This is not a new idea by any means. I first read about this concept in an eBay blog a year or two ago but I can’t for the life of me find the post again (even my search buddy, Mr Google, came up empty). So since I really like this concept, I want to talk about it again. I have done this before when I was away from home and it worked perfectly. It basically involves using Skype as a security camera to check your home from another location.

The Skype video chat feature is already really great because you get excellent picture quality but as with most other software, it’s possible to make it just a little bit better with a bit of tweaking here and there. With the recent release of Skype Beta 3.6, I thought I would share this tweak which I recently found online. I’m sure Skype will get round to officially including this in future releases but for those of you too impatient to wait for that, here’s a DIY method to turn your webcam window into a big 640 x 480 screen with better picture and sound quality.

Posted by makeuseof guest-writer Mark O’Neill

I was asked in the comments of a previous post how I managed to run multiple versions of Skype at the same time and while answering him, I thought it was worth turning my answer into a post. It isn’t just Skype that this can be used for. You can also use this method to run multiple versions of your favourite instant messaging program (if you have more than one ID) or multiple versions of your internet browser if you have more than one email account with the same provider.

Posted by makeuseof guest-writer Mark O’Neill

I am a total Skype fanatic, to the point where I use it for 95% of my phone calls and virtually all of my Instant Messaging chats. But when you download Skype for the first time, you are given a basic shell of a program and then you have to make the effort to personalise your Skype and add the programs which will be useful to you.

So today, let’s take a look at my Skype and two of the features I have found useful.

* Record your calls with PowerGramo

One-by-one we are publishing jumbo tips and tools lists for popular services. Today it’s Skype. What follows is, 30 carefully-selected and tested (when possible) Tools and Tips for Skype users, including popular Skype extras, desktop widgets, addons (for browser, email and Office programs), cool tips and more. As always, all free!

(1) SKYPE EXTRAS (Windows, Skype 3.0 or higher)

SAM - Answering Machine - cool voice answering machine for your Skype client. Takes voice message, records conversations, includes inbuilt lie-detector and lets you setup video greetings . [requirements: Win. Media Player]