Skype is software for calling other people on their computers or phones. Download Skype and start calling for free all over the world.

The calls have excellent sound quality and are highly secure with end-to-end encryption. You don't even need to configure your firewall or router or any other networking gear.

Additionally it doesn't just work on Windows. Skype is also for Mac OS X, Linux and PDAs using Pocket PC, with a native look and feel for each platform. Talking, sending instant messages or even file transfers work between different platforms like a charm.

Note: The new Skype beta version 2 adds video calling.

Download : http://www.skype.com/download/skype/windows/skype3beta.html

Changelog :
- known issue: Extras Manager: Installer shows an error message if some of the components that have to be rewritten are locked
- change: new button for 'leave' in chat window
- change: Do More Menu' active even when Extras Manager not running
- change: updated all translations
- bugfix: in some cases there was low voice quality in a video call
- bugfix: http/socks proxy connections did not work
- bugfix: sometimes video was not shown in incoming video call
- bugfix: Sometimes Extars Manager produced an Access Violation on start up
- bugfix: ViewProfile: divider was missing before contact count
- bugfix: LOGIN: no user name was selected and password field was not focused by default when Skype started
- bugfix: Public Chat: Wrong timestamp for remove message action
- bugfix: Sometimes there were overlapping phone numbers in contact card
- bugfix: Public Chat: Distinguish between Host and Creator in UI
- bugfix: Accessibility: MSAA for tab control added again
- bugfix: wrong flag was displayed for Ireland
- bugfix: Public Chat: Chat not ended if a promoted Host chose 'End Chat'

Thanks for the heads up

Skype is one of the fastest-growing applications with frequent update and improvements in term of UI

Of course I tend to compare it with Google talk

i see more americans n europeans use more skype than us asians though