Skype

[Drisgirl]

I know that when my son was in Japan he phoned me using this as it was a cheap way to communicate.

However -I am unsure how this works.I have googled but it makes no sense -it it merely a 'tool' for voice calls using an internet set-up or could it be used for other means?

I sound vague- as I am vaque about it lol

[Ethel]

I use Skype all the time as I don't have a land line.

You can download it free, and use it as an Instant Messenger (like MSN);
Call other people on Skype and have voice and / or web chats with them;
Pay to call landlines all over the world cheaply;
Buy a SkypeIn number so landlines can call you.
Register your mobile phone and send text message via your pc keyboard (5p each)

You can use it with a cheap headset; a usb 'telephone'; a phone that looks and behaves like a normal handset wirelessly with your router; or on a mobile phone.

Download it and have a look

[B00]

I love Skype, use it nightly to play my online game.

[Drisgirl]

Thanks for that Ethel -I had no idea that it was capable of so many things.

Hypothetically -can this also be abused in that 'someone' could 'ask' someone else to be 'added' on as a friend?

I had no idea it could be used as a MSN type thing.

I hope you can see where i'm coming from here -i'm not sure but it looks like it can be open to some form of abuse -would I be correct in thinking that?

[BertiWooster]

.

[Ethel]

Well, people can only be added if you allow them to be, but I suppose I could get a user name like 'drisgirl' and pretend to be you.

It is very very easy to block people from either phoning you or IMing you

[Drisgirl]

Thank you Ethel-that has answered my question.

Looks like cloning isnt just unique to AB.

No great surprise that I thought it could only be used for cheap phone calls -duped again.*sigh*

[Drisgirl]

Im sorry BOO -that looked like I was ignoring you then but your answer wasnt there when I was replying -strange or maybe just because im a slow typer :)

Will have a look at it tho cos it does seem interesting.

Thanks ladies.