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Domain: skype.com
Stories and comments across the archive that link to skype.com.
Comments · 509
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Re:speakfreely relay server meets bitorrent
been done, it's called Skype
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Re:P2P as we know it
Here's a link to Skype, the P2P VOIP application mentioned earlier. It's been developed by the folks who brought us KaZaA.
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Other killer uses for P2P
P2P can be used for more than just filesharing, too. check out skype - VoIP over P2P from the fellas who brought us all Kazaa... i am trying the beta now and talking clearly to friends across the globe....
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Re:Save this EULA !
It's not in the EULA, its in the website "legal notice".
However, a strict reading would still mean that the software ("All materials published by Skype on this Site (including, but not limited to Skype Software,....") is subject to this idiotic clause which is clearly supposed to stop you from stealing their content and putting it on your own website. -
Re:What about spyware?
I haven't tried skype out yet, but on the download page it has a big sign saying "no spyware/adware".
There's no telling if it will contain adware/spyware in future versions though. -
Two questions, and a suggestion for an alternativeQuotes relating to the two questions here are from the Skype help FAQ.
Q1. key exchange?
What type of encryption is used?
Skype uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), which is also used by U.S. Government organizations to protect sensitive, information. Skype uses 256-bit encryption, which has a total of 1.1 x 1077 possible keys, in order to actively encrypt the data in each Skype call or instant message.
And the key exchange is handled by... ? AES is a symmetric cypher, so there has to be some kind of key exchange. I'd like to know what that mechanism is, or if there's just one key and they can listen in on anything. After all, who'd need spy-ware if the whole thing was insecure by design? Oh, and if they've reinvented a bunch of cryptologic libraries, look out - there will most likely be fresh exploits to be had.
Q2. Why the lock-in?
Which protocols does Skype use?
Skype uses a proprietary protocol which we have developed. We looked at many available protocols when designing Skype and none were good enough for us. We hope you agree!
Okay, so they're trying to make a buck or two here eventually, but touting a proprietary protocol as being a good thing is usually not a good sign. People buy Microsoft Office though, so I guess it's not that big a deal for the average person.
Suggestion. Would someone (or some group) restart development on Speak Freely?
Okay, so this is a bit of a sidetrack, but it's a valid point. There is a large body of tested code available for doing most of this kind of thing, and it's called Speak Freely. However, on the downside, John Walker (Mr. AutoCad to you) has decided to cease development, as of August 1 2003 (yes, that's in the past). All the code is at SourceForge, (both Unix and Windows) so you can go wild with it.
Something to think about. -
No SpywareFrom the FAQ:
Does Skype contain any advertising or Spyware?
No. -
Re:Bandwidth?
I'd submit this as a story, but my stories always get rejected. The people behind Kazaa have made Skype which is peer to peer routing, with end-to-end encryption, and it works through a NAT. I encourage everyone to check this out.
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Irrelevant indeed: