Talk:Skype/Archive 3

Redundant list of VoIP software?
Can't we remove the "Competition and alternatives" section and just point to Comparison of VoIP software? I don't see any point in maintaining two different lists for the same content. - sooraj 07:17, 21 October 2006 (UTC)
 * An excellent idea!!! --Kgfleischmann 09:50, 21 October 2006 (UTC)

Google Pack
I just got an update from Google Pack and it's trying to install Skype; was there some sort of agreement between Skype and Google? Sonic3KMaster(talk) 03:22, 9 November 2006 (UTC)

Caller ID image


I have added a manually vectorised version of the Caller ID image to the article which took an hour to make. I should be able to make up a SVG version by next weekend. What do you think of this vs. the photo?
 * I prefer the photo, or a screenshot rather than a vectorised version of an image. Camptown 21:16, 9 December 2006 (UTC)

Security (general)
Hi guys, there is a new issue raised at Blackhat Europe 2006, beginning of this mounth (March), about Skype security. The presentation confirmed Skype security is based on obscurity. It was quite a shock. The guy invested a lot of time and effort in this, reverse engineering the application and the protocol. I would appreciate your comments on how this information from the presentation can be implemented in this page. Here is a URL and the PDF for the presentation to help explain what I mean: http://blogs.securiteam.com/index.php/archives/355 http://www.blackhat.com/presentations/bh-europe-06/bh-eu-06-biondi/bh-eu-06-biondi-up.pdf

I don't understand the comment in the "Criticisms" section of the Skype article that says: "Lack of privacy (Skype has the keys to decrypt sessions)" ... How does one access these keys? Does this imply that someone has discovered how to extract keys from the binary? If no-one can explain this bullet point in more detail, I would like it removed. Qole 22:37, 16 April 2007 (UTC)


 * Afaict skype (the company) controls the master authentication and matchmaking servers so they can MITM any client they like with impunity. I very much doubt there are master keys in the skype clients themselves barring extordinary evidence to the contrary but being a closed system we just don't know what weaknesses may be lurking. Plugwash 02:36, 17 April 2007 (UTC)

Proprietary software
I placed the NPOV tag on the article because it focuses rather heavily on criticizing Skype for being proprietary and on concerns about its security. Security has recently been mentioned in the archive, so I'll just talk about the proprietary part. The article mentions "proprietary" 7 times, 6 of which are to explicitly criticize Skype for using a particular software development model. The article should not be used to hammer a particular point of view about the drawbacks of propriety software.

Just to get things started, I removed the "proprietary" in the introduction. The reader will find out in no short time that the software is not open source, and I don't feel it is of prime importance in a world view of skype. Mbelisle 07:25, 23 December 2006 (UTC)
 * Makes sense. Tonytypoon 10:06, 28 December 2006 (UTC)

Regarding the introduction, 'headquartered' is not a word. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 213.202.182.20 (talk • contribs) 07:18, 6 January 2007 (UTC-8)

The article in general is rather negative and unreasonably critical. For example Skype may have had perfectly valid reasons for choosing a "proprietary" protocol such as flexibility, or to have the freedom to design something that works well, etc. I don't know why everybody always has to assume the worst (is the world getting more and more paranoid and everyone just so critical for the sake of having something to say?). Their decisions may well have been for our benefit. 85.177.199.178 07:55, 17 August 2007 (UTC)

Picture Change
The Articles main picture is outdated, Skype BETA 3.00 is very different. Could someone please remedy this? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 222.153.90.27 (talk • contribs) 13:02, 17 January 2007 (UTC-8)

In recent days, I have heard people talking about 'skipe'/'skype' phones and I have no idea what they are. I thought that Wikipedia might help but alas no. This definition is terribly technical and doesn't tell me what one of these things does, how someone might use it etc. It would be good if someone in the know could explain what having a skipe phone would do for the user, where does one get them, are they expensive, how/where do you plug them in, what do they look like, what are the differences/advantages over other phones etc.

