speakerphones installed. In addition, Telecommunications has a PolyCom speakerphone that can be loaned out for a small period of time to faculty or staff requiring it; these are requested in advance through a work order.

Adobe ConnectNow offers online web meetings for free for up to three participants.

Using Skype on the Network

If there is no alternative available to using Skype, then you can install Skype on your campus computer, as long as it is installed and used appropriately.

Installing Skype for use on the network.

First, you will need to download the latest version of Skype. Save the file to your computer, and when it is finished downloading, double-click the file to begin the installation.

At the first Skype install screen, click Options.

Uncheck "Start Skype when the computer starts" then click "I agree - install".

The install will start. It may take a few minutes to complete. When it finishes, you may be prompted to start Skype.

Setting Up and Using Skype on our the network.

Once Skype is installed, on first use you'll be prompted to create an account. If you don't already have one, go ahead and set an account up. Be sure to uncheck "Yes, send me Skype news and promotions" if you don't want to receive emails from Skype. If you already have a Skype account, you can log in here.

At the login page, make sure that "Start Skype when computer starts" is unchecked. We also recommend that you uncheck "Sign me in when Skype starts."

Now that you've logged in and Skype is running, click on Tools>Options.

In General Settings, make sure "Start Skype when I start Windows" is unchecked.
Click on Advanced to expand the Advanced settings section, then click on Connection.
Uncheck "Use port 80 and 443 as alternatives for incoming connections".
Uncheck "Enable uPnP."
Click Save.

Make sure you exit Skype when you are finished. Simply closing the Skype window does not exit the program; it continues to run in your System Tray. In order to completely exit Skype, right-click the Skype icon in the System Tray and click Quit.

Some other things to note.

In order to use Skype you will need headphones or speakers and a microphone on your computer. ID&D has two ClearOne Chat60 USB speakerphones for checkout by faculty and staff wishing to use Skype.

Skype can also be used with a webcam for one-on-one videoconferencing. Some laptops and computers come with built-in webcams; external webcams can also be purchased for computers that do not have video capabilities built-in. See Skype's webcam page for more information and details.

Skype is not part of the recommended and supported software available to campus. Individuals may choose to download and install Skype on their office computers (following the setup instructions/requirements above). Support for this product, like other products not offered as part of our supported offerings, is limited and best effort. Individuals using Skype are encouraged to contact Skype and make use of their website and FAQs for most troubleshooting assistance.