translated from Spanish: A basic guide to using skype when working from home

The world is quarantined by COVID-19 and large companies had no choice but to send their employees to work from home. If you are one of those who are just getting acquainted with this modality, we have news. Skype is a free way to chat, make group calls for up to 25 participants and share information, and anyone can download and use it on a variety of devices.

To start using it, you need to have the app installed on your computer or phone. To do so, you can go directly to the Skype website or go to the Play Store or App Store on your phone. You can also use it from your browser without having to install the app on your computer or mobile phone, by logging in here.

To use Skype and Skype for Web, you need a Microsoft account. If you already have an Outlook or Hotmail account, you have an account within this company’s services, including Skype. If not, you can register on this link. Once you’ve logged in, you’ll see important items in the left column, from a search engine and categories in which to find your chats to your call history, contacts, and notifications. With the New Chat button > New group chat, also in the left panel —or with the pencil icon from your cell phone—you’ll be able to make group calls. If you’re going to introduce something to your team, the screen sharing option is going to help you see what you’re projecting. In the image below you can see four of the icons you’ll use the most: the first is to add people to the conversation, the second to record the call and the last one for others to see your presentation.

In addition, if you have Skype for Business you can make video conferences with high quality audio and video, using any device (PC, notebook, tablet, smartphone) and up to 250 participants per videoconference.

Original source in Spanish