Pegasus Research Consortium

I am about to reproduce a press release from the free software foundation.  It summarises why we should not be using Skype - particularly if we believe in freedom.

Apart from the reasons given in the press release, Skype is the single easiest chat protocol for the authorities to listen in on.  Think about it guys.  Free clients like Pidgin, use pretty much any protocol EXCEPT SKYPE!  Skype is effectively spyware.  If you are being advissed to use Skype then you are getting bad advice.

Anyway, enough of the lecture, the release is in the next post.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeA0gFqsTEI

QuoteHow to break free from Skype

(Did you a)void being locked in as Microsoft turn(ed) off Windows Messenger?

On April 8, Microsoft will discontinue its Windows Messenger service. All current users will be switched to Skype. The Free Software Foundation Europe advises former users of Windows Messenger to take this as an opportunity to embrace Open Standards such as Jabber (XMPP) instead of switching to Skype.

"Crucial technology should not be controlled by a single entity, but instead rely on the sort of Open Standards that have made the Internet great" says Matthias Kirschner of FSFE. "MSN users should switch to Open Standard technologies, like the XMPP protocol, and Free Software chat programs." The Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP, previously called Jabber) is widely deployed across the Internet. This standard is not closed or secret; it is governed by an independent foundation with many stakeholders. It can be implemented in any software, and not only gives users the choice of which client to use, but also which servers to trust.

By switching all users to Skype, Microsoft is replacing one locked down technology with another. Acquired by Microsoft in 2011, the proprietary Skype software is widely used for audio and video communication, as well as chatting. Its workings are secret and substantial efforts are made to prevent reverse engineering. Skype's services have serious drawbacks. Their closed, secured-through-obscurity protocol takes freedom away from users.

Skype's technology forces people to join the walled garden in order to keep communicating with others, and locks them in. It also makes oversight and checks by communities or independent experts nearly impossible.

"Microsoft and Skype have absolute control over all communications going through their network,"

says FSFE's Torsten Grote. "Once aggregated, the power given to Skype by each individual user endangers freedom on a global scale. Skype is already abusing this power with attacks on privacy, data retention , censorship, and eavesdropping."

The ability to communicate freely is vital, and this is just what Open Standards-driven communication methods such as XMPP provide. People that have the ability to run their own XMPP server are strongly encouraged to do so. The more distributed the XMPP network is, the more resistant it is to censorship and failures. People who prefer not to run their own server are invited to use an XMPP service provider that they trust. FSFE, for example, provides a XMPP server for all their Fellows. "The technology that we rely on should never be controlled by only one entity. Ideally we all control it together. We should be careful not to build new walled gardens." says Grote. "Most companies already agree on XMPP. Only the companies that want to lock-in their users go their own way on this. Even Facebook uses XMPP, but unfortunately they still don't allow their users to talk to people outside of Facebook."

Free Software Foundation Europe press release, 2013-04-02 (https://fsfe.org/news/2013/news-20130402-01.en.html)

How to move to a Free Software chat solution based on Open Standards

1.  Download a free client.  Pidgin is very good.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Free_XMPP_clients

2.  Install it and start it.

3.  If you don't have an existing XMPP account, log in to one of the many public XMPP services using your preferred username. Your client will automatically create the account.

4.  Add your contacts

5.  Start chatting with others on the XMPP network!

I think PRC should host our own server to make eavesdropping almost impossible.  I don't think we should be communicating anything sensitive via the worst chat client of the lot, which is Skype.

Pidgin runs on Windows, Linux and OSX.  Why not give it a try?

http://www.pidgin.im/

IM all your friends in one place

Pidgin is an easy to use and free chat client used by millions. Connect to AIM, MSN, Yahoo, and more chat networks all at once.

Supported chat networks:

    AIM
    Bonjour
    Gadu-Gadu
    Google Talk
    Groupwise
    ICQ
    IRC
    MSN
    MXit
    MySpaceIM
    SILC
    SIMPLE
    Sametime
    XMPP
    Yahoo!
    Zephyr

Easy answer, No Audio or Video. Skype has all 3. Text, Audio and Video plus file sharring.

If you can find one that can replace it, let me know. until then I have little choice. And if big brother wants to listen in, do you really think switching to another station is going to stop them.

I use Skype for other work also and so far the bennies outway to trouble that I never had yet.

If it is designed to ease drop then so would all the others. It s just too easy to get trapped up in all of this cloak and dager stuff.

On the fence with no pillow,  Deuem

QuoteIt also makes oversight and checks by communities or independent experts nearly impossible. "Microsoft and Skype have absolute control over all communications going through their network," says FSFE's Torsten Grote. "Once aggregated, the power given to Skype by each individual user endangers freedom on a global scale. Skype is already abusing this power with attacks on privacy, data retention , censorship, and eavesdropping.

The above can be said about phone operators. :)

I wonder how difficult it would be to make our own. :)

I have too agree here with Deuem and ArMap , Pimander.

Skype offer's everything that allows communication not only personable, but very convenient for friends that live in other countries. As we can attest to as we use this method rather frequently.

