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SkypeThis page contains these sections: Table of contentsAdvantages
Disadvantages
Dangers of installing SkypeSome institutions perfer their staff NOT to install Skype. Generally this is because they fear that Skype will hijack backwidth and processing power from the computer. If you read the fine print of the Skype EndUser Agreement you will see the scary looking clause.Article 4 Utilization of Your computer 4.1 Utilization of Your computer. You hereby acknowledge that the Skype Software may utilize the processor and bandwidth of the computer (or other applicable device) You are utilizing, for the limited purpose of facilitating the communication between Skype Software users. 4.2 Protection of Your computer (resources). You understand that the Skype Software will use its commercially reasonable efforts to protect the privacy and integrity of the computer resources (or other applicable device) You are utilizing and of Your communication, however, You acknowledge and agree that Skype cannot give any warranties in this respect. The Skype FAQ says "On average Skype uses 0-0.5 kilobytes/sec while idle. This is used mainly for contact presence updates. The exact bandwidth depends on many factors." My expereince has been that Skype uses aobut .2 kilobytes/sec while idle and I am happy to pay for this bandwidth in return for the money that Skype has saved me and the fact that I know when my contacts are online. By way of comparison a 56K will trasmit approximately 6 kilobytes/sec i.e. Skype would be using less than 5% of my bandwidth when idle. If you have specific information about the dangers of using Skype please enter them here so we are all beter informed.
Installing SkypeIf you have any concerns you should contact your sites computer administrator.
Different ways of using Skype callsYou can use Skype in many different ways. We will generally use it to make 1 to 1 calls between individuals and 1. Skype call to another individual (either computer or phone)2. Using Skypecast based conference call for larger groups (4 or more)https://Skypecast.skype.com/skypecasts/ A Skypecast allows the organiser to book time on a Skype server and then distribute a URL which participants can use to join the Skypecast. This should mean that the voice quality should not degrade with more people in the session. Throughout the Skypecast you may be asked to type in the skype text chat window. To join a Skypecast that I have organised go to http://skypecasts.skype.com and login and then search for "evans-pj". You will then see future skypecasts that I have scheduled. Depending on the teaching I am doing on that week there may not be a scheduled class. I have added a "default" on so you know that you have my name right.When the session is active you can click JOIN SKYPECAST and I generally open the room 15 or 30 minutes before the start of the session to allow people to connect and chat with their colleagues. If you are having difficulty connecting to skycasts.skype.com and finding the link to join the Skypecast you should start a Skype text chat with me and I will bring you into the main text chat with other participants. We will be able to provide you with additional information via this Skype text chat window. Depending on the quality of your connection you may be restricted to listening to the chat and responding in text. Sound quality on Skypecast is noticeable better than on a Skype conference call (Penny) 3. Skype conference call up to 5 people (smaller groups)(We will generally not use this method of making Skype conference calls).The meeting organiser can connect up to 4 other people but this requires the meeting organiser to have very good connectivity to the internet (in effect they are making 4 concurrent person to person calls). 4. Using Highspeedconferencing.com 500 person conference and Skype very large groups)(We will generally not use this method of making Skype conference calls).Free Skype conferencing is now available http://www.highspeedconferencing.com/ and you can use this to arrange conferences on the fly or book a permanent conference room. I have booked a permanent conference room (room 5579302) for knowledgeGarden conferences.You connect to this room by entering +99008275579302 (including the +) into the dial line in Skype (just above the red and green buttons). You can also add it as a Skype contacts so you don't need to remember it. To do this click:
You should now be able to dial the contact and hear that you are the only one in the room and then hear some music. You can also connect to this conference room by dialling either US or European phone numbers (phone charges will apply).
Once connected you should be able to use the Skype dial pad to:
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