I like to tell you about new technology I have found. Here's a stunning example of total brilliance.


Skype is Voice Over IP (VoIP) software that will enable you to make free calls anywhere in the world over your existng internet connection. OK, you'll say we've been able to send voice over various 'messenger' type systems for ages, but they've never been much good. Exactly! Skype is superb. You only need your regular dial up or broadband connection and even a 33k connection will do. The quality is far better than anything I've heard before and certainly far better than a regular phone line. The delay is imperceptible, it's fully two-way all the time. It doesn't break, dip out, or degrade into low quality. There's no microphone setup or settings to do, it ignores firewalls and it just works 'Straight out of the box'. Oh yes, it's also free!


Created by the people who brought you KaZaA, Skype uses genuinely innovative P2P (peer-to-peer) technology to connect you with other Skype users. Techies and even non-techies can read the technical explanation here. It's very clever! It's a radically new technology for VoIP communication. Skype is in beta test at the moment, but it's already very useable and relible.


Skype is dead easy to install. Just download it, register, and within minutes you can call your friends on Skype. Skype calls are also highly secure with end-to-end encryption, which is vital in a peer to peer network. And, it's worth repeating, Skype does not require you to reconfigure your firewall or router — it simply works!


Try it - you have nothing to lose - especially if you have friends and relations in foreign parts. Say goodbye to long distance phone bills.


Remember you heard it first at www.stephenbell.net! Click the Skype Headset above to go to the site - and if you install it and want to try it out - give me a call! Skype Username: srbell