I pretty much think, that if there is a 'WWW' in front of the type of communication being used, I am sure it could or is being tapped by any of TPB at any given time, some kind of spider voice recognition or something, same as key word matching via the texting and Emailing using the 'WWW', can't say positively, but if you watch how you talk , text or anything at all similar dealing with spelling or vocalization of such words, one can avoid being 'Allocated' for such scrutiny of big Bros. But Just my personal opinion here.

1WW

ArMaP, It would be very easy to create our own.   Unfortunately my host does not have a one click installable XMPP server (then again, I might have found something).  I can set up a text chat page in five minutes (so can Zorgon).  Feel free to log into my cPanel if you think you can do anything.

Do you mean design a client?  If we just host our own server then any simple client should work, or even a page on Peggy. :)


Deuem, if you use Linux then Empathy does all of those things.  It runs on most Linux desktops (it is written for the Gnome desktop).

QuoteEmpathy

Empathy is a messaging program which supports text, voice, video chat, and file transfers over many different protocols. You can tell it about your accounts on all those services and do all your chatting within one application.

Empathy uses Telepathy for protocol support and has a user interface based on Gossip. Empathy is the default chat client in current versions of GNOME, making it easier for other GNOME applications to integrate collaboration functionality using Telepathy.

Current features

Multi-protocol: Google Talk (Jabber/XMPP), MSN, IRC, Salut, AIM, Facebook, Yahoo!, Gadu Gadu, Groupwise, ICQ and QQ. (Supported protocols depend on installed Telepathy Connection Manager components.) Supports all protocols supported by Pidgin.
    File transfer for XMPP, and local networks.
    Voice and video call using SIP, XMPP and Google Talk.
    Some IRC support.

    For detailed list of supported protocol features see here

    Conversation theming (see list of supported Adium themes).
    Sharing and viewing location information.
    Private and group chat (with smileys and spell checking).

    Conversation logging.
    Automatic away and extended away presence.
    Automatic reconnection using Network Manager.
    Python bindings for libempathy and libempathy-gtk
    Support for collaborative applications ("tubes"). 

https://wiki.gnome.org/Empathy

Empathy, like all Gnome Project software is free and open source.

(http://people.collabora.com/~xclaesse/screenshot/empathy-call.png)  Surely Windows users

Quote from: 1Worldwatcher on September 30, 2013, 02:42:30 PM
I have too agree here with Deuem and ArMap , Pimander.

You're the one who was hacked on Skype. ::)

Listen, sometimes Pimander is right.  This is one of those times.  WE SHOULD NOT USE SKYPE.  Especially if the communication is sensitive.

If you must, use it for video calls. I thought you lot wanted freedom? :P

ETA:  It isn't just a cloak and dagger issue.  It is primarily the principle of Microsoft not "owning" our right to communicate by owning the protocol.

Quote from: Pimander on September 30, 2013, 02:47:33 PM
You're the one who was hacked on Skype. ::

Yes, I know Pim, and I know it sounds strange for me to defend my use of Skype, but, my PC was really messed up at the time, when I had this fixed, and everything rectified, and all my protection in place , not to  mention some in-depth reading of the Q&A section of the Skype Disclosure and Legal statement's, my PC is running great, my protection is OTC so very personable, and not WWW sharing. And since that time, and with me being more educated on the use of such communication types of website over the Net, I have never had another incident.

I do know your concern my friend for our privacy's, and I too believe the Gubment does step over their boundaries of Power, but, for me, it is an educated thing one does when and before ever signing up with such Programs and services. All I can say is "READ THE FINE PRINT" and then you can actually get to a protected place as far as being hacked or risking being 'Intercepted' at any given time.

Believe me PIM, after my experience, and how freaking crappy that scenario all turned out, I have gotten my ducks in a row, as far as understanding what is what. Though I am sure you are correct with the ease dropping, I am almost positive this can happen on any given URL or other alphabet created WWW address for such thing's like Skype offer's.

And for all it's worth "Thank You PIM!!" this situation ring's fresh with in my thought's every day I log into Peggy, Not my fault, but still paying, and I am here because of a few of you knew that it wasn't me. "Thank you all ! ! " (You know who you are... ;) ) 8) I have become much more aware and educated over the use of Skype!! And if I were to sign on with another service for PC communication, you can bet your bottom dollar that I am reading everything before I even sign up with in it's community.

1WW

1WW

Don't worry Bill.  I wasn't thinking about that incident when I posted this thread.  I just worry sometimes that we do deal with sensitive material and we should be careful.  We also should not be supporting Microsoft when they try to ring fence technologies.

Free and open internet so I can be secretive.  ;D

Quote from: Pimander on September 30, 2013, 04:12:14 PM
Don't worry Bill.  I wasn't thinking about that incident when I posted this thread.  I just worry sometimes that we do deal with sensitive material and we should be careful.  We also should not be supporting Microsoft when they try to ring fence technologies.

Understood and Duly noted Pim. ;)

QuoteFree and open internet so I can be secretive.  ;D

Yes, and maybe one day, with out any doubt , this may come to fruition, but for now, anything over the Net is at risk, or am I being over cautious? ;)

1WW

Hi Pim, I am on Windows Xp in China.

