Posts Tagged ‘skype’
So you bought your Mom and Dad a laptop last year so they could video chat with their grandkids. Everyone agreed it would be nice to video chat and were excited to begin using it. Unfortunately, once the holidays were over, the video chat idea lost some of its momentum. Oh, they tried it a couple of times, but your Dad just couldn’t get the hang of the camera and software – any tech for that matter – have always challenged your Mom. “Oh, we’ll just call you,” is their standard response these days.
Don’t give up hope yet. Agent Alex made a 2 Minute Miracle video describing how to setup and use Skype. In it he describes how to setup a Skype account, install the software, add contacts and make a call. After watching the video, your parents should be able to finally get the video chat functionality up and running.
Laptops are often at the top of a student’s shopping list for college. While mostly used for homework, papers and research, they’re also great for teleconferencing on the cheap.
Most laptops include built-in webcams which are great for audio/videoconferencing. Combined with programs like Skype (http://www.skype.com), Google Talk (http://www.google.com/talk/) or FaceTime (http://www.apple.com/mac/facetime/), those Sunday night calls can be more meaningful, allowing everyone to see each other while they are talking.
Sometimes, regular phone calls are still the best option. Which is why a smartphone is a good choice. Many family plans allow free long distance so children and parents can reach out and talk as often as needed. Plus, many modern smartphones have front-facing cameras to enable you to use Skype, FaceTime or similar video chat apps while on the go – whether it be for a pre-exam pep talk, or at a pep rally before the big game.
With more parents (and grandparents) joining social networks, students can keep everyone up to date with Facebook (http://www.facebook.com) or Google+ (http://plus.google.com). College life can be hectic at times, so the ability to upload stories about college classes, photos of dorm life, or recorded videos make it easy for loved ones to keep up on their students’ busy lives.
Of course, while getting their children set up with the technology to keep in touch, parents will also want to make sure their own home tech is up to the task. Geek Squad Agents can help to ensure the home network is setup, safe and secure, and the home computer is free of malware and ready to go for reaching out to their loved ones. Even if it’s only so their kids can ask for more “laundry” money.
Agents are available 24 hours a day to help with your technology at 1-800 GEEK SQUAD (800-433-5778), online at http://support.geeksquad.com, or in a Geek Squad Precinct located at your local Best Buy.
Agent Derek has been removing techno-stress from the lives of his Geek Squad clients since 2005. When not providing remote help as an Online Support Agent, he likes to take to the road on a vintage motorcycle for adventures through Ohio country highways.For more information about the dinner Geek Squad is hosting for long distance couples on February 12th, click here.
Anyone who has been in a long-distance relationship before knows how spending special days alone (birthdays, Christmas, etc) can suck.
This is especially true for that day for lovers everywhere- Valentine’s Day.
As a former member of the long-distance club (my wife is from Toronto, I’m from Minneapolis), I can attest to the incredible strain thousands of miles can put on a relationship. You have to work at it really hard, and be really committed to each other, in order to succeed – and sometimes you have to get really creative in your approach to connecting.
For us, we used Skype, an internet video conferencing platform, to stay connected to each other. Every night we’d chat online, “face to face” — something that really helped us cement our bond and keep it strong despite the distance between us.
As a recently married man, I am very happy the long-distance chapter in our lives is over. So when I heard about our Geek Squad Valentine’s Day contest, I wanted to tell you all about it.
This Valentine’s Day, Geek Squad is doing something special for long-distance lovers: arranging a romantic dinner for two — via Skype.
On February 12, we’ll host dinners for six lucky couples at the BLT Steak restaurant in Los Angeles and BLT Steak restaurant in New York. Romance will be in the air as Geek Squad Agents connect each of the couples via Skype at their dinner tables , enabling them to spend a romantic, candlelit dinner together (virtually, at least). And to sweeten the pot, we are throwing in a free netbook worth $350 plus a $150 Geek Squad gift card to help them stay connected past Valentine’s Day.
We’ve partnered with Sheknows.com and ChipChick.com to pick couples who fit the bill. To enter, one of you needs to be in LA, the other in New York City.
Deadline to enter is February 8th, 2010. Do you and your special someone fit the bill? Head to the sites listed below and make your case for why you are deserving of this special treat!
Note: Comments are moderated and will be handled as per our privacy policy. Please keep your comments on-topic and free of profanity. For more information, please view our Blogging Terms of Use.
Agent Agents Android anti-virus Apple CES computer Dancing With the Stars DIY DIY (Do It Yourself) projects do-it-yourself facebook Geek Squad Global Positioning System Google GPS HDTV Holiday Home Theater how-to internet iPhone Laptop laptops malware Microsoft netbooks PC Security skype Smartphone Spyware Tablet Technology tech savvy gifts tips travel twitter Two Minute Miracle Update Video WiFi Windows 7 Windows XP wireless networking
WP Cumulus Flash tag cloud by Roy Tanck and Luke Morton requires Flash Player 9 or better.
Geek Squad