SKYPE peer-to-peer telephone calls

mc21repsol · 2004/02/01

SKYPE peer-to-peer telephone calls...

Hi everyone!

Does anyone have information on Skype?

It's peer-to-peer VoIP software from the makers of Kazaa, but we all know the problems that can be associated with that name!

Have a look at the Skype website to see what you make of it.

Andy.

PS. Hope it's OK to post the Skype Site?

Daizy · 2004/02/01

I've been using Skype to talk with an online friend in Denmark for several months now. Love it greatly!

mc21repsol · 2004/02/01

Thanks for the reply Daizy,

I'm just a little concerned about the programmers integrity, after all, Kazaa hardy has the best reputation out there!

I will wait and see, just for the time being.

Andy.

Daizy · 2004/02/01

What exactly are you looking for Andy? You seem a little vague?
It's not got spyware...if that's what you mean?

Daizy · 2004/02/01

Going to bump this once more and post this from their site:

Privacy Questions

Does Skype contain any advertising or Spyware?
No.

Can I get a trojan or virus from using Skype?
With Skype, one can only transmit encoded voice traffic and text messages. There are no worms or viruses that can be spread through this communication since there is no executable code transmitted. One cannot use Skype to share or transmit files and therefore there is no risk of opening up your computer or being infected by viruses.

How can I block unwanted callers?
You can force Skype to only allow calls from people in your friends list. Select "Options" from the file menu and then navigate to the "privacy" tab. Check the box next to the option "only allow calls from people in my friends list" and then save the changes.

Which fields in my profile are public?
Everything you write in your public profile is viewable by other Skype users except for the e-mail field. Your e-mail address is encrypted prior to sending it to the network so nobody will be able to see it when they search for Friends. However, others can still look you up in the directory if they already know your full e-mail address when they search for Friends.

How can I delete my public profile?
Your profile record (except the username!) is not stored permanently. Your profile will automatically expire and will be deleted from the user directory in approximately 72 hours after youâ€™ve last used skype.

Is Skype secure?
Yes. When you call another Skype user your call is encrypted with strong encryption algorithms ensuring you privacy. In some cases your Skype communication may be routed via other users in the peer-to-peer network. Skype encryption protects you from potential eavesdropping from malicious users.

Why are Skype calls encrypted?
Skype is encrypted end-to-end because it uses the public Internet to transport your voice calls and text messages and sometimes these calls are routed through other peers. Skype encryption ensures that no other party can eavesdrop on your call or read your instant messages.

What type of encryption is used?
Skype uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) "“ also known as Rijndel "“ which is also used by U.S. Government organizations to protect sensitive, information. Skype uses 256-bit encryption, which has a total of 1.1 x 1077 possible keys, in order to actively encrypt the data in each Skype call or instant message. Skype uses 1536 to 2048 bit RSA to negotiate symmetric AES keys. User public keys are certified by Skype server at login.

How does Skype ensure that the user records (stored in p2p) cannot be tampered?
All profile data in the public directory is digitally signed.
Click to expand...

mc21repsol · 2004/02/02

I am just a little cautious about any "hidden" features within the software, like spyware, adware etc.

I find it a little difficult to believe that anything by the authors of Kazaa will be "clean" software, and was simply interested to hear from anyone who'd already used/is using it. I can't seem to find any dissatisfied users, but then again, I can't find many users full stop!

Thank you for your replies.

Andy.

Daizy · 2004/02/02

Well, Andy, it seems that there's nothing I can post to convince you either. So perhaps try their forums?

mc21repsol · 2004/02/02

No, not at all!

I sincerely thank you for taking the time to answer my question!

You usually tend to find people are extremely vocal if they have been bitten by a certain vendor or application, and as I cannot find anyone who's convinced me otherwise, I will give SKYPE a go.

I will run it on my secondry XP Pro OS, and if it works out, I'll put it on my primary system.

Thanks for your time.

Andy.

Daizy · 2004/02/02

You're most welcome mc21repsol. Happy to help.

bic253 · 2004/02/06

KaZaA didn't get full of spyware and adware until the original inventors sold it. That's why you get KaZaA Lite. The inventors of Skype have no spyware or adware installed in Skype. If they sell Skype, then hopefully someone will do Skype Lite.

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