We all take it for granted that every key stroke, phone call, email, letter, search is recorded somewhere. All Outside internet connections go through a clearing house that about 5,000 snoops work at. If I watch a movie they delay it about 15 to 30 seconds as they watch it before me and cut the connection if a un-wanted subject matter comes up. It is there way of keeping the bad out. Right or wrong, thats what they do. Every search I do on an international web site is scanned first.

It was very funny, about a year ago. I tracked my pings right to the building and googled it to see it/ So I know where it is and why it is there. I say high to my friends there all the time/ HI!

A few days after my investigation on ping tracing they caught up with me and now the trace routes are blocked. They show hits but no addresses. lol Someone worked some OT on that one.
Most of the time now they send a signal back down the line that bounces or scrambles the router. It must be reset. In my new place that is very hard to do, it is in a wall pocket in the main entry room. In my old office I placed the router and modem on their own switch box that I could reach from my office chair. click click and back on.

I take it for granted that the same thing is being done in the states. All of my international ping hits that go from here through Europe to the states go right to the CIA building in Washington DC. Hello? Dirrectly there, then sent out. These guys have nothing else to do but sit around and listen to all the stuff we write and say. maybe we can just get them to join and save the time of intercepting everything. My guess is that they are not after us in anyway, they are after the big fish. We are not even minnows.

Deuem, Not worried, I am one of the good ones. Ok, there is a knock at the door.....

Hi Thor, I know you all use Pidgin but it only has text. It is very slow compared to voice. text is like email and easy to mis-read. Email gets a lot of people in trouble when mis-read. I really like the audio and file sharring in skype. It allows us to get to know each better than text. Maybe another one is out there that does what Skype does but I have not found it yet. Today we have had over 100 calls with up to 4 or 5 online at once and never had a severe problem. Most of the time 1WW Wifi is cut off because he forgot to toss a buck in the coffer next door. Other than that I usually have the best Skype connection. Thats weird.

I don't know or care if big brother is on line, he can come and sit on my lap and help me type for all I care. They are going to do what ever they want to do and there is nothing I can do about it except turn off my phone, computer, car and tablet. Toss the Wifi out the window and live in a cave. we are talking about tech that can tap even hard line without cutting into them. Read you printer outputs from next door and so on. How does little old Deuem fight that?

.......I live in a world where I gotta live with it or turn it off.

Deuem On Windows XP

Deuem Wrote:

QuoteMost of the time 1WW Wifi is cut off because he forgot to toss a buck in the coffer next door.

Ha ha ha ha Deuem!! I had to reply, thing's have changed since we were last on line together my friend. "God's WiFi" is a thing of the past, have my own place to milk the Internet now and connection stays full on. ;) Yeah!! I thought that might make you happy for me!! ::) LOL

Now, when and if you Skype me, it stays connected, and by the way, "Have you guy's been chatting via Skype without me then?" ??? :P Ha ha ha !! Either way, thought I would let you know, "God no longer feels as if he/she is getting mugged for WiFi!!" Ha ha ha ha ... First time today I laughed so hard, thanks, so feel free to message me anytime buddy, now that you are back on line. ;)

1WW

Quote from: deuem on September 30, 2013, 06:03:10 PM
Deuem On Windows XP

If you are interested, you can install Linux and make your system dual boot so you can use both Linux and XP.  The Linux graphical installer does it all for you mate if you don't want to get too technical.

I used to use Skype.  Then I started "turning it off" when I wasn't using it to save bandwidth.  One of my programs reported that Skype was still accessing the web from my PC every few seconds.  That's enough for me to stop using a program.

OK a program might need to check for updates now and again.  A program does not need to contact a remote server every few seconds when it is not even supposed to be running.  That is dodgy and most likely a spyware type function.  There are alternatives, even on Windows.

http://download.cnet.com/Nimbuzz-Messenger/3000-2150_4-10718686.html

Hi Pim, I have a few other friends that have told me to switch also. Get off of Windows.

I have another computer I am not using now and when I dig it out Maybe i will try it.

With Skype, I just launched it and looked at the task manager. My Chinese downloaded version running in English might be different. First it runs Skype.exe and the Skype window comes up. After about 1 minute the Chinese box comes up with a lot of What they think is interesting. In application it shows 2 Skype programs running. Many choices to follow and mostly photos to look at. Sort of a poor mans Youtube. Some of the nature links are very interesting and the car girls are a sight in China. But I can close that window. If there are ads there I can't read them so it does not bother me. Now if I just close the Skype window, the exe remains running. The 2nd window may not open and the link to Skype central is not broke as you wrote. I didn't really know that. If I cancel the run in Task Manager both stop.

I will be checking this out latter. I don't see any activity  but I am on line with Peggy and the proxie and if it is just a ping, I can't tell. When not using the program I turn it off and i will ceck if it really goes off or do we need to terminate it in the task manager.

Thanks for the heads up on both accounts.
deuem

You are correct Deuem. Make sure all your setting's option's and "How Too's" are fully clear to you before your even sign on to such social free websites.

