How to Make Free Land Line Phone Calls With Skype

1. Download and install the Skype application from its official download site. Point your Internet browser to www.skype.com/download/skype/windows/ to download Skype for Windows or click on one of the related links on the right side of the page to locate Skype for Mac OS X or Linux. Click the 'Download Now' button to begin the process. After you download it, install the Skype application.
2. Open the Skype program and register. Before you can sign in, you'll need to register a Skype username and password. Click the 'Don't have a Skype name?' link in the program window; clicking this link takes you to a screen where you can register. Enter the requested registration details needed to use Skype. Check the box confirming that you have accepted the end user license and Terms of Service. Click 'Next' at the bottom of the program and continue filling in details such as your email address and country. Click 'Sign In' to complete the registration process and open the Skype application.
3. Connect your headset to the audio output or USB connection on your computer depending on the type of hardware you have. Your headset will allow you to hear and speak during a Skype conversation.
4. Make free calls to other Skype users by adding contacts and calling them within the software. Click the 'New Contact' option in the Contacts menu at the top of the Skype application; enter a person's Skype username, full name, or email address to find a contact. Once you add a contact, click the green 'Call' button on the right side of the Skype application or locate the Call menu at the top of the screen and click the 'Call' option to begin a conversation.
5. Purchase Skype credit or a subscription that allows you to make inexpensive phone calls worldwide from your computer or from a Skype handset. Subscription options for Skype can be found at www.skype.com/allfeatures/subscriptions/. A Skype subscription that allows you to make unlimited phone calls to landlines and cell phones in the U.S. and Canada costs just around $3 per month.
6. Subscribe to other Skype services that make it easier to make phone calls to contacts. Buy an online Skype phone number so that your contacts can call you using a traditional landline phone number. Buy a SkypeToGo subscription to make inexpensive calls on your mobile phone or when traveling abroad; the SkypeToGo subscription gives you a special access phone number to call that connects you to Skype.
7. Purchase a USB phone that connects to your computer or a Skype cordless phone. Examples include the Belkin Desktop Internet Phone or the RTX Dualphone. These types of phones make it easier to use Skype as they don't require the use of a headset but are traditional telephone devices. A Skype cordless phone requires the use of an Internet router and has Skype software built-in allowing you to make and receive Skype calls anywhere in your home or office. Skype phones and devices can be found online at shop.skype.com/.