Skype

Freeware; see text.

Current Version: 2.8.0.851 (February 11, 2010)

Skype is a free program for Mac OS X (as well as Windows, Linux and Pocket PC) that lets you make free calls to your friends all over the world. After you download, register, and install, you plug in your headset, speakers or USB phone to start calling your friends. The calls have good sound quality and are secured with end-to-end encryption. The optional paid SkypeOut service lets you make calls to old-fashioned phone numbers all around the world. Additionally, Skype allows you to transfer files and participate in plain, old-fashioned instant messaging as well.

Version 2.8.0.851 addresses the following:

• Skype Access: Platform specific: OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Skype Access was not working
• Calling: Skype occasionally crashed when the host of a conference call would hang up on one participants during the call
• Calling: Platform specific: OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Users were unable to call phone numbers via their Mac Address Book
• Instant Messaging: Platform specific: OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Some animated emoticons were not displayed correctly
• Profile: Skype crashed due to invalid avatars (occurred seldom)
• Miscellaneous: Users sometimes experienced an "Unable to mount database" error message when launching Skype
• Miscellaneous: Skype crashed when a user quit after opening an authorization missed event
• Miscellaneous: Platform specific: OS X 10.3 Panther - Occasionally Skype crashed right after an account was created
• Miscellaneous: Improved notification on how to disable a mood message chat

Skype operates on a peer-to-peer model, wherein users of the Skype network help route other users' calls around the globe, which may consume your bandwidth unexpectedly if the conditions are right. See the Skype Wikipedia article for more information.