I was invited to Skype, didn't read and didn't get educated on all that was my responsibility as far as self security. Logging off really isn't necessary, if you choose close down and thing's like Skype Automatic Updates, if the setting's are in default, change them ASAP, you have much more control than you think when you go through all that, in i.e. Skype has too offer.

I am glad I learned how too quickly manipulate the Zoom function of my mouse scroll and CTRL on keyboard, a lot of "FINE PRINT" out there my friends. ;)

1WW

Quote from: Pimander on October 01, 2013, 02:18:41 PM
If you are interested, you can install Linux and make your system dual boot so you can use both Linux and XP.  The Linux graphical installer does it all for you mate if you don't want to get too technical.

That's like getting another car because of the radio. ;)

QuoteOK a program might need to check for updates now and again.  A program does not need to contact a remote server every few seconds when it is not even supposed to be running.  That is dodgy and most likely a spyware type function.

There are two options to know when some of your friends get online:
1 - make the client ask the server from time to time
2 - make the server contact all that person's friends

I suppose Skype uses the first, as it's less of a burden on the server.

Quote from: ArMaP on October 01, 2013, 09:23:18 PM
I suppose Skype uses the first, as it's less of a burden on the server.

I don't need programs that are "off-line" to ask a server anything.

Quote from: Pimander on October 02, 2013, 03:22:45 AM
I don't need programs that are "off-line" to ask a server anything.

On this I agree 100%, I turn off as many of the auto-updates as i can find and track the ones I can't find. some are very sneaky. If i want an update I will ask for it, not them. If i turn on all of the auto updates it takes over a half hour to boot up and then they are all connected live on line and take up a lot of space. I guess most people don't understand this or buy a new computer every month to get it to run faster.

My laptop if not on the Internet starts up almost instantly, while my PC still takes over 5 minutes when on line. Lately it is all of the Microsoft updates driving me up a wall. Will they ever just fix it?

Then it is a few minutes for all the security to kick in and run the searches. Being on line has its problems. i would like a computer with 2 sets of CPUs, One for online with a brick wall between them. I could just reload the Op from flash everyday and run free on the net. Somehow just pull files I need and toss them over the wall to my computer. This is where I need the security. It looks like we need Internet Computers that can be reloaded when they start up and then forget all the security issues. Like having a GF clock and a wrist watch. You can toss the watch out. I want the INet computer to be all ROM, so they can not destroy my Operating system. I want instant on again. This is all going to get enen worse in the future. So bad that we won't even want to get on line. I never worried about a virus on my land line but do on my hand phone. That is now starting and there is little one can do to stop incomming messages with viruses.

Deuem

Quote from: deuem on October 02, 2013, 03:53:33 AM
i would like a computer with 2 sets of CPUs, One for online with a brick wall between them. I could just reload the Op from flash everyday and run free on the net. Somehow just pull files I need and toss them over the wall to my computer.

That's what virtualization is for. :)

I worked at a leading antivirus company, and what we ALL need is a "gateway" machine in between our private lans and the internet which samples all low level traffic and performs "conversation analysis" when the network is quiet.

I think technology has now advanced to the point where this can be implemented in a small cheap low current consuming machine, (raspberry pi?) but it is still on my to-do list. You'll need a 64 GB sd card just to hold a busy months internet, and a cable connection to the internet (most routers will do this, if you turn the wi-fi part off) you'll then want a cable/wifi access point to connect your wireless lan to the other side of the gateway.

THEN will you actually know what is going across the web to and from your machines...

IF a bunch of is did this and compared notes, we could actually take the fight back to the eavesdroppers, by publishing lists of supicious processes and ports closure of which which can be directly implemented in windows firewall or on your router as you choose...

Fair bit of work involved though, and someone MAY have already started this. Coding the analysis software so as it can be updated as we learn which processes are known to be "safe" is a task beyond my paygrade unfortunately, although selecting teh correct parts and implementing the hardware part in the most cost effective manner, may not be.

Fruitbat.

They have some new computers here ( at least to me ) They are a flat screen monitor that is a litle thicker than normal and it is only set up fot the internet. You can USB in and out of it. Thats all.

What I am thinking is to have something like that that replaces my monitor and it has a re-boot shitch that wipes it clean on every start up or shut down. You start with a clean machine every time. Who cares if they go after your system, there is nothing to go after. The trick is if you want to download or upload anything, it must go through that USB line. But then one only worries about viruses and not stealing info.

Right now our entire computer is at risk. i want to change that to just the monitor is at risk until it is shut down. The entire OS can be run off of 1 card with no drives.  Something like that........

Deuem

OK, now have a LogiTech headset/mic.
Deuem, I'm here now on Skype.   :P

Skype ID
thor-pegasus

I also have thorfourwinds, but I can't get in...:P

Quote from: thorfourwinds on October 02, 2013, 03:10:44 PM
OK, now have a LogiTech headset/mic.
Deuem, I'm here now on Skype.   :P

I may have the same headset there Thor, works good, wireless with Carbon USB antenna, Ring volume controller and mute button option on the headset?

