Skype 3.0.0.217

Platform Windows 2000, Windows XP
Type freeware
Manufacturer Skype
Size 19.3MB
Download here.

When it comes to making free calls across the internet using Voice over IP technology, Skype is certainly leading the pack. With almost 26 million people having downloaded the software, Skype is the most used free internet application.

Developed by the people behind the file-sharing service Kazaa, Skype offers free internet telephony with another PC user as long as both have the Skype software.

This is the final release of Skype 3 and there are some cool new features. If you're an existing Skype user, the first thing you'll notice is that the interface has had a makeover. Another key addition is the use of public chats, so you can now start a conversation between a group of people, whether you know those people or they're random users who happen to join your topic of conversation.

There are all sorts of other new features and improvements within Skype 3 and too many to list here. To read about the new features, head over to the Skype website.

Note that this is the official final release of Skype 3 for Windows users.