How can I get Skype working on my computer?

Q I have downloaded and installed Skype onto my computer. I cannot get it to connect to the internet. I am running windows XP and McAfee security.
John Nunn

A The problem here is that Skype is being blocked by your firewall, an essential security program. Firewalls can block software from accessing the internet in two ways: the kind of connection used by the software and the identity of the software itself. Skype uses the same kind of connection as a web browser, so it is most likely that McAfee firewall does not recognise Skype or you accidentally blocked it (this is easy to do).

Click on the Start button, All Programs, McAfee, and then McAfee Security Center. Left-click on the personal firewall plus icon in the left column. When this column changes, click on the Internet Applications button. Scroll down the list of programs until you come to an entry for Skype.exe in the File Name column in the middle. Right-click on the text to the right and select Allow Full Access from the menu that appears. Click on the cross in the top right-hand corner to close the window.

Restart Skype by right-clicking on the Skype icon in the Notification Area and selecting Close or Exit.