SO far so good as far as product satisfaction goes, Mine is rechargeable I think for 10 Years or something like that, decent piece of equipment for on line chatting and talking, even good for private listening of radio shows and for thing's as Interview scenario's, I know personally that is is really nice having more instant control with not having to be bounded to the vicinity of the PC Monitor. ;)

Enjoy the quality of freedom!! LOL At least it's some kind of freedom... Ha ha ha ! ;)

1WW

Quote from: thorfourwinds on October 02, 2013, 03:10:44 PM
OK, now have a LogiTech headset/mic.
Deuem, I'm here now on Skype.   :P

Skype ID
thor-pegasus

I also have thorfourwinds, but I can't get in... :P

Got your invite and accepted it.

Further info in these new threads.  One is for Deuem.

Chinese Skype Client Hands Confidential Communications to Eavesdroppers (http://www.thelivingmoon.com/forum/index.php?topic=5409.msg73740;topicseen#new)

Why Doesn't Skype Include Stronger Protections Against Eavesdropping? (http://www.thelivingmoon.com/forum/index.php?topic=5410.msg73744;topicseen#new)

Thanks for the link, Tom is what I have here and I know they snoop on us, they all do.
For me they can snoop if they want, I can't stop them, I can only quit them.
If you can find a replacement that does what Skype does I will change over.

I just got off the phone with Thor, his first Skype call to China. Will have to see what he thinks about it.

As I tell anyone here or online, never type any details on any live chat or Skype that can come back and haunt you.

If you just want to shoot the bull, it works. So now I know what Thor sounds like, I can at least put a voice to a name.

That makes us all just a little bit less afraid of each other and builds friendship.

Thor and I talked for a half hour, that would take about 3 days for me to type in a chat room and there is only one way cconversation in chats. With the voice option it is like being in the same room. Crystal Clear. I have a mic and I run the sound to my computer speakers. I do not have a camera so that lets out video snooping.

By the way my account is only open to invites so I keep the hounds at bay. That is a nice option. i wish I could do that with email.

Guys, we have to add Thor to the peggy group.

Pim, if you want to take the risk, give us a call. The IG is almost all there...

Deuem

I won't be using Skype.  If there was no alternative then I would but there are so many alternatives.... 

Why would I want to support the Microsoft regimes dishonest and non-open manner of using the internet?  I want the web free and open and have the courage of my convictions.

I can really feel where your comming from. But It is free to use, The only support is the name from e-bay.
When the Tom ads run I just close that box. Text chat rooms, even if secure are way behind the times. We were texting each other 20 years ago. We need live conversations in todays world. So who else has audio and video?

I will be the first to test it........

Deuem

ArMaP is probably a better person to ask.  I don't use Windows any longer as I don't need it.

Camfrog looks interesting.

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/download/Software-Webcam-Video-conference,0702-7012.html

I think there are video plugins for Pidgin.  Will look into it.

Quote from: Pimander on October 02, 2013, 06:18:50 PM
ArMaP is probably a better person to ask.  I don't use Windows any longer as I don't need it.

I use Windows but I only used Skype twice, two or three years ago. I only used Messenger when a co-worker needed to "talk" to me and send me some files.

I prefer listening to talking. :)

Lot a internuty talk radio shops like to use skype for callins. Whenever a caller uses skype there's always some kind a glitch choppin the voip or simply the line goes dead. I especially notice this when callers talk about stuff they shouldn't be discussing.


I don't skype, fatbook, flickr or other but I do, do utube.

Quote from: Pimander on October 02, 2013, 06:18:50 PM
ArMaP is probably a better person to ask.  I don't use Windows any longer as I don't need it.

Camfrog looks interesting.

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/download/Software-Webcam-Video-conference,0702-7012.html (http://www.tomsguide.com/us/download/Software-Webcam-Video-conference,0702-7012.html)

I think there are video plugins for Pidgin.  Will look into it.

Ok, I have Cam frog up and running as Deuem, anyone want to try it?
Pim?

Quote from: deuem on October 03, 2013, 04:59:24 AM

Ok, I have Cam frog up and running as Deuem, anyone want to try it?
Pim?

Ooops!

There is no Camfrog available for Linux - only Mac and Windows!  That means Linux users can't communicate with you.  Sorry Deuem, that was me being a bit thick and not reading before I suggested.  ::)

Give me some time.  I think I have found a real solution but don't want to mention it until I make a few checks.

There is always the option of our own private social network.  We could include video chat, text chat, voice chat and whatever we like....

Ok, I will dump Camfrog then.
Deuem

I got Undo at beth.vegh  just drop the 1. It may be a second signup. But Skype will only give your computer one.

Quote from: deuem on December 13, 2013, 12:48:24 AM
I got Undo at beth.vegh  just drop the 1. It may be a second signup. But Skype will only give your computer one.

Duly noted and changed...we found her!

