VOIP

[securespark]

Hi guys

Not sure if this should be in Hard or Software.

My eldest has gone over the pond to take part in a lacrosse tour. The host family has Skype.

We have no such system, but would like to be able to talk to them frequently and cheaply.

What is the best system to set up that would be compatible and also of reasonable cost, bearing in mind that we will only need this system for the next couple of years?

Thanks.

 

[Monkeh]

Install Skype. It's free.

 

[securespark]

Heard a few stories about Skype: how it's a P2P network and relys on idiots who don't have firewalls set up. Is that correct?

 

[Monkeh]

Heard a few stories about Skype: how it's a P2P network and relys on idiots who don't have firewalls set up. Is that correct?

Gross exaggeration and FUD.

Yes, it's a P2P system, no, it doesn't rely on people having insecure setups to work. It's been around a long while now, only recently have people started going 'OH GOD P2P!!!' purely because the term P2P has made it into the news with a negative slant.

 

[securespark]

Thanks again Monkeh.

I've set up Skype & made a call to the US: seen and spoken to my lad who played his first game of lacrosse over there this am- they lost 11:4, but what the heck!

Tell you what though - DIYnot should start allowing nominations for Golden Thanks - you've earned one from me over the years.

Cheers.

 

[joinerjohn]

Glad you've been able to install Skype and talk with your lad. I never used to bother with Skype until my dad got it on his computer. Now it's easy to chat for hours without worrying about the cost of phone calls. Plus there's video too (even if he does talk bo****ks at times)

 

[^woody^]

Have a look at Google+.

You can talk, instant message or video chat with 10 people in a "Hangout". Works on mobiles too