Mic /sound -
I'm not completely sure but a headphone set with a mic might have a better sound quality than the built in mic for using skype or other phone type programs.
might be easier to set up too.


That doesn't help Anne with her loosing connection problems.
skype uses the internet as the "phone line" so something has to be conflicting in the set up or the firewall settings.
when you are ready to try again let us know..

The only other thing I can think of is to totally remove the whole program, and use a reg cleaner to get any traces of it out of your registry, restart computer and then try a fresh skype install and go from there...
skype connection info-
http://support.skype.com/en_US/categ...NECTION_ISSUES


There are a few other similar programs that might work..

here's one than uses no downloads just make the call trhu the website page - there are some free{limited} and a rates /pricing page for calls but I don't know how the rates compare with your regular phone rates.{long distance etc}
http://evaphone.com/services

misc - other info & sites -
http://www.voipnow.org/2007/04/want_free_voip_.html
http://www.nimbuzz.com/en/desktop/
http://www.snapfiles.com/Freeware/comm/fwvoice.html
http://www.tuitalk.com/free-phone-ca...al-calls.zhtml
http://www.cnet.com/topic-software/p...l?tag=lia;lcol

probably info overload - I know my eyes are crossed now LOL

One of the lists had the Google talk }so I'll install it and see how it looks when i have time.