Video Internet Calls

edhvoice

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I understand that Skype is a prohibited application. Does anyone know what video internet telephone software is permitted? Thanks
 
Really? Skype is banned? That sucks...Try ooVoo or MSN Messenger, both have very good video/audio conferencing. If you got money, there is always the Cisico network...
 
You can use anything that isn't peer to peer. Things like MSN, yahoo, AOL, AIM, etc are allowed.

No Skype, torrent, limewire, etc.
 
NOOOOOOOO LIMEWIRE?!?!?! Damn that sucks, and no torrents damn...Makes sense though, no illegal activities and such...
 
The issue is that Skype allows users to transfer files from one user to another ("Peer to Peer"). Peer to peer transfers are frequently used to pirate music, software, etc. and I assume thats why they are prohibited at USMA. However the way skype works it would be kinda hard to use it to pirate anything. :scratch:
 
Interesting that Skype isn't allowed. It's the one program they like us to use on deployment because it is supposedly more "secure" than the other programs out there.
 
The issue is that Skype allows users to transfer files from one user to another ("Peer to Peer"). Peer to peer transfers are frequently used to pirate music, software, etc. and I assume thats why they are prohibited at USMA. However the way skype works it would be kinda hard to use it to pirate anything. :scratch:

You can send files on MSN, AIM and YIM as well though....
 
The issue is that Skype allows users to transfer files from one user to another ("Peer to Peer"). Peer to peer transfers are frequently used to pirate music, software, etc. and I assume thats why they are prohibited at USMA. However the way skype works it would be kinda hard to use it to pirate anything. :scratch:

It isn't only because of pirated material. It is also because you are on a government computer on a government network and they have restricted the use of programs that they feel would compromise their security.

Yeah, that doesnt make sense why not allow skyoe then

Well...

"Well, I don't think I do anything on my part for Skype. I just make calls to my friends and family". Well, you might be wrong. Skype uses the chic concept of super nodes. These are some "special" nodes/computers on the internet to which people can connect to in common to talk to each other(supposing they are not able to make direct connections to each other). You are probably a user who falls into this category if you use a wireless/wired broadband router at home. If you are the person who is geeky enough to do port forwarding on it, here is some bad news, you are being used as a super node!

So what if I am a super node? Well, people connect to you and use your bandwidth so that they can talk to their loved ones. Firewall..... not a solution. Skype takes the privilege of disabling the Windows firewall to allow itself to use your internet bandwidth. Some of my friends have reported seeing their bandwidth being eaten up even when they are not around the computer.

As you can see, skype is a security risk as someone could use it to access your computer and network. It isn't just about optional files being voluntarily sent through.
 
Thank you. It looks like MSN Messenger will fit the bill. There are buckets full of websites from Google that discuss downloading, intalling and tuning MSN Messenger video conferencing. Thank you for the suggestion.
 
Novel idea here....why not pick up the land line phone sitting next to you on your desk, and talk with free long distance to your family? :shake:
 
While that is the most common option. The video chat has its place too. Recently had a family Bday party, we were able to include cadet for part of it by using the video chat. He could interact with everyone there. The Grandparents seemed to appreciate it the most!
 
Actually, I believe that long distance phone calls are charged to the cadets account. I found this on page 20 of the "West Point: Information for New Parents and Parents, Class of 2013" guide. I would believe the policy would be similar for the Class of 2014. I think I've seen it elsewhere, too, but don't recall where.

"During the academic year, parents can reach the cadet directly by calling his or her personal telephone number. Every cadet has his or her own assigned telephone number
and telephone. During the first part of the academic year, each member of the plebe class will be issued a telephone, a personal identification number, and a corresponding phone number, and will be briefed and instructed extensively on the use of the phones and the system. Cadets are charged for any long-distance calls."
 
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