Posted on 09/13/2010 8:25:09 PM PDT by pfflier
My sister-in-law just joined Skype and is trying to drum up contacts.
I am leery of anything "free" on the internet and see that Skype has some parts that are pay-to-use.
I also assume, like facebook, they may have porous security or may exploit their member's personal information.
Any opinions would be appreciated.
I’m generally paranoid about my personal info, but don’t remember anything personal required for skype. It is a decent video communications tool.
I absolutely love Skype. Talk to my daughter in college frequently as well as my friend in Malta ... they both have cams so I get to see them as they type to me as well ...
used it daily when my daughter was attending school in philly - it was a valuable tool
I have Skype, and a few old contacts on there, but have
used it only once or twice in the last three years.
I, along with most people, use Yahoo Messenger for chat, web cam, voice chats and messaging.
I also have MSN messenger, but it seems to be dying on the vine.
I use it a little. You can buy a card at Walmart to cover the Skype to phone charges without using a credit card. I use it on my PC and iPod touch.
Skype is owned by ebay. I know of know security problems. It would be no more secure or insecure than any VOIP or cell connection.
I DO get Skype Spam (about two per month). The video option works pretty well. I prefer a traditional phone over earpieces for regular conversations, so I also have a Belkin Skype phone (about $70) that operates independent of the computer. In fact, the Belkin Skype phone and the computer with the web cam conflict with each other for answering calls.
I do use the “buy a real phone number option”. That runs $6/month. Sound quality is usually decent though a noticeable delay is often present. Once set up, the service is not expensive, and is ideal for international calls or video calls to other Skypers.
It will work better with a low latency, high speed synchronous connection. That is, better on cable or high speed DSL than on over the air broadband or satellite.
Overall, more reliable than Vonage and works 90% as advertised.
Just like any other computer software, security holes will be found from time to time. Just make sure you keep it updated and have a good antivirus program.
I’ve only used it for seeing my new grandson and haven’t had any problems or received any “fees”.
Playing “peak-a-boo” scared him once, though.
I love Skype! With 5 kids and 11 grandkids scattered around, it’s a great way to keep in contact. There are no phone charges involved with my usage of Skype.
Great tool - for biz & personal use. Essential for communicating overseas.
I use it all the time to talk to family in India.
It’s FREE FREE FREE!
I have been a Skype user for years and it is at times in my life an everyday part of it. You can give them as little or as much information as you like.
For many people around the world it is the most secure communication that they have. I have friends in some unfriendly and sophisticated countries and Skype is their primary source of communication outside of the country.
I don’t know about current security, but there was a time when security agencies wanted it outlawed because they couldn’t listen.
Skype doesn’t require any personal information. It’s a solid product, easy to use. I have many Skype-In phone numbers around the world that I use for business purposes, and I use it all the time when traveling (even runs on my cell phone).
VERY worthwhile product, no fear about personal information exposure.
I have skype and I use it to video conference with my parents. I didnt have to put any personal info in that I can remember. I have no problem with it. I did have a couple of scum bag porn people try to get me to add them, but I just blocked them.
I have skype and I use it to video conference with my parents. I didnt have to put any personal info in that I can remember. I have no problem with it. I did have a couple of scum bag porn people try to get me to add them, but I just blocked them.
Malta is a great country. It is one of the few places I’d be willing to live in Europe for any duration.
I’ve used Skype a few times to talk to my daughters. I just block anyone that I don’t know who tries to contact me ~ and I only know my daughters on there so that’s easy enough.
iirc there is a way that your acct does not show up on the directory. This will prevent people who don’t know you from contacting you.
I work with people all over the world and it is a very handy tool for staying in contact.
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