I'm on Skype

[matt]

I've taken the plunge with Skype and so far I have to say I'm very impressed.

I've already made 2 free calls to the UK (Skype to Skype).

I've also used the instant messaging service which to my eyes and brain works as easily and effectively as Messenger.

The user interface is very easy to get a handle on and apart from the ridiculous cost of calling a mobile to check everything is working correctly, I couldn't be happier:)

Now I just need to find other Skype users to add to my contacts list.

[nightsky]

G'Day Matt,
It's great :) I've been using it for a few years now and I ring the USA and Ireland often,it's so cheap :P I've been asking my family both in Ireland and the US to get it,but they don't have a fast cpu :( still I ring them and the quality is just like a local call.Haven't tried the Skype to Skype yet,we might give it a go one day?
Cheers
Arthur

[nightsky]

G'Day Matt,
Just as a matter of interest,why did you have to ring a mobile phone to check if everything was working properly? Each time I go onto Skype I just ring Echo123,it is a built in service that allows you to test to see if your headset, speakers and/or microphone are working properly. Simply type "echo123" in the address bar at the bottom of Skype or add it to your contacts. It's a robot that you say a few word to,it then plays it back,if you hear your own voice then everything is working correctly,plus it's free.
Cheers
Arthur

[matt]

Hi Arthur.

Yep. You're right about that free service.

The thing is I was going to be using the Skype to record an interview with a fellow astronomer in the UK.

I wanted to make absolutely sure of all my settings and levels to ensure best quality. I'll also eventually be converting the audio files into Podcasts.

So I just wanted to be absolutely sure of sound quality.

Cheers

[bloodhound31]

Hey guys, I have it on reasonable authority that there is currently a very large security hole in skype. Please be careful and don't put anything on there that you don't want anyone to find out.

Baz.

[nightsky]

G'Day Matt,
Fair nuf,better be sure than sorry :)
Cheers
Arthur

[nightsky]

G'Day Barry,
Yes I also heard about that,but there's noting that is important they can steal from me :) I also use PayPal when I'm buying more phone time.Thanks for the info, I'm off to bed now,have to get up early to open my Easter Eggs :P it's still raining cats and dog's here (sorry R.S.P.C.A)
Cheers
Arthur

[matt]

Baz

Care to elaborate, for those of us who are unaware of this "hole"?

What sort of "anything" should we be careful of putting "on there"?

And what do you mean by "on there"? Typed or spoken material etc?

Cheers

[dwyman]

I used Skype to call back to my wife and son when I visited Oz in 2005. We set up 3 way conference calls that were clearer than a regular phone.

[matt]

Hi Don

Yeah. It's great, isn't it:)

I've had a look at the Skype homepage and it does appear as though they've done a fair bit of work tightening up security.

There appears to be a fair amount of encryption going on

[Dennis]

The only (recent) Skype security holes I have read about, appear to have been reported back in early 2006 and describe the buffer overflow vulnerability?

There was some stuff about people opening or executing (malicious) attachments from their Contacts (people you call) within Skype. I'm not sure if these were trusted Contacts, or strangers met whilst in Skype?

It is good practice not to open attachments or click http links in unsolicited e-mails, or e-mails from strangers, so I assume this same safe practice should also be observed in any on-line application, such as Skype, to minimise exposure to malicious software.

Cheers

Dennis

[matt]

Thanks, Dennis.

Yes, like most things in cyberspace, it's best to only open attachments or anything else only from known sources - much the same precaution as one should take with e-mail etc

Otherwise, it all seems quite good:thumbsup:

[nightsky]

G'Day Dwyman,
A few years ago I used Yahoo to have a conference with my family in the US,Ireland and the UK, I have to say it was also as clear as a bell. I just created a room then sent them a invite,my biggest problem was "Time" the UK being 9 hrs behind us and the US being 5 hrs behind the UK, I was the one who had to get up "real early" :( but it was worth it as we also used our Cams although the picture's were a bit jerky and the voice was behind the mouth action,out of sink :) but it was fun.
Cheers
Arthur

[Lert]

I find Skype is excellent for Skype to Skype and Skype to phone.. keep in mind the security issues though. I activated 'Skype me' at one stage and thats when the viagra ads started arriving.. otherwise no problems.. 3c/min to most places(when calling phones) which is good value. You can SMS mobiles for about 11c.. I find that much better than trying to enter messages on the mobile and cheaper as well.. Search function is good too. I've found quite a few long lost friends that way. The minimum payment you can make for Skype to phone and SMS calls is 10 Euros which lasts me for 6 or 9 months..

Me? Search for Grajude.. would be happy to hear from you..

Cheers
Graham

[LX200]

:) Skype is pretty good
blocking unwanted dudes is easy
"Do Not Share" details


GSO-Robert at the obs & wwc_robert at the office