In this instance I approve of the use of Skype.  Now I will go back to my Ivory Tower.  8)

I agree skype will cut you off if you say something like dumbass.it happens to me all the time.dam mormons

I'll tell you Pim, it is the next best thing to sliced bread if you want to work out a problem. We started a session yesterday and it might still be going on now. 25 hrs when I left. the 3rd time. I have to check. We have members from around the world on Peggie and as the earth turns one gets out of bed and another goes to bed.

In China we have these new kid computers. Like a 100$, maybe get one just for Skype and leave your machine alone.

Even ArMaP and I talked today. Skype is replacing chat rooms. It would take you a week in a chat room to what can be done in an hour on Skype.  Even better than that, we can now all put a voice to our avatars and take a step above the other web sites where your just an avatar to be looked at.  it will never replace sites like this one, it just makes us better. Now we are starting to know each other.

As far as file transfers to each other, I know of nothing faster. It is as close to instant as we can get. The only time needed is your computer to save it.

Deuem   [dweem]

You don't have to use spyware for any of that.  There are plenty of alternatives.

Hey Pim,

The very second you can give me a link to something that can relpace Skype and do what it does I will try it. Just like I did with cam frog. In the meantime we are willing to take the chance. We all say hi to the NSA every call. They know Robo well. We just don't mind it. We have nothing to hide from them. We even invite them to join the chat. Every thing we do gets posted on the site. I am sure the NSA, CIA and others are already members. Hello to you all.  Maybe they can find some good stuff for us to look into, after all they do have the edge.

Other than that we miss you and Ron.....

I still can't get over how clear the calls can be. Like your sitting right in front of me. Crystal clear. Only a microsecond time delay. We can count together. Real time. My phone to the US has a lag. Skype has a millisecong or so.

Quote from: deuem on December 13, 2013, 10:58:45 AM
The very second you can give me a link to something that can relpace Skype and do what it does I will try it.

Empathy is better but it is a Linux app.

I think you should use Skype.  It is more convenient for your purposes.  I don't use it on principle because I hate spyware.  If you are OK with that then use it.

MY alternative would be to migrate this forum to a new format like oxwall (or similar) where we can host video chats and stuff more easily.  If were all working on a proper project and needed a high level of collaboration and needed secrecy (or high levels of security), I would suggest we all use Linux and then Empathy does everything that Skype does  and more without spying on you but it is a Linux program.

The problem with PRC Forum is that the software not very good if we want to add functionality to the site or make it more user friendly.

Oxwall would allow people to log in with Facebook accounts and many other advantages to expand membership but the lack of interest from you guys gives me no motivation to move in that direction. It is possible to add video and text chat and conferencing, log in with Facebook or Twitter pas word, add a forum, have groups and more.

I added a test one and linked to it in admin if you want to look at it.  I'm not posting that info here though.

I used Skype when Bill and I did our radio interview on Inception Radio..Just re-activated my account...'sgt.rocknroll'.. If your interested...

QuoteFacebook or Twitter

I don't quite understand why these 2. They are reported to be worse than any of the others. Add momma Google and you got the Alpabet crew.  Besides for me all 3 are banned so hard that even if the forum page links an ad to them, I get bounced off line. That's why I got white wall banned from Photobucket last week. The new Firefox opened that door for PB.

I think we would have a very hard time getting all members to move to Linux. Many members don't even post, let alone needing them to change their operating system. I know I would have a problem with a lot of programs. I would also think that the ABC Crews are so good at what they do they can breach anything we can come up with.

Without knowing exactly what skype is sending out of your machine it is hard to judge. If it is just saying to mom,  Hi I'm on line, I don't have a problem. If it is looking within my machine for details and scanning my hard drive then I do.

Many programs do this tickle. Just shut it off when not using it and that ping turns off. It does not make sence to just leave it on if your away. That's like leaving your phone at home. Just turn it on when you want to use it.

Deuem

Tptb already know who I am. Know where I live and what sites I visit. When not using it, I turn it off & disconnect my internet. What else you gonna do? We're just digital slaves.

Quote from: deuem on December 13, 2013, 03:26:12 PM

I don't quite understand why these 2

Sorry Deuem, I think I have not explained it very well.  I don't mean use Facebook or Twitter LOL.

If we had a site run using oxwall software anyone can log in using their Facebook of twitter account to the public part of the site.  If we like them then we could increase their membership level and make them full members.  It is designed to make it easy for folks to visit your site and have an identity (in this case their facebook or twitter name.  These people can then post (in the public areas) or chat in public chat.

The idea is to encourage more members as most average internet folks are alread Facebook or Twitter members).  If someone is already logged into FB then it is easy to log in and find out about our site.  You don't have to use facebook though, you could just me a member by registering same way as here.  It is simply a way to make a site potentially more popular which is especially important if you want to make money as PWM and Robo are hoping to do.

I have not explained it much to you guys as there seems to be little desire to develop the site on the part of the rest of the staff and I am too busy to waste my time.  If you go to where I added a link to a test site I set up you will see immmediately that even a simple test site that took me ten minutes to set up looks a lot more professional than this one.  It is also easier to add functionality than this.  You can even make the site post automatically stuff on Twittr and facebook that will attract interest like links to articles we publish and things.

