Skype is a software program that enables users to communicate via an internet connection. Instead of making calls using cellular towers or phone lines, Skype uses a SIP which is similar to the TCP/IP that computer networks use to bring you email and web pages. VoIP or voice over Internet protocol is what enables Skype to create this connection.http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/technology-explained-how-does-skype-work/ When two users both have the Skype program, calls are completely free. It not only allows users to call locally, but international calls for Skype users are also free. With Skype, users can also call cellular phones, send SMS and even have video conferences. http://about.skype.com/

Because of the versatility of Skype, you may want to use it to communicate with friends and family all over the world. If you're company doesn't allow personal communications while on the clock, you may be wondering how to get on Skype at work. Many companies have restrictions regarding the use and access of Internet and computer services in the workplace, it is best to review your employer's policies to know what consequences you may face, should you violate those rules. Not only may social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace be blocked, but downloading privileges may also have been limited. In addition, it is important to be aware of the monitoring systems that your employer may have in place. These may include keystroke monitoring or perhaps a safety firewall installed. Others may have IT systems administrators that monitor the activity for each computer terminal within the company's network. If this is the case, any time you visit a web page, or browse the Internet, your activity is subject to monitoring.

Because many computers in the workplace are subject to monitoring, it is important to understand exactly what this is before attempting to access any unauthorized web site or download.http://www.buzzsurf.com/surfatwork/ In the event that your work computer has full internet access, it may be monitored by a system administrator. These IT professionals are required to monitor the browsing history of the computers for your employer's network. For example, if you visit the website www.mahalo.com, the IT department will see that in your browsing history. If your company has specific policies that state that Internet use such as this is unacceptable, you might be subjected to disciplinary action or termination.

Another alterative that companies may use is to install a firewall. This gives them access to block specific keywords or URLs from the network. This means that if you attempted to access a restricted site, your computer would give you a message stating so. http://www.skype.com/help/guides/firewalls/technical.html This type of monitoring is common as many employers are concerned regarding productivity levels when employees have access to the Internet. If your employer only uses a firewall to restrict users from accessing inappropriate content, then you may be able to access Skype by using a proxy site to navigate to the Skype page. By doing this, you are bypassing the restriction by browsing through a random proxy URL, rather than the actual URL that would take you to the Skype website. Proxy sites allow users to enter the URL of the site they wish to visit, and return the web page through the proxy, rather than redirecting you to the site. </ref>http://proxy.org/</ref>

However, you'll still need to download the Skype software program in order to install it onto your computer. Your work computer may limit downloads, to avoid accidently downloading something that could be harmful to the computer or compromise company confidential information. If you are unable to download the software to your work computer, you can use a USB or thumb drive to store the application. http://www.amperordirect.com/pc/r-skype-voip/z-reference-skype-on-a-stick.html

To do this:

1. You'll need to use a computer that allows downloads.
2. After the software has downloaded to the computer, save the Skype file to a USB by choosing Removable Drive from your options.
3. When at your work computer, install the USB drive and run the software from the driver file to install it onto that computer.
4. Using the Notepad option on your work computer, create a batch file into the \Skype folder and name it runSkype.bat.
5. In the batch file type the following line: start skype.exe /removable/datapath:”\Skype”. This file needs to be placed with the saved file from your USB.
6. When you are ready to use Skype, use the file named run Skype.bat instead of the exe.file to avoid receiving and error.

Skype has seen restrictions in several countries as they attempt to protect their telecommunications revenue. Belize, Brazil, Mexico, China, Columbia, Cuba, Panama and some countries in middle East Asia are examples of those countries that have restricted their residents access to Skype.

However by using a Virtual Private Network or VPN, Skype users can provide an encrypted connection and remove filters that are blocking access. You can purchase access to a VPN, most times at a modest fee. This will allow you to configure your computer Internet settings to allow access to Skype. For PC users with Windows, these steps will show you how to access the VPN and avoid Skype restrictions.http://www.amperordirect.com/pc/r-skype-voip/z-reference-skype-unblocked.html

1. The first step is to purchase VPN access.
2. Once you've established the VPN, connect to the Internet using the local provider in the area.
3. From the computer's Start Menu navigate to Settings>Network Connection> Network Connection Wizard.
4. Once at the Connection Wizard, select Connect To Workplace Network.
5. Choose Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection from your options.
6. Choose and enter a name for your VPN.
7. If it is not necessary to dial the Internet before you can connect to your local provider, choose Do Not Dial Initial Connection.
8. Enter the VPN server host name, this information is provided to you when you purchase VPN access. This is the connection for the VPN you chose.
9. If you would like to add a desktop shortcut, you can choose it at this time. Then click Finish.

Once this setup has been completed, you should be able to access Skype after connecting with your VPN.

If you are unable to access Skype from any of the methods outlined in the steps above, you may want to consider using Skype from your mobile phone. The mobile Skype application is available for devices such as:http://www.skype.com/intl/en/mobile/

1. Iphone http://www.skype.com/intl/en/download/skype/iphone/
2. Blackberry (Some models not supported)http://www.skype.com/download/skype/blackberry/
3. Symbianhttp://www.skype.com/intl/en/download/skype/symbian/
4. Android Phoneshttp://www.skype.com/download/skype/android/
5. Sony PSPhttp://www.skype.com/intl/en/download/skype/psp/
6. WiFi phoneshttp://www.skype.com/intl/en/allfeatures/wifiphones/
7. Skype Cordless Phoneshttp://www.skype.com/intl/en/allfeatures/cordlessphones/

If Skype is a preferred method for calls and communication, you can also consider purchasing mobile phones that have Skype integrated into the device. These are available from makers such as Samsung and Nokia and are available at the Skype Mobile site. http://www.skype.com/intl/en/mobile/built-in/

For Verizon Wireless customers, Go Mobile offers users the Skype application as well as free calls for between Skype users. When making Skype to Skype calls, wireless plan minutes are not used. http://www.skype.com/mobile/

By visiting skype.com/m from your mobile browser, you can see if the mobile Skype application is compatible with your smartphone. If you choose other devices such as the Skype Cordless phone, you can purchase them directly from the Skype web site.