SEPTEMBER MEETING

VOIP September 2005:
The use of VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) has started to grow in the nerd and business sector. Nerds are talking world wide to each other free using their internet connection. It grants some degree of privacy that is not available using IM (Instant Messaging). Businessmen are using their laptops on flights offering internet connection to phone around the world while in the air. The most important feature for people on the go is the ability to transfer files and data from computer to computers. They can connect to both computer users and regular phones, (paid version). The technology is not perfect, but it does work and sometimes there is no other way.
There is a free version available for computer to computer usage called SKYPE.. It is a free download and gets high marks for quality from several sources, there some question about potential spyware that have not been verified. Skype claims they are using the free computer to computer service to build a customer base for computer to regular phone, that has charges.
Skype requires that you download software, register and supply a phone number and an address. They claim that this information is private the same as AOL and other ISP services. Once registered you can add computer users to your phonebook. Computers users must also register and download software.
They have a very clear demo at their site www.skype.com . If you are interested in this type of service it is worth checking it out.
Skype opens a window like IM that shows your phonebook and which users are online. It also list the regular phone friends in the paid version. You click on a friend and try to connect. The program checks for audio quality and places the call. Once connected it can be used to talk and transfer files to your (computer) friend. The paid version allows only conversion to phone friends. Whether the security is better then IM is based on fewer users and Skype having better control of users with their software.