These complaints tend to be sporadic and anecdotal, but it’s worth bearing in mind. Many users complain of other problems with the software, independently of the internet connection.

The quality of calls and videos is dependent on your internet connection - if it’s good, call quality is perfect and if it’s bad, it’s a subpar experience. It’s pretty easy to find your way around once you’ve added your contacts but make no mistake - adding these contacts in the first place is one of Skype’s greatest challenges. Even though it’s regularly updated, it is reminiscent of software from the early 2000s, with cutesy emoticons and a soft, rounded feel. Visually, Skype for Mac is acceptable but not great.

It lets you make telephone and video calls to anyone else using the software and, for an extra charge, to “normal” telephone numbers too. In case you’ve managed to avoid the app until now, Skype is VoIP (voice over internet protocol or internet calling) software. Skype for Mac has been around for years and has changed from being a piece of must-have software to something that’s no longer everyone’s first choice when they want to call someone online. Power or bloat? That’s up to you to decide.

Skype for mac 2015