How to download and install Skype properly

This is a VERY common problem for a lot of people. I don't think i've seen anyone's computer with Skype properly installed. It might be the way they've got it illustrated or just that people don't really pay attention too much. In either case, I want to create a page that shows you, step-by-step, how to install it properly. In the end, it'll make things much, much better for you and your system. By bringing up the virtual drive icon ALL the time, you're taking time you don't need, the system isn't working properly because the file (the actual app) isn't in the right folder, and you're also using more memory.
1
Go to VersionTracker.com
I go to Versiontracker ALL the time. It's been around for more than 12 years and is a great clearinghouse of EVERY piece of software on the web today. It's got Mac, Windows, Palm, AND iPhone files, so really take a look through it once in a while and you're bound to fine something great.

Go to versiontracker.com


2
Enter the name you're looking for
In this case, we're looking for Skype, so just type 'skype' into the Search pane in the upper right corner of the webpage. Then click on the Go button or just click your Return key on your keyboard.
3
The results
Along with a lot of other results, we find, in blue, the program we're looking for with all the information we need. How big it is, if it's Freeware or not, how new it is and how other users rate it. Just click on the title of the program and we'll see all the information about the program.
4
Click on the download button
Here you can read about the program, what it does, what it's features are, and reviews by other users. When you're ready, click the Download Now button in the upper right corner.
5
This window will let you know it's going to download the file
6
The downloads window will show progress
This is the Downloads window that most browsers have. It will tell you the progress of the file download and when it's done, by clicking on the magnifying glass icon on the right side, it will show you were the download went (if you haven't reset it, OSX 10.5 or greater downloads everything in a Downloads folder on your hard drive).
7
The DMG file for Skype in Downloads
What should happen is that the file gets downloaded from the web and goes directly into the Downloads directory in your Home directory. You shouldn't have to do anything since it should automatically open up, but if it doesn't you should know where to go and what to do. Just double-click on this icon in your Downloads folder and you should get an blue hard drive icon on your desktop. If you double-click it you'll see a window like in the next step.
8
Skype volume
This is what the Skype window should look like. And if you look at it closely, you can make out what they want you to do. Can you guess? Yes, you got it. You take that nifty blue S icon and drop it on the blue folder with the A on it. Don't hold it over the folder more than a second. Just Click and Drag it over to the folder and let go.
The computer will put up a Copying dialog box letting you know how long it will take.
9
Skype installed in Applications
Once the file is installed, your Applications folder should show it like this.
You can either drag it right into the Dock to put it there, or you can Double-click it to start it and from the Dock, click on hold on the icon and from the menu there, tell it to Keep In Dock.
10
Skype in the dock
And here's the Skype icon in the Dock. From here you can use it anytime. I keep most of the programs I use on a daily basis there.

That's all there is to properly installing Skype. This way it'll run much faster, remember your settings and not slow down your computer.

Any comments? Let me know.   Return to Tips