Thanks —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 206.15.76.3 (talk • contribs) 12:10, 23 January 2007 (UTC-8)

Vendor lock-in?
Do you think Skype contributes to Vendor lock-in? Would it help to have a category identifying Category:Non-interoperable systems? The issue is being voted on, please contribute your vote / opinion: here. Pgr94 23:25, 7 February 2007 (UTC)

As someone very dependent on skype at work I would say you need to source this, and in the skype case what alternatives? SqueakBox 23:30, 7 February 2007 (UTC)
 * Yes me too. Well it should be quite clear that it's not possible to talk/videoconference with people on other networks like MSN messenger, yahoo messenger, googletalk etc.  The skype protocol locks us in to skype network.  That's what is mean by non-interoperable. Still want a source for that?  I'll dig one up if you really need it...  Pgr94 23:41, 7 February 2007 (UTC)

For me its also the file transfer. When skype crashed on a work computer the other day I tried google talk and it was so inferior.... SqueakBox 23:44, 7 February 2007 (UTC)

And yes, we should uses sources for everything in wikipedia, see Verifiability, SqueakBox 00:51, 8 February 2007 (UTC)

Skype Prime
Nothing on Skype Prime yet? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Tharapita (talk • contribs) 12:51, 11 March 2007 (UTC).

Image
Vectorized images are usually an improvement - whereas vectorized images based on photos are not. Bondkaka 19:19, 26 March 2007 (UTC)

Bandwidth issues, for users with low Download limit
I am surprised not to see any estimation of the bandwidth required at the user's end. After 100 Mb / month, I pay for Mb at rate of 15c/Mb. So I suspect it maybe cheaper using regular telephone for some, even many calls ! Perhaps we could explain " What is the Mb/minute usage ?" Thanks Feroshki 00:21, 2 April 2007 (UTC)

Usage Table
This graph is confusing. There is no explanation of what the "days" column means and its meaning is not easily derived from the context. Exactly what is this column reporting?--Crossmr 17:37, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Skype security merge
I think that it should be kept separate. The main skype article is already fairly long (38 kb as of this writing) and may need splitting anyway. If anything the section on security should be merged into the article, with the section marking Skype security and the main article. Kc4 22:44, 9 May 2007 (UTC)

Rates
It would appear the rates have changed, with nations like the Czech Republic and Argentina under global, see here. The rates now include Argentina (Buenos Aires), Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Canada (mobiles), Chile, China (Beijing, Guanzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen), China (mobiles), Czech Republic, Czech Republic - Prague, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Guam, Hong Kong, Hong Kong (mobiles), Hungary, Hungary - Budapest, Ireland, Israel, Israel - Jerusalem, Italy, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur, Mexico (Mexico City, Monterrey), Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland (Poland, Gdansk, Warsaw), Portugal, Puerto Rico, Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg), Singapore, Singapore (mobiles), South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (Taipei), United Kingdom, United States (including Alaska and Hawaii) and United States (mobiles).
 * +Hexagon1 (t) 12:33, 11 May 2007 (UTC)

Splitting up
I think this article should be split. How about first dividing into Skype (software) and Skype (corporation)? 89.138.238.254 19:57, 20 May 2007 (UTC)
 * I think that Skype security should remain separate and that Features of Skype should be split off. However, 89.138.238.254's ideas are definitely worth considering. Kc4 19:02, 25 May 2007 (UTC)
 * There is an article on the Skype Protocol. The main article could perhaps be trimmed by moving some material to the protocol article. Pgr94 13:22, 6 June 2007 (UTC)

Fair use rationale for Image:Skype logo.png
Image:Skype logo.png is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in this Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.

Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.

If there is other other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.BetacommandBot 05:53, 6 June 2007 (UTC)

i can change my skype psw?

skype
sype beta version 2.1

regarding ... It competes against existing open VoIP protocols such as SIP, IAX, and H.323...

Jabber-Jingle and Google Talk should be mentioned, too.

Tagged for Cleanup/Confusing
I've tagged this article for cleanup as confusing, due to the following quotes which I don't understand. hadley 00:45, 23 July 2007 (UTC)

both cryptographic analysis concluded ... Firewall rules for iptables were given to block Skype for corporates.


