Skype Me! From Single User to Small Enterprise and Beyond [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

~ Michael Gough (Author), Bill Campbell (Foreword), Joshua Brashars (Contributor), Dan Douglass (Contributor)
Key Phrases: using skype, skype username, making video calls, Understanding the Basics, Michael Gough, Key Points (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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 (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #365,030 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #56 in	Books > Computers & Internet > Networking > Telephony
  #65 in	Books > Computers & Internet > Microsoft > Scheduling & E-mail

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Daniel McKinnon (Tewksbury, MA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

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

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Richard Bejtlich "TaoSecurity.com" (Metro Washington, DC) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on Skype add-ons and tweaks to get to to work the way you want, April 19, 2006

By	Harold McFarland (Florida) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Skype is a simple to implement Voice Over IP (VOIP) solution for the average computer user. If you are tired of long-distance charges, want to be able to tell when someone is online and you can call them, chat in a secure, encrypted environment, engage in video chatting with others, or call someone who has a regular phone system at substantially reduced rates then Skype may be the product you need. This book covers installation, configuration, and basic usage as well as configuring advanced features and personalizing your Skype. While this is useful, I found the software to be so user friendly that it was easy to figure out most of this by just exploring the basic options of the system. That being said Chapters seven and eight were well worth the price of the book by themselves. These chapters cover software and hardware add-ons that can greatly enhance your Skype system and make it work the way you would like it to. The final two sections of the book cover setting up Skype in a business environment and writing custom interfaces to it by accessing the Skype API. This section includes important information on how to set up Skype behind a firewall. Skype Me is a highly recommended purchase and a great way to access the VOIP world for anyone with a computer and good Internet access speed.