 Is This A Reputable Program?, Skype |
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 Jul 16 2008, 05:59 PM
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 Forum Regular  Group: Members Posts: 271 Joined: 1-January 06 From: USA Member No.: 47,864  |
Haven't been here for a while,too many surgeries! What advice can any of you offer regarding a free program called skype? I do not have a head set with microphone....yet. I'm sure they are cheap enough to buy. My biggest concerns with a new program are the increased threat of a virus or being hacked,and, is there a likely increase of performance issues to my system? I'm running Windows XP Home, SP2. Thanks for all the pros+cons I can get. honu1 Edit: Moved topic from XP to the more appropriate forum. ~ Animal |
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Jul 16 2008, 06:46 PM
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#2
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 Forum Addict Group: HJT Junior Classmen Posts: 3,735 Joined: 7-January 07 From: UK Member No.: 105,123 |
Hello honu1,
I have used skype for a few years now. It is a good VOIP tool and has the ability to be an IM client as well as video functions. It is very stable, the company updates it every now and then to fix security problems like most software companies. Pros 1. free pc-pc calls 2. loads of functions 3. stable and secure Cons 1. Slightly bloated due to the number of features installed. (can be solved by only running the tool when needed) -------------------- Regards
Alan |
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Jul 16 2008, 07:00 PM
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#3
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 Forum Regular Group: Members Posts: 246 Joined: 5-January 07 From: North Carolina and Wakayama, Japan Member No.: 104,807 |
I have been using Skype on two computers plus my laptop when traveling for about three years.
I talk between Japan and U.S.A. for free....hours and hours at a time. I turn it off when I don't need it. I have a headset for the laptop and Skype phones for my desktop. My Skype phones look just like a typical home phone. --------------------   |
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Jul 16 2008, 07:07 PM
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#4
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Forum Addict Group: HJT Junior Classmen Posts: 3,735 Joined: 7-January 07 From: UK Member No.: 105,123 |
Forgot to mention, you can use skype with a microphone too. But I would advise using a skype headset/phone as the quality is a lot better.
-------------------- Regards
Alan |
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Jul 16 2008, 07:21 PM
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#5
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Forum Regular Group: Members Posts: 271 Joined: 1-January 06 From: USA Member No.: 47,864 |
Wow, such quick responses,thank you!
 Are you suggesting that I get a headset with microphone directly from Skype? Or can I get something just as good at a local computer shop? Thanks for the input. I'd like to hear from more members,please????  honu1 |
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Jul 16 2008, 07:27 PM
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#6
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Forum Addict Group: HJT Junior Classmen Posts: 3,735 Joined: 7-January 07 From: UK Member No.: 105,123 |
No problem, glad to help.
You can get a headset from the local computer shop that will fit into the mic slot on the computer. This will be the same quality as that of your sound card. Alternatively for slightly better calls you can buy a skype phone that plugs into the system that uses its own built in sound hardware. -------------------- Regards
Alan |
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Jul 17 2008, 09:36 PM
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#7
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New Member Group: Members Posts: 2 Joined: 7-June 08 Member No.: 214,896 |
I just use a logitech noise cancelling microphone for all skype calls and it works great. It is a AK5370 logitech microphone. Hope that helps.
This post has been edited by timlallers: Jul 17 2008, 09:37 PM |
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 Jul 18 2008, 12:26 AM
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#8
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 Just enough info to be armed & dangerous... Group: Members Posts: 1,923 Joined: 18-March 06 From: St Kilda, Dunedin. South Island. NZ Member No.: 59,805 |
At any given time there will be between 6 - 9 million users on Skype. I think that says it all really.
Good to see you back, honu 1. Cheers -------------------- |
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