Skype for Windows - What is it?

I am running Win7 64bit and had some Optional Updates today. One of them was
"Skype for Windows". I did not update it and moved it to "Hidden" - what is
this program and is it necessary?

Thanks for any insights.
charliec

On Tue, 05 May 2015 18:55:12 +0000, Stormin' Norman wrote:

On Tue, 05 May 2015 11:51:08 -0700, wrote:

I am running Win7 64bit and had some Optional Updates today. One of them was
"Skype for Windows". I did not update it and moved it to "Hidden" - what is
this program and is it necessary?

Thanks for any insights.
charliec


http://www.skype.com/en/

Thanks - but that doesn't tell me much about whether it is necessary or not - or
whether I should upgrade/update it or not. Is it already installed on Win7
computers and this is an update to it?

On Tue, 05 May 2015 19:14:25 +0000, Stormin' Norman wrote:

On Tue, 05 May 2015 12:08:22 -0700, wrote:

On Tue, 05 May 2015 18:55:12 +0000, Stormin' Norman wrote:

On Tue, 05 May 2015 11:51:08 -0700, wrote:

I am running Win7 64bit and had some Optional Updates today. One of them was
"Skype for Windows". I did not update it and moved it to "Hidden" - what is
this program and is it necessary?

Thanks for any insights.
charliec


http://www.skype.com/en/

Thanks - but that doesn't tell me much about whether it is necessary or not - or
whether I should upgrade/update it or not. Is it already installed on Win7
computers and this is an update to it?

Sorry, I thought it was self-explanatory. If you do not currently use Skype,
you probably do not need it. Pushing it out via updates is simply Microsoft's
way of trying to increase the user base of Skype, which it acquired in 2011.

Thanks - I don't use it and as you probably guessed - I didn't know what it was

On 5/5/15 1:14 PM, Stormin' Norman wrote:
On Tue, 05 May 2015 12:08:22 -0700, wrote:

On Tue, 05 May 2015 18:55:12 +0000, Stormin' Norman wrote:

On Tue, 05 May 2015 11:51:08 -0700, wrote:

I am running Win7 64bit and had some Optional Updates today. One of them was
"Skype for Windows". I did not update it and moved it to "Hidden" - what is
this program and is it necessary?

Thanks for any insights.
charliec


http://www.skype.com/en/

Thanks - but that doesn't tell me much about whether it is necessary or not - or
whether I should upgrade/update it or not. Is it already installed on Win7
computers and this is an update to it?

Sorry, I thought it was self-explanatory. If you do not currently use Skype,
you probably do not need it. Pushing it out via updates is simply Microsoft's
way of trying to increase the user base of Skype, which it acquired in 2011.

To add to Norman's messages...

It's just another instant messaging program. It replaced MS Messenger,
and in reality doesn't do anything Yahoo Messenger didn't do long before
MS Messenger. One exception is screen sharing, where one user can see
the other user's screen. But if the reason for this is to help the
other user, Teamviewer is a better choice since the person that's being
asked can actually manipulate the questioner's computer.

There is or was an instant messaging program that claimed to be able to
communicate with any of the other programs out there, but I never tried it.

I would recommend Yahoo Messenger over Skype, as previous sessions are
stored locally on the user's computer but those conversations are stored
on MS's server's when using Skype.

Apple has Face Time, which I think does the same thing except you need
to have all Apple devices. I could be wrong big time here, as this is
only Apply equipment I own that can use Face Time.

Like all messaging services, how well it performs depends on the quality
of the participants internet connection. For file transfers, use
something like Dropbox, especially if you have a large group of files to
transfer, or even if a single file is large. Both computers must be on
w/ Skype running for file transfers to work. I think Yahoo Messenger
will cache the files if the receiving computer is turned off or the user
is logged off.

Both Skype and Yahoo Messenger offer the option of using making a phone
call using the program, but costs money. You can make phone calls from
your computer using Google Voice for free.

