You can use anything that isn't peer to peer. Things like MSN, yahoo, AOL, AIM, etc are allowed.
No Skype, torrent, limewire, etc.
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.
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.
Yeah, that doesnt make sense why not allow skyoe then
"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.
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?
You get a landline phone free??
Yes, cadets have *free* long distance from their room phones.
As long as you want? And when they mean long distance do they mean nationwide or worldwide?