Skype

Skype is a Voice over Internet Protocol(VOIP) tool that allows voice and video communications over the internet. It is based on a proprietary technology that combines peer to peer with a client-server mix. It is a standalone program that is available for multiple platforms, with varying UI schemes based on platform. I downloaded it for Android, Linux and PC for the purposes of testing it for this assignment.  I used it for testing for this, but overall I prefer the ease of use with Google's VOIP service. Primarily due to the fact that Google VOIP solution is web based, and doesn't require the installation of additional software and many of the features of Skype that are paid are free on Google, such as Group video chat features.

I used Skype with a business contact in Japan and for the most part the call quality was decent, but the file sharing experience left a lot to be desired. Frequent time-outs were the norm, rather than the exception. Contrast this with Google VOIP and I encountered no such problem. The problem was not my Internet connection as I have a dedicated 200mbps connection in my server room where I was using this.

The overall experience from Skype is just not as polished as others, and with the requirement for paying for features that I get elsewhere (*cough* Google) for free is a nonstarter. I did feel that the interface on Linux Mint was the cleanest and best experience. That could be due to any number of factors with regards to my particular Windows install, but in my experience that was the case.