Do you "need" it? Not for Windows to operate. Just another product
where marketing wants you to think you need it. The truth is, you just
want it. LOL

Most, if not all, of these services I just mentioned are cross platform,
except for Face Time. A friend of mine has Win 7, I have Mac, and we
both have Android tablets. And we Skype using all them. We used to use
Yahoo Messenger, but she started having issues (probably OE) with Yahoo,
so we switched.


--
Ken
Mac OS X 10.8.5
Firefox 36.0.4
Thunderbird 31.5
"My brain is like lightning, a quick flash
and it's gone!"

charliec wrote:

I am running Win7 64bit and had some Optional Updates today. One of them was
"Skype for Windows". I did not update it and moved it to "Hidden" - what is
this program and is it necessary?

http://www.bing.com/search?q=microsoft%20skype
found
http://www.skype.com/en/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype

http://www.bing.com/search?q=skype%20tutorial
found lots of help articles or videos

Ken Springer wrote:

It's just another instant messaging program. It replaced MS Messenger,
and in reality doesn't do anything Yahoo Messenger didn't do long before
MS Messenger. One exception is screen sharing, where one user can see
the other user's screen.

I think you are quite confused here. Skype is used to see who/what is
sitting *in front of* the other user's computer. Skype is a videophone. If
you'd looked at the link Stormin' Norman posted, you'd know that.

But if the reason for this is to help the
other user, Teamviewer is a better choice since the person that's being
asked can actually manipulate the questioner's computer.

Yep, that is Teamviewer. Skype doesn't allow you to control the other
computer, only to see and converse with the operator of it.

--
-bts
-This space for rent, but the price is high

On 5/5/15 2:01 PM, Beauregard T. Shagnasty wrote:
Ken Springer wrote:

It's just another instant messaging program. It replaced MS Messenger,
and in reality doesn't do anything Yahoo Messenger didn't do long before
MS Messenger. One exception is screen sharing, where one user can see
the other user's screen.

I think you are quite confused here. Skype is used to see who/what is
sitting *in front of* the other user's computer. Skype is a videophone. If
you'd looked at the link Stormin' Norman posted, you'd know that.

Negative, kind sir. :-) You can video chat with Yahoo just like you
do in Skype. I did that with YM before I'd ever heard of Skype.

And Skype can be used in text only mode as well.

But if the reason for this is to help the
other user, Teamviewer is a better choice since the person that's being
asked can actually manipulate the questioner's computer.

Yep, that is Teamviewer. Skype doesn't allow you to control the other
computer, only to see and converse with the operator of it.



--
Ken
Mac OS X 10.8.5
Firefox 36.0.4
Thunderbird 31.5
"My brain is like lightning, a quick flash
and it's gone!"

Ken Springer wrote:

Beauregard T. Shagnasty wrote:
Ken Springer wrote:
It's just another instant messaging program. It replaced MS
Messenger, and in reality doesn't do anything Yahoo Messenger didn't
do long before MS Messenger. One exception is screen sharing, where
one user can see the other user's screen.

I think you are quite confused here. Skype is used to see who/what is
sitting *in front of* the other user's computer. Skype is a videophone.
If you'd looked at the link Stormin' Norman posted, you'd know that.

Negative, kind sir. :-) You can video chat with Yahoo just like you
do in Skype. I did that with YM before I'd ever heard of Skype.

You're evading the question. You said you can see the other user's
*screen*. No, you can't. You see the *user* via that person's webcam.

And Skype can be used in text only mode as well.

Well, sure, but that has nothing to do with the point I was making about
your mistake of saying that Skype worked like Teamviewer.

--
-bts
-This space for rent, but the price is high

On 5/5/15 2:39 PM, Beauregard T. Shagnasty wrote:
Ken Springer wrote:

Beauregard T. Shagnasty wrote:
Ken Springer wrote:
It's just another instant messaging program. It replaced MS
Messenger, and in reality doesn't do anything Yahoo Messenger didn't
do long before MS Messenger. One exception is screen sharing, where
one user can see the other user's screen.

I think you are quite confused here. Skype is used to see who/what is
sitting *in front of* the other user's computer. Skype is a videophone.
If you'd looked at the link Stormin' Norman posted, you'd know that.

