How to Video Chat for FREE

Not strictly a writing post but I wanted to share the guide I wrote for the village.
So here goes.
Oh and if you see any errors or options I have missed then please shout.
How to chat with friends and family with video.
First of all it is not scary and it is not hard. Grandparents and Grandkids have used this system to chat to each other for years. Here are some systems you can use.
 
Skype:
Most people with windows have this already installed. Most of you have probably already used it.
This allows

• Group calls of up to 50 people for free.
• It works on mobiles, tablets and computers.
• Chat to people who do not use Skype by sending them a link. You can even set up a meeting where you are the only Skype user.
• You can get fancy sharing views of what is on your screen, video recordings, powerpoint, etc but most of you will have no need for that.
• There is more info here. https://www.skype.com/en/
  

Most people with a windows computer will have this already installed. If you don’t then:

• Click on the link here. https://www.skype.com/en/get-skype/
• Click on Get Skype for Windows button. (The little down arrow lets you change to Mac or Linux if that is your operating system.)
• Follow the instructions.
• You may get a window pop up asking if you want to allow it to make changes to your system. For this software you can say yes.

So you have Skype on your computer. What do you do now?

• Well, open it of course.
• Now you will need to sign in. Use your Microsoft account if you have one to sign in. As in use that email and password. If you don’t have one it will prompt you. Don’t worry. Just do what it says.
• You will see a panel on the left hand side. If you click on the Contacts button you will see your contacts. People you are set up to chat to. If you are new this will be empty. Don’t worry.
• Click on the search window, People, groups and messages. At the bottom of the panel an option will appear to invite people. Click on it and the easiest option is just to invite by email. When they accept they will appear in your contact area.

You are ready to go. 
Now you can keep Skype open all the time but it does slow things down a bit. Instead it is probably best to agree a time with your friends then all go on then. If you do keep it open it will let you know when someone wants to contact you. Like having your door open so people know they can pop in and chat.

Facebook Messenger:
A lot of people are on facebook but may not be aware that the messenger system does video too.
This allows

• Groups of up to 6 people for free.
• You can then add to make the group as big as 50 once the call it is running but only one person will be shown on the screen with this option. Good for lessons but not so great for a group chat.

So how do you do it.

• Go on facebook or messenger.
• Click on the person or group you want to chat to. They are in your contact list on the right-hand panel of facebook.
• You will see an option at the top of your usual chat box that looks like a simple video camera. Click on it.
• A window will pop up and, if they accept, you are up and running.

 
Zoom:
Really for groups, lectures, meetings, etc but can be used for one to one. Don’t be intimidated by the professional website. It is so easy to use.
This allows

• Unlimited 1 to 1 chats for free.
• Group meetings of up to 100 people for a max 40mins free. Or just set up another meeting a couple of minutes later for the same group and carry on. Yes that works.
• To add more people or run a group for longer you need to pay £11.99 a month.

To install:

• Go here. https://zoom.us/pricing
• Sign up and follow the instructions.
• They have set up assistance for those wanting to do work, meetings etc at this time. See here https://zoom.us/docs/en-us/covid19.html

I was on a conference call of 51 of us the other evening. Three did the talking. The rest of us contributed with the chat panel, otherwise it would have been bedlam. It was smooth and easy.
 
Facetime:
This is an option for those with iPhone, iPad or iPod devices. I have mentioned it so you are aware but I know nothing about this one. I am sure someone else will add to this. Some info here. https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204380
 
WhatsApp:
This allows

• Group chats of up to 4 people free.
• You may get data charges on your phone if you are not using your home wifi system.
  
• Works on phones, Mac and Windows.

To install:

• On your phone go to your Google store or Apple store and download the app.
• Or click on here https://www.whatsapp.com/ and click on your operating system; iPhone for Apple phones, Android for other phones and Mac or Windows PC for your computer.

What do you do?
Well there is a good guide here. https://faq.whatsapp.com/en/android/26000026/?category
It walks you through it.