Quote from: deuem on December 13, 2013, 03:26:12 PM
I think we would have a very hard time getting all members to move to Linux.

Every time I type something people respond to what I don't say.....  sorry it isn't you deuem, I'm having a bad week. :)

I don't mean all members.  I meant if some of the staff were doing a project where you really wanted high security, those staff could have a dual boot system or something and do the work on Linux on software that doesn't spy on you.  If you aren't working on anything sensitive or are a regular member then there would be no need for that in the first place.

Sounds like we need a Pegasus VPN.
Secure tunneling is 'impossible' to eavesdrop on.

As a side note: I ran a packet analyzer (Wireshark) while using Skype. Every 10th packet is a 'return to home' message that syncs your conversation back to the main server at Langley.  ;D
Even if you aren't on Skype, you still have it on your hard drive, and it contacts home every minute (When you go online). It is the 'ultimate' Spy Ware, because it was designed by spooks, and is run by spooks.
Fine if you aren't planning a terrorist attack, but remember, it 'exposes' the complete contents of your hard disk to whomever want's to look. Now if you have some research on there that you want to keep private and it turns up manufactured in Korea next week, you only have yourself to blame.

Quote from: starwarp2000 on December 13, 2013, 07:56:03 PM
Fine if you aren't planning a terrorist attack, but remember, it 'exposes' the complete contents of your hard disk to whomever want's to look.

Could you show us proof of what you're saying?

Pim, understod, thanks
Star, Not understood well yet.  As ArmaP Asked.
I have always stated that if anyone was working on a top level secrete project and that computer was connected to any net, Then they should take a close look at what they are doing. If uncle sam wants to look at my Deuem photos, I'll send them to him. I really don't think I have anything to hide.

QuoteA lengthy new Guardian report claims Microsoft worked directly with the NSA by giving complete back door access to Outlook (and Hotmail), Skype and SkyDrive. The report basically says each service was easily circumvented in order to make the NSA's job of sleuthing data incredibly easy, as if your private info was selling at a weekend garage sale. One NSA document even described the collaboration with Microsoft as a "team sport."

http://www.technobuffalo.com/2013/07/11/microsoft-gave-the-nsa-direct-backdoor-access-to-outlook-skype/ (http://www.technobuffalo.com/2013/07/11/microsoft-gave-the-nsa-direct-backdoor-access-to-outlook-skype/)

QuoteSkype's file-transfer function does not integrate with any antivirus products, although Skype claims to have tested its product against antivirus "Shield" products.

QuoteSkype does not document all communication activities. This lack of clarity as to content means that systems administrators cannot be sure what it is doing.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/032140940X/ (http://www.amazon.com/dp/032140940X/)

QuoteSkype creates a file called 1.com in the temp directory which is capable of reading all BIOS data from a PC.

http://www.pagetable.com/?p=27 (http://www.pagetable.com/?p=27)

QuoteThe URI handler that checks URLs for verification of certain file extensions and file formats uses case sensitive comparison techniques and doesn't check all potential file formats.

http://www.gnucitizen.org/blog/vulnerabilities-in-skype/ (http://www.gnucitizen.org/blog/vulnerabilities-in-skype/)

QuoteThe privacy of Skype traffic may have limits. Although Skype encrypts communication between users, a Skype spokesman did not deny the company's ability to intercept the communication. On the question of whether Skype could listen in on their users' communication, Kurt Sauer, head of the security division of Skype, replied evasively: "We provide a secure means of communication. I will not say if we are listening in or not."

http://www.zdnet.de/39151472/telefonieren-uebers-internet-wie-sicher-ist-skype-wirklich/ (http://www.zdnet.de/39151472/telefonieren-uebers-internet-wie-sicher-ist-skype-wirklich/)

From these links it should be easy to figure out how to access your hard drive from Skype.
I won't be posting how to do it, as that would be illegal, and would bring down fire upon this forum.  8)

Joe Resnick has a simple solution

He bought a cheap computer just for skype

Quote from: zorgon on December 14, 2013, 09:40:28 PM
Joe Resnick has a simple solution

He bought a cheap computer just for skype

Good solution there Zorgs!

You could do what i do as well.
Run Windows 7 as a VM (Virtual Machine) inside a Unix Zone. Zones act as if they are a unique computer but deny access to the Host System.
They can hack the crap out of the VM because I will just reload the image with the click of a button  ;D

I did a search for 1.com before and after I opened Skype and did not find it. I run Tom Skype from China. Good Chinese at their best. Must be another hook.

I mentioned getting a cheap computer for skype many replies ago.

Quote from: deuem on December 15, 2013, 02:10:36 AM
I did a search for 1.com before and after I opened Skype and did not find it.

That 1.com article is almost 7 years old.

Quote from: ArMaP on December 15, 2013, 12:47:11 PM
That 1.com article is almost 7 years old.

So is the Skype code base: 9 years old  :)

Quote from: starwarp2000 on December 15, 2013, 08:02:09 PM
So is the Skype code base: 9 years old  :)

Does that mean that the problems found years ago were not solved?

