Fast Internet connection, computer can handle Skype

Nov 07, 2008 (The Paducah Sun - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- CSVI | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Q: I read with interest your article about Skype in Friday's paper (Oct. 24). I am interested in getting this program so I can communicate with my two daughters and grandchildren who do not live in the immediate area, but I have some questions and wonder if you could provide me with some information.

1. Do the computers Dell Intel Pentium 4 Dimension 8400 and the Dell Intel Pentium 4 Dimension 4500 have a dual core processor or the capability of handling the Skype program?

2. Will a fast broadband Internet connection provided by a satellite company, cable company or something like My Blue Dish provide the Internet connection required by Skype?

Any information you can give me concerning these two issues will be greatly appreciated.

-- Cynthia Terrett of Hickman

A: Cynthia, for your first question the answer is yes and yes. Those computers have the power to handle the Skype program, and many others, especially the 8400. More of an issue would be whether your operating system (Windows XP, Mac OS X) is compatible with ones Skype runs on. A list of the systems Skype runs on is on the right side of the screen when you click "Download Skype" on the home page of www.skype.com.

But Skype runs on virtually every Windows version and Mac so this won't be a problem either.

For your second question, any fast broadband Internet connection will work. You might remember the photo that ran with my story on Oct. 24. The Fox couple called or Skyped their son in Seattle, Wash., using the wireless Internet connection provided by Market Square Coffee downtown. Wireless connections can often have slower Internet speeds than direct connections like the ones you described. Basically, if the Foxes can use wireless to run Skype with no problems, you'll be in the clear with a direct cable connection.

So Cynthia, if you have those computers and that Internet connection, you should be ready to go. Good luck with Skype if you try it and let me know if you come across any more questions.

And while we're talking about wireless connections, Kenny Hunt of Computer Services and High Tech Consultants reminded me of two things via e-mail.

First, Hunt wrote, "OK, first of all, I take exception to your mention of setting up a wireless network at home being easy 'even by my 50-year-old parents standards.' Just because someone is 50 years old does not mean they are technically challenged."

Right you are, Mr. Hunt. And while my parents aren't technology morons by any means they do have reservations about technology like most people who didn't grow up with computers or the Internet. Since they claim me, God bless them, they get to be the brunt of my jokes and comments in this Download column. But I assure you and others I meant to encourage people of all ages and technology savvy to tackle wireless if they wish, not to label, if anyone took it that way. Thanks for your reminder.

Hunt also reminded me of one important step in setting up wireless Internet that I left out.

The wireless Network Interface Card (NIC). You need one if you want to have wireless Internet. Almost all new computers have them. Almost all older computers don't. So even before you buy a router make sure you have a NIC. You buy cards for desktops and ones for laptops. Generally, they cost from $15-$40.

Do you have a technology-related question for Adam? Contact him at 575-8653 or ashull@paducahsun.com

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