I've just been put on to this: Skype.
I thought quite a few people here could make good use of it. You need headphones and a microphone and then you can talk free over the net. You can even conference call with up to 4 people. The quality is exceptional. Its also free.
Nah, Kieran, that won't work.
I have suggested several times that Paltalk ( //www.paltalk.com ) would be great for a DPC chatroom, but nobody was interested.
Paltalk lets you open "rooms" where you can speak AND type - as many people as you like to type in the room for all to read, taking turns on the mic (but everyone can hear).
Free membership, too. Would be so good *sigh*
This is what I've been using for years to do the same thing very elegantly and cost-free.
I would love to use my iChat AV, but, of course, I am the VERY intelligent one, and no one else I know uses Macs.
So zueszen, have you ever seen a workaround for this. ie: others that just have a webcam. I tried and looked at some other software (on trial), that wasn't very impressive and expensive for the occ use.
Wonder if Tiger is going to integrate that into iChat and not have to have another program. Me go look.
whats funny a guy I worked with years ago went to work for a startup company doing Voice over IP, he actually was actually working on it using company resourves for about 6 months before anyone caugt on. He got let go because of this and went to work for that company full time, but they went under because at the time broadband in homes was still new and no one really saw the full potential of VOIP.
He asked me if he could use my PC as the 713 and 281 area code hub for this since I had fast DSL speeds (pre-cabe modem in Houston). I said NO because I just didnt want him hacking around in my PC when ever he wanted
This is what I've been using for years to do the same thing very elegantly and cost-free.
I would love to use my iChat AV, but, of course, I am the VERY intelligent one, and no one else I know uses Macs.
So zueszen, have you ever seen a workaround for this. ie: others that just have a webcam. I tried and looked at some other software (on trial), that wasn't very impressive and expensive for the occ use.
Wonder if Tiger is going to integrate that into iChat and not have to have another program. Me go look.
I have to admit, most of the people I talk with have Macs. I can, however, conduct long distance calls (i.e. to Europe) with AOL users with beautiful sound and without spending a penny.
I just signed up for Skype recently. Though I have not used it, I like the idea of being able to "dial out" and calls to any telephone number for 1.9¢/min. It's a nice backup for someone like me who does not have a landline phone.
I have been a user of paltalk for a few years now, I do honestly believe it would be a fantastic vehicle for the members of DPC.
Individuals could open "Rooms" at their leisure and have these either open to everyone, or have rooms where they invite only their close friends. Individuals can communicate via written text in the room or take turns using the microphone.
Should anyone be interested, I am positive that either Beetle or myself would be quite prepared to provide any assistance needed to get individuals and/or groups started.
I have not signed up with any Voice over INTERNET because I don't want any other software to take control of some of my computer hardware and bandwidth. I may be paranoid and don't want to give up some of my computer speed. The following was taken from "Skype" End user license.
Article 4. Permission to Utilize
4.1 Permission to utilize Your computer. In order to receive the benefits provided by the Skype Software, you hereby grant permission for the Skype Software to utilize the processor and bandwidth of Your computer for the limited purpose of facilitating the communication between You and other 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 Your computer resources and Your communication, however, You acknowledge and agree that Skype cannot give any warranties in this respect.
I don't know if its that big a deal. Doesn't every program you use make use of the processor. The agreement says "utilize" not "control". As for bandwidth the same thing applies. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong :)
Originally posted by SDW65:
I have not signed up with any Voice over INTERNET because I don't want any other software to take control of some of my computer hardware and bandwidth. I may be paranoid and don't want to give up some of my computer speed. The following was taken from "Skype" End user license.
Article 4. Permission to Utilize
4.1 Permission to utilize Your computer. In order to receive the benefits provided by the Skype Software, you hereby grant permission for the Skype Software to utilize the processor and bandwidth of Your computer for the limited purpose of facilitating the communication between You and other 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 Your computer resources and Your communication, however, You acknowledge and agree that Skype cannot give any warranties in this respect.