Quote from: ArMaP on December 15, 2013, 08:07:06 PM
Does that mean that the problems found years ago were not solved?

They aren't problems from the Skype point of view, just program 'features'.
It all works as planned. It's only because someone found it that is is known. Now that Microsoft has purchased Skype, you will never know if it has been 'fixed'.  :)

Quote from: starwarp2000 on December 15, 2013, 08:17:23 PM
They aren't problems from the Skype point of view, just program 'features'.

I'm not Skype. ;D

QuoteNow that Microsoft has purchased Skype, you will never know if it has been 'fixed'.  :)

Why, isn't it possible to repeat the same steps to try to reach the same result?

Quote from: ArMaP on December 15, 2013, 08:19:24 PM
I'm not Skype. ;D
Why, isn't it possible to repeat the same steps to try to reach the same result?

Good question!
I personally have only run Packet Tracing (Wireshark) to watch it contact the Skype servers every 1 minute. This occurs even when you aren't on Skype, as a Skype service (Hidden) is running all the time.
If that isn't enough to warrant not using the program then nothing will stop you.  :)
If i have the time, i might investigate further, but don't count on it  ;D

Well since the NSA, DIA, CIA, FBI, IOA, ONI and maybe a dozen more have a direct line to my house :P  I suppose it's only marketers I have to worry about :D

Quote from: zorgon on December 15, 2013, 08:30:35 PM
Well since the NSA, DIA, CIA, FBI, IOA, ONI and maybe a dozen more have a direct line to my house :P  I suppose it's only marketers I have to worry about :D

Unless you view the above Letter Agencies as product peddlers. Selling the 'old' revolutionary product that 'removes' the stain of 'freedom' from humanity.  :)

Quote from: starwarp2000 on December 15, 2013, 08:25:31 PM
I personally have only run Packet Tracing (Wireshark) to watch it contact the Skype servers every 1 minute. This occurs even when you aren't on Skype, as a Skype service (Hidden) is running all the time.
If that isn't enough to warrant not using the program then nothing will stop you.  :)

That depends on two things:
1 - what do you mean by "hidden";
2 - the gravity of any possible future finding about Skype.

I have been known to change when presented with facts. :)

Quote from: ArMaP on December 15, 2013, 08:38:57 PM
That depends on two things:
1 - what do you mean by "hidden";
2 - the gravity of any possible future finding about Skype.

I have been known to change when presented with facts. :)

1 - 'Hidden': as in not listed as a running service by Windows (also called a 'deamon' in Unix). Wireshark plugins allow listing of all running processes, including hidden ones, and this is the only way to know they are running.

2 - The gravity would be dependent on the particular person involved. I personally have 'research' and code on my computer that i do not want to allow some 'third party' unauthorized access to. Each person will decide to what extent they are happy to allow any violation of their privacy.

The jist is, it is getting to the point where there is no choice. Either give up your freedoms or suffer the consequences of the law.

Quote from: starwarp2000 on December 15, 2013, 08:50:47 PM
1 - 'Hidden': as in not listed as a running service by Windows (also called a 'deamon' in Unix). Wireshark plugins allow listing of all running processes, including hidden ones, and this is the only way to know they are running.

Do you remember the name of that service?

I think every single program I have calls home to mommy. My internet connection is on 24/7 and the firewall has to have holes to let many of these programs run. I am sure every computer is full of holes. If a person/company has any secret details they wish never to be taken through an internet connection of any type. The simple solution is to cut the cord. I never understood why some of these very important places are internet connected. At one place I worked, we had an email machine. The rest of the computers were not on line. You would have to go to that room to get on line. Those computers had no cther connection but internet, No CD, No USB, no portable drives. Nothing. Just you and the machine.

Quote from: ArMaP on December 15, 2013, 09:13:12 PM
Do you remember the name of that service?

Not off the top of my head, no.
I can remember it had a serial number name like 145D3421 or similiar.

You might try this link: http://www.oklabs.net/skype-reverse-engineering-genesis/ (http://www.oklabs.net/skype-reverse-engineering-genesis/)

Quote from: deuem on December 16, 2013, 12:21:03 AM
I think every single program I have calls home to mommy.

Even if they do, they should document this as a selectable feature, not a hidden one.

QuoteIf a person/company has any secret details they wish never to be taken through an internet connection of any type. The simple solution is to cut the cord. I never understood why some of these very important places are internet connected.

Naturally! What we are talking about is the right to use the Web without the risk of loss of property. They enforce laws for hackers but companies are allowed to run rampant.

QuoteAt one place I worked, we had an email machine. The rest of the computers were not on line. You would have to go to that room to get on line. Those computers had no cther connection but internet, No CD, No USB, no portable drives. Nothing. Just you and the machine.

I did the same once  :)

Quote from: starwarp2000 on December 16, 2013, 09:30:37 PM
Not off the top of my head, no.
I can remember it had a serial number name like 145D3421 or similiar.

You might try this link: http://www.oklabs.net/skype-reverse-engineering-genesis/ (http://www.oklabs.net/skype-reverse-engineering-genesis/)

Thanks, I will look into it. :)