Anybody use Skype?

[kentauros]

For those that don't know what it is, it's VOIP (Voice Over Internet Phone) and is free to users that have the software and a mic. Here's the link to their page if you want to look into it: Skype

I've been using it for the past few months to talk to my girlfriend in New Zealand :)
My pastwife and I certainly could have used it ten years ago during our long-distance romance (only to Ontario back then.) It's cool talking to someone in another country (and on the other side of the world) for hours on end and no phone bills!

[erinlough]

1. My Husband and his son use it to communicate

between Texas and Michigan. It works great and they use the video to see eachother. It has worked great for us!

[ScreamingMeemie]

8. My son (here in MI) and his cousin (in TX) use it to talk to each

other too. They like being able to see each other.

[DarkTirade]

2. My brother does, he swears by it.

I use Vonage and it works fine for me for now.

[Phillycat]

3. Oh yes. My husband's family is all over Europe.

We love Skype! I especially love it on my new Macbook - it all integrates seamlessly.

It's only free Skype-to-Skype. You CAN use it to call non-Skype numbers, but there's a charge - usually tiny.

[NewJeffCT]

4. We'e used it to call my wife's relatives in China many times

And, you can get video with a webcam as well.

No real problems with it other than PICNIC type problems.

[Fleshdancer]

5. I do sometimes

It's great when talking to anyone overseas which I have to do sometimes for business. Sometimes I get an echo, but when this happens, I just hang up and try again for a better connection.

[kwassa]

6. We use it all the time ...

my wife goes overseas quite a bit on business, it is free phone-calling.

Haven't done the video link yet, but my collegue met her soon-to-be adopted grand-daughter with a link from China. Her daughter and husband were there meeting the child, and set up the webcam.

[momto3]

7. I use it all the time and like it alot.

I use it along with, Pamela, a call-recorder to do podcast interviews for a scientific journal.

Tracy

[kentauros]

9. How does that call-recorder work?

Is it another software program?
I'm asking because I would still like to get back into radio, though on the 'net this time around and was reading about using Skype for taking calls. I still haven't figured out how to get the actual conversations over the air, but would guess someone knows if they were posing the use of Skype at all for such things. Plus, there's the conference-calling function that an engineer friend said works quite well.

Now then, what is a "PICNIC type problem"? I'm not familiar with that acronym even if I may be familiar with whatever problem it's referring to ;)

I probably won't be able to use a webcam with my girlfriend since she's on dial-up only where she lives. It's pretty amazing we have such a clear connection for such a long distance and no dropouts. There is a slight delay and we'll be talking over one another because of it, but we manage :)


Maybe for some DU-meetups Skype would be the answer, whether with video or not

[momto3]

16. Pamela is freeware that specifically interfaces with Skype.

It is very easy to use. I bought a pay version that has several upgraded features than the free version. It only cost $19.95.

Tracy

[pdx_prog]

10. Skype is not recommended for your PC

It is s point to point program.....as long as you are signed on to it the program uses your PC as a pathway to get to other computers. It by-passes all firewalls and anti-virus programs.

[kentauros]

11. I've never heard anything about that for Skype.

Do you have some links or dependable IT info to back that up?

[PeaceNikki]

13. Here are a few

http://www.computerworld.com/securitytopics/security/story/0,10801,105760,00.html

http://mcpmag.com/columns/article.asp?EditorialsID=1287

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype#Security_concerns

[kentauros]

19. And in looking at those stories, the most recent is the wiki, with info from 2007.

The first is from 2005; I didn't read past that date. The second article seems to point out there are security issues, yet discounts them in the opening paragraph. And in the comments at the bottom is from someone in IT security pointing out that it is indeed more secure than the naysayers are trying to make it.

Then there's this, from the wiki article:

Compliance with the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act

In May 2006, the FCC successfully applied the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act to allow wiretapping on digital phone networks. Skype is not yet compliant with the act, and has so far stated that it does not plan to comply.<27>

That alone should resonate positively with most everyone here ;)

[a la izquierda]

12. oh, thank GOD!!!

I need SKYPE help! Please!!! Sorry to threadjack.
Okay, here's the deal. I live in the US now. I want a US skype phone number. I will be moving to Mexico in August for seven months. I don't care about calling Mexican phone numbers, because I have a number for that. What I *do* need to know is which subscription to get so that I can call/txt US landlines and cell phones. The stupid help centers are more confusing than anything...
Any suggestions??
Thanks gang!

[Lethe]

15. i havent looked at their plans in a while,but

the last time i paid, Skype Pro gives you unlimited calling for US numbers.

Also, you can get a SkypeIn number where you used to live. You get to pick the area code and number. This will let people call a free local number even though you will be in mexico.

I agree, the Skype website is confusing as hell. Basically, if you want to make and receive calls at a fixed number, you need SkypeIn and SkypeOut (SkypePro)

[a la izquierda]

18. Thank you so much!

:hug:

[Lethe]

14. Skype is the only phone i use....no land line or cell

I have SkypeIn and SkypePro for unlimited calling. Comes out to like $40 a year unlimited calling.

I've been using it for almost a year and have better than cell phone voice quality and not even one dropped call.

The only shitty thing is when you call a non-Skype phone number you show up as UNAVAILABLE or 1234567890 so a lot of times people don't pick up. They are saying this will eventually be fixed to show your number, i'm not holding my breath though.

[spindrifter]

17. When I was in Afghanistan I used it daily--unless

we were having one of our frequent power outages. I was able to talk to the family a couple of times a day and see them. I loved seeing the dog. I also talked to friends who were on the internet during the strange hours I was available. It made such a huge difference!!