What's up everyone?
I did a little research on Skype and how it works since no one really knew for sure. I compiled a list of things I thought were important to know if it's something we want to try to implement. Also, Skype is closed source, so if we want to try to use it, we'd have to get permission. Happy reading!
Heather
Skype information
• Skype is a peer-to-peer program, so that would mean the for Better Letter to work, the user and the news organization or public figure would also have to download the program.
• How it works:
o Download the free version
o Choose a Skype name
o Find contacts by name, e-mail address, location, etc.
• “Skype allows for users to call other users from their computer and communicate via microphone, as well as call and be called from regular phones. The Skype communications system is notable for its broad range of features, including instant messaging, file transfer, short message service, voice and video conferencing, its ability to use peer to peer (decentralized) technology to overcome common firewall and NAT (Network address translation) problems, its use of transparent, strong encryption and its extreme[2] countermeasures against reverse engineering of the software or protocol.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype).
• Authenticity of user:
o “Skype provides an uncontrolled registration system for users: registration requires no proof (by means of state-issued ID card) of the identity of the user. This works two ways: you can use the system safely without revealing your real-life identity to other users of the system, but on the other hand you have no guarantees that the person you communicate with is the one they say they are in real life. The downside of this is that it is easy to use the personal name (but not identity) of a trusted person as a Skype nickname and trick a naive user into revealing information or executing a program sent to them.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype).
• Voicemail:
o Skype voicemail can be purchased on their website
o If you are logged into Skype and are online calls will be forwarded to the phone number or Skype if you do not answer the call within the number of seconds you have specified. If you have voicemail and have checked "Send unanswered calls to Skype Voice”
o You can leave a message with a friend even if he/she isn’t online.
o More Skype Voicemail related FAQs at: http://support.skype.com/index.php
• Other options:
o Video calling, conference calling, dial land lines or mobile phones for $.02 per minute (lots cheaper), global user directory (28 or so languages), call forward, instant message (same as chat), file transfer and call logs (you can save conversations!).
• Additional features:
o Skypecasts
o Public forums – like a community chat room for online phones
o Forums – a place for users to voice concerns/complaints/compliments
• For more information:
o http://www.skype.com/helloagain.html