In an increasingly digital world, video calls have become a fundamental way for people to stay connected, whether it’s for keeping in touch with family, attending virtual gatherings, or participating in meetings. For seniors, mastering platforms like Skype and Microsoft Teams can open up new avenues for communication and interaction. This article provides a detailed walkthrough on how to make video calls using these two popular platforms, ensuring that even those new to technology can start video chatting with confidence.
Skype is one of the most longstanding and widely used video calling services. To begin using Skype, you must first download and install the application from Skype’s official website. Once the installation is complete, you will need to create a Skype account if you don’t already have one. This involves providing some personal information and creating a username and password. After logging in, the main Skype window will appear, showing your contacts list, recent conversations, and a navigation bar.
To make a video call on Skype, start by finding the person you want to call from your contacts list. If you need to add a new contact, you can search for them by their Skype name or email address through the search bar at the top of the application. Once you’ve added the contact, click on their name, and an option to initiate a video call appears in the form of a video camera icon. Clicking this icon starts the video call, and once the other person accepts the call, you’ll be able to see each other and begin conversing.
Microsoft Teams is another powerful tool for video communication, often used in more professional settings but equally viable for personal use. To use Microsoft Teams, download and install the application from its website. Similar to Skype, you will need to sign up or log in, which can be done using a Microsoft account. Teams organizes conversations, files, and tools in shared workspaces, which is particularly useful for group collaborations.
Making a video call in Microsoft Teams involves a few simple steps. On the left-hand side of the Teams window, you will find the ‘Calls’ tab. Clicking on this will show your contacts and the option to dial a number or name. You can also make video calls directly from a chat. To start a chat, use the ‘Chat’ tab, select a contact or start a new conversation, and then use the video icon at the top of the chat window to begin the call.
Both Skype and Microsoft Teams allow you to manage your video and audio settings during the call. You can turn your camera or microphone on or off, and view the settings to adjust device options, such as changing the camera if you have more than one or adjusting the microphone volume. These platforms also support additional features like screen sharing, which allows you to share your screen with the person or people you are calling. This feature is especially useful for showing photos, documents, or guiding someone through a process on the computer.
Understanding how to make video calls on Skype and Microsoft Teams not only helps seniors maintain relationships and manage communications but also ensures they can participate fully in the contemporary digital dialogue. With some practice, these tools become easy and intuitive to use, providing a reliable and enriching way to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues from anywhere in the world.