Skype: Why we should not be using it.

[Pimander]

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

[deuem]

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

[1Worldwatcher]

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

[ArMaP]

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.

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 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.

[Pimander]

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.

[deuem]

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

[ArMaP]

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.

[Fruitbat]

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.

[deuem]

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

[thorfourwinds]

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

Skype ID
thor-pegasus

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

[1Worldwatcher]

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

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

[deuem]

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

Skype ID
thor-pegasus

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

Got your invite and accepted it.

[Pimander]

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

Chinese Skype Client Hands Confidential Communications to Eavesdroppers

Why Doesn't Skype Include Stronger Protections Against Eavesdropping?

[deuem]

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

[Pimander]

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.