 * I clarified those sections and removed the tag. -Hemidemisemiquaver 20:06, 2 August 2007 (UTC)

IDT Lawsuit Update
Any update on the IDT lawsuit? Have they filed similar suits against other VOIP companies?

Skype and Google
Why is Google shipping Skype together with Google Talk ?--Hhielscher 18:42, 12 August 2007 (UTC)


 * Because google think its trustworthy and useful, thats Google Pack, not Talk, its a collection of programs google feels your computer is better of with then without Ferdia O'Brien The Archiver, Reformatter And Vandal Watchman (Talk) 04:12, 9 September 2007 (UTC)

Skype outage
major events, 2007-08-16, Skype went down. Worldwide reports of users not being able to log in.

From England I'm now seeing 2.2 million people online, up from 1.8 million in 30 minutes. Calling someone who appears to be offline often works. --merriam 02:38, 17 August 2007 (UTC)

From Finland I can't log in and nothing works, 18:04, 17 August 2007

From Canada I'm having problems too. Switching to Gizmo5

Isn't it time that there was a separate section on the outage, it's on the verge of being 48 hours long now, the Skype management don't appear to have a clue what to do about it and have gone to ground saying nothing, could be witnessing the death of the product here. Kvader 20:58, 17 August 2007 (UTC)


 * Well not the death and it is partially restored. I have 4 computers on a switch and I can only get it to work on one at a time (no good for file transfers!). My Mum in England reported the same as Merriam, ie she appears to be offline but is online. So yes, a major update about this certainl;y the most significant evebnt since they were bought by Ebay is essential, SqueakBox 21:03, 17 August 2007 (UTC)

Outage in intro
I have reversed the recent addition of the outage to the intro since it is already included in the major events section and it repeats the information almost word for word. - T&#949;x  &#964;  ur&#949;  13:10, 21 August 2007 (UTC)
 * I returned it, though, as the 48 hour outage is probably the most serious incident Skype has experienced in its short history. --Camptown 11:43, 22 August 2007 (UTC)

SkypeIn illegal?
"Skype also supply Skype-in phonelines without requiring proof of address, which is illegal in some countries." This sounds to me like Skype is offering something illegal. However, as I understand SkypeIn it offers this feature without address where it is legal to do so and only with local address where this is mandatory by law, like in Germany or France. If there is nonetheless something illegal in the procedure imho citation should be given. --Vancouver robin 20:42, 26 August 2007 (UTC)


 * How can you be charged for phone calls if your address isn't registred that doesn't make sense to me —Preceding unsigned comment added by 121.209.65.250 (talk) 09:48, 15 June 2008 (UTC)


 * It is a service you have to buy, so you will have to provide payment details. Presumably Skype itself doesn't need to know these details (your address), just the payment details for the service.  [Jam] [talk] 14:19, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Why doesn't Wikipedia get Skype?
I know Skype isn't open source, but it would be nice if you guys get Skype. RocketMaster 09:46, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

Umm.. what? Ferdia O'Brien The Archiver, Reformatter And Vandal Watchman (Talk) 04:08, 9 September 2007 (UTC)

Jargon ("TooSpecialized") Tag
This is a good article, even though it's challenging. I think if you're reading/wanting to know about Skype you're not the same readership as those looking up the hellbender salamander. Maybe instead of dumbing this down, the confused could be gently brought up to speed with good linking and external links? All information is not equal, not all information-seekers are equal. I'm reading this article slowly and learning new words and ideas. ~ Otterpops 13:10, 6 September 2007 (UTC)

Word Choice: Founded/Invented
The intro says Zennstrom and Friis founded Skype rather than invented it. A technology is introduced, invented, distributed but a company is founded, established, formed and makes products that are proprietary... Clarification? (I'm still reading.) ~ Otterpops 13:22, 6 September 2007 (UTC)

Founders invented Kazaa
Surely it's important to highlight the Skype founders' invention of Kazaa?

