Skype Me! From Single User to Small Enterprise and Beyond [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Michael Gough (Author), Bill Campbell (Foreword), Joshua Brashars (Contributor), Dan Douglass (Contributor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1597490326 | ISBN-13: 978-1597490320 | Publication Date: July 1, 2005 | Edition: 1

This book is divided into four parts. Part I begins with several chapters on the basics of Skype. Here the reader learns how to install and configure Skype on several platforms including Windows, Max OSX, Linux, and PocketPC. The reader will also learn how to begin making voice over IP calls immediately. Part II deals with the more advanced features of Skype. Here the reader learns how to use Skype on new "Skype Ready" cell phones, use Skype for more advanced, business-oriented tasks such as scheduling and file transfers, as well as using SkypeOut. Part III discusses how to integrate Skype with third party networking, communication, and security devices such as routers, firewalls, and mail servers, as well as using the brand new Skype for Business. Part IV covers the Skype Application Programming Interface, Plug-ins, Add-ons, and third party tools. Here the reader learns to develop and customize their own applications using the new, powerful, Skype API.

* Skype has over 70,000,0000 users worldwide, and 13 forums with over 25,000 members
* Skype's Application Programming Interface (API) allows users to develop their own applications and customize Skype with the information found in this book
* Makrus Daehne is one of the most recognized and respected authorities on Skype and he is the forum moderator on the Skype Web site

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Syngress; 1 edition (July 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1597490326
• ISBN-13: 978-1597490320
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 7.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #793,551 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #100 in Books > Computers & Technology > Networking > Telephony

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Skype Resource, January 6, 2006

By 

Daniel McKinnon "Dan" (Tewksbury, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Skype Me! From Single User to Small Enterprise and Beyond (Paperback)

If you are in charge of learning about Skype or your business has decided to use this exciting new technology and you are the IT person in charge of getting it up and running ASAP, 'Skype Me!' by Michael Gough and others is an ESSENTIAL resource. From the basics of getting Skype installed and running for basic usage to the advanced steps of configuring Skype and replacing your existing phone service at work, this is the best resource out there on the market today. Since Skype is such a new technology there isn't a lot of guides out there on the bookshelves right now, so you would be making a big mistake if you didn't pick up a copy of 'Skype Me!'.

If you want to learn Skype and be well on your way to becoming an expert in the field, go pick up a copy of this book as well as 'Skype Hacks' by O'Reilly. Grab your favorite drink, and a notepad so you can begin taking notes on the work that will need to be done you can start communicating and taking advantage of one of the hottest new technologies to come along in some time. You will NOT be disappointed!!

***** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Skype book, March 12, 2006

By 

Richard Bejtlich "TaoSecurity" (Metro Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Skype Me! From Single User to Small Enterprise and Beyond (Paperback)

Skype Me! is the perfect introduction to Skype for users of all skill levels. It could serve as an example of how to write a product-centric book that delivers real value. The text is well written, clear, and focused. The material becomes progressively complex as the reader moves from learning about Skype, to installing it, to using it, to extending it into areas I hadn't previously considered. Anyone who wants to get the most out of Skype should read Skype Me!

I believe Skype is an incredibly intuitive and simple piece of software. I didn't spend much time with the first four chapters of the book, since I think the ease of installing and using Skype is one of its main attractions. Beginning with Ch 5, however, author Michael Gough started expanding my sense of what could be done by Skype. With advanced features in Ch 6, software add-ons in Ch 7, and hardware accessories in Ch 8, I was entering new territory. The material was well-covered.

I have no real concerns with Skype Me! I have a minor issue with the author's suggestion on p 270 that using a 900 MHz cordless phone is a sign they need to be "upgraded". A 900 MHz cordless phone is a great way to avoid interference in the 2.4 GHz range used by modern wireless networks and newer cordless phones. I would have also liked some expert commentary by a security professional regarding controlling Skype in the enterprise.

Overall I highly recommend Skype Me! I would feel comfortable sharing this book with my parents as a way to encourage them to try Skype. I would also share it with friends who want to tinker at the edges of traditional Skype usage.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Skype Book Everyone Needs to Read, March 9, 2006

By 

Warren Kelly (Southern Ohio) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Skype Me! From Single User to Small Enterprise and Beyond (Paperback)

Skype Me! is a book that everyone needs to have. It's less technical than Skype Hacks, which makes it more accessible to non-techies. Gough starts off with basic lessons about VoIP, Peer-to-peer technology (as it's used in VoIP), even Skype security. These basics will help anyone who is looking at setting up Skype in their home.

Installation is covered in Chapter 2. Gough gives detailed instructions on testing individual computers setups to make sure that Skype will work properly, and shows how to install Skype on Windows, Pocket PC, Mac OS X, and Linux. Then, in chapter 3, he covers the basics of using Skype.

Gough spends a lot of time on using Skype from Pocket PCs, even Pocket PC cell phones and smart phones. This is something I'd never thought about, honestly - my cell phone bill is pretty small, and we've got a good family plan. I can see where people who use a lot of cell phone minutes each month could save some money.

Skype Me! also goes into detail when it comes to implementing Skype in a business setting. This is one area where I think that Skype is being under-utilized. There's a perception that Skype is for home users, but isn't powerful enough for enterprise use, but it's clear that Skype is a lot more powerful than people think. There's a lot of potential for business use - especially when you look at the call center hack that I mentioned in the review of Skype Hacks.

One disappointment I had with Skype Hacks was that it didn't really talk much about the Skype API. Skype Me! does this in chapter 14, and goes into enough detail that people with a computer background will be able to take advantage of the API in customizing their own installation of Skype. Skype Me! also goes into more detail in discussing the various Skype-enabled devices that are available, or will soon become available. Gough includes mini-reviews of a lot of popular Skype hardware add-ons that will make your Skype experience much more pleasant - and productive.

For new users, Skype Me! is a valuable addition to their library. The fact that Michael Gough is the guy who runs SkypeTips.com and is constantly adding material at that site is just another reason to get this book.