Skype is a widely used social technology that allows people around the world to communicate in an easy and affordable way. It can be used for personal communication between family and friends, business meetings through video conferencing, distance education through online video calls or sign language, and within the media to provide news coverage of events. Creating a Skype account involves logging into their website, filling out an account form, downloading the software, and adding contacts by requesting them.

3. Personal Context Skype can be used to talk to family and friends from all around the world Skype can also be used to share files such as photo files with family and friends Therefore Skype can play a large role in maintaining personal relationships

4. Business Context Skype enables video conferencing so that business meetings can be conducted from a variety of locations. Skype has played a major contribution in enabling 21st century society to work towards a global economy as regional boundaries no longer pose a problem.

5. Education Context Skype enables distance education to be easy and accessible as online tutorials can be conducted via video calls Skype enables students with hearing disabilities to engage in distant education as video calls can be conducted in sign language

6. Media Context Skype can be used within the media to give the public the latest news on current events For example during the Queensland Flood Disaster Skype video calls were used by a variety of TV networks to give the public the latest information on the disaster.

7. Computer Requirements For Voice calls You will need speakers and a microphone For Video calls You will need a webcam in addition to computer speakers and a microphone

8. How to create a Skype Account Login to www.skype.com Select join Skype icon at the top right of the page Select create an account and fill in the required information Click save file after you have created your account Select download Skype When you are asked whether you want to run or save the file, select save file Follow the instructions outlined by the setup wizard Login to Skype using your chosen username and password

9. To Add Contacts Once you are logged in click on contacts and then add contact Enter the email address or the Skype name of the person you wish to add Select add contact Select send request and a request will be sent to that person and it is up to that person to accept your request before any Skype communications can occur

10. Troubleshooting If you are having any difficulties with any of these steps logon to http://www.skype.com/intl/en/support/user-guides/ This website will provide the answers to all your questions

11. List of References Skype. (2011). Features. Retrieved March 15th, 2011, from http://www.skype.com/intl/en/home Image retrieved March 15th 2011 from http://www.skype.com/intl/en/home