[Zennstrom] says: "[Kazaa] was more a technical proof of concept that it was possible to transfer files between two end users rather than going through servers." http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/click_online/4102692.stm —Preceding unsigned comment added by 203.5.192.245 (talk) 04:49, 28 September 2007 (UTC)

Possible Linux screenshot replacement?
If possible, it would be nice to get a Linux screenshot that isn't so proportionally long. The height just doesn't need to be that large to illustrate it, and it currently takes up almost all the space in the appropriate section. However, if shrunk to an adequate size, it will be too small to see clear details. Brianreading 07:31, 4 October 2007 (UTC)
 * I've cropped the height of the existing Linux screenshot from over 700 pixels down to just over 500px. It should be noted that it is now slightly shorter than the Windows image (which at over 600px is quite large). [Jam][talk] 09:34, 26 November 2007 (UTC)
 * Thanks for this! It looks much better! Brianreading (talk) 06:36, 13 January 2008 (UTC)
 * No worries :). [Jam][talk] 06:41, 13 January 2008 (UTC)

"software program" ?
Forgive me for not being a native English speaker, as I found my edits being reverted. My question is why do we have "software program" as a description rather than software or program only? 89.148.43.17 14:00, 21 October 2007 (UTC)
 * I've replied on my talk page to your question (User talk:JGXenite). [Jam][talk] 14:15, 21 October 2007 (UTC)

skypephone; skype cellular??
I would like to read about  skypephone;  skype cellular,  cellular telephone, other w/o computer systems,  et al.

Thank You,

&#91;&#91; hopiakuta Please do  sign  your  signature  on your  message. %7e%7e  Thank You. -]] 13:30, 29 October 2007 (UTC)

yahoo buyout
is yahoo buying skype —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.153.130.22 (talk) 12:36, 31 October 2007 (UTC)

video codec
Hello. What video codec(s) does Skype use? TIA,--Hhielscher 20:39, 8 November 2007 (UTC)

Skype is equal to "Your message is not delivered"
Skype is equal to "Showing online persons as offline" —Preceding unsigned comment added by 212.154.149.57 (talk) 08:50, 26 November 2007 (UTC)
 * Um... OK? [Jam][talk] 09:22, 26 November 2007 (UTC)

pronunciation
shouldn't it be sky-peeGrue.z (talk) 00:21, 14 January 2008 (UTC)
 * Nope. If you listen to the call testing service, the voice clearly says "Skype" (rhyming with type). [Jam][talk] 09:22, 14 January 2008 (UTC)

outbound ani
Experience and Google indicate Wwhen SkypeOut calls, it shows the ANI (caller ID) 202-580-8200 on the non-Skype end.

--AndrewZ —Preceding unsigned comment added by 65.112.244.2 (talk) 21:56, 28 January 2008 (UTC)

Free UK Skype to UK landline?
I amended the article to state that Skype calls to UK landlines were free. This was an unwarranted generalisation; when I signed up I had a message at the bottom of the Skype screen inviting me to enter a UK landline number to make a free call. But this must either have been a limited-time promotion, or a few free calls to a new user. After making 3 free calls I can make no more (I have not subscribed to SkypeOut). So my amendment was wrong. If it is the case that new users get a few free SkypeOut calls, maybe somebody will amend the article accordingly? I don't have good information (and now realise that the invitation to make free calls was strictly limited). I haven't logged in for ages (was spending too much time on Wikipedia), so will sign with my permanent IP address. 213.208.107.91 (talk) 00:41, 20 February 2008 (UTC)

Why Estonia?
Why is this page part of WikiProject Estonia? Both the founders are Scandinavian and Estonia is only mentioned once in the whole article.


 * The prime development centre is base in Tallinn, Estonia. Martintg (talk) 22:43, 21 February 2008 (UTC)

Alternatives
In the alternatives section, I would like to see the company Mobivox (where I am an employee) mentioned. Currently there is no article on this Mobile VoIP company, though I have draft on my User:David.a.gelman/Mobivox Draft user page. Since Mobivox is a Skype competitor, it should be mentioned along with the other competitors. —Preceding comment was added at 14:14, 12 March 2008 (UTC) David.a.gelman (talk) 20:58, 13 March 2008 (UTC)