Negative, kind sir. :-) You can video chat with Yahoo just like you
do in Skype. I did that with YM before I'd ever heard of Skype.

You're evading the question. You said you can see the other user's
*screen*. No, you can't. You see the *user* via that person's webcam.

I will plead guilty for being unclear, but not incorrect. Skype has
screen sharing, MS Messenger did not (well, maybe not, read on), Yahoo
Messenger (AFAIK) does not. YM may have added it, don't know. Skype
and YM both have video chat, I don't remember if MS Messenger did.
Rarely used it, but I do remember in XP that if you wanted someone to
help you, MS Messenger was required. Used it a couple of time, thought
the idea of being forced to use MS Messenger sucked.

And Skype can be used in text only mode as well.

Well, sure, but that has nothing to do with the point I was making about
your mistake of saying that Skype worked like Teamviewer.

I never said Skype worked like Teamviewer. If you hadn't clipped the
appropriate text, my message says "But if the reason for this is to help
the
other user, Teamviewer is a better choice since the person that's being
asked can actually manipulate the questioner's computer." This in no
way says Skype acts like Teamviewer. The message said Teamviewer is
superior to Skype for this purpose. FWIW, Teamviewer also has built in
chat abilities.




--
Ken
Mac OS X 10.8.5
Firefox 36.0.4
Thunderbird 31.5
"My brain is like lightning, a quick flash
and it's gone!"

Ken Springer wrote on 5/5/2015 4:16 PM:
On 5/5/15 2:01 PM, Beauregard T. Shagnasty wrote:
Ken Springer wrote:

It's just another instant messaging program. It replaced MS Messenger,
and in reality doesn't do anything Yahoo Messenger didn't do long before
MS Messenger. One exception is screen sharing, where one user can see
the other user's screen.

I think you are quite confused here. Skype is used to see who/what is
sitting *in front of* the other user's computer. Skype is a videophone. If
you'd looked at the link Stormin' Norman posted, you'd know that.

Negative, kind sir. :-) You can video chat with Yahoo just like you
do in Skype. I did that with YM before I'd ever heard of Skype.

Anyone who is a member of a Yahoo! Group would fear installing any
Yahoo!-provided software!!!

On Tue, 05 May 2015 19:14:25 +0000, Stormin' Norman wrote:

On Tue, 05 May 2015 12:08:22 -0700, wrote:

On Tue, 05 May 2015 18:55:12 +0000, Stormin' Norman
wrote:

On Tue, 05 May 2015 11:51:08 -0700, wrote:

I am running Win7 64bit and had some Optional Updates today. One of
them was "Skype for Windows". I did not update it and moved it to
"Hidden" - what is this program and is it necessary?

Thanks for any insights.
charliec


http://www.skype.com/en/

Thanks - but that doesn't tell me much about whether it is necessary or
not - or whether I should upgrade/update it or not. Is it already
installed on Win7 computers and this is an update to it?

Sorry, I thought it was self-explanatory. If you do not currently use
Skype, you probably do not need it. Pushing it out via updates is
simply Microsoft's way of trying to increase the user base of Skype,
which it acquired in 2011.

I was puzzled by this one too. I have Skype installed on my laptop but
not on my desktop PC. I was being offered the update for both machines.

On Tue, 05 May 2015 16:28:47 -0500, John Aldred wrote:

On Tue, 05 May 2015 19:14:25 +0000, Stormin' Norman wrote:

On Tue, 05 May 2015 12:08:22 -0700, wrote:

On Tue, 05 May 2015 18:55:12 +0000, Stormin' Norman
wrote:

On Tue, 05 May 2015 11:51:08 -0700, wrote:

I am running Win7 64bit and had some Optional Updates today. One of
them was "Skype for Windows". I did not update it and moved it to
"Hidden" - what is this program and is it necessary?

Thanks for any insights.
charliec


http://www.skype.com/en/

Thanks - but that doesn't tell me much about whether it is necessary or
not - or whether I should upgrade/update it or not. Is it already
installed on Win7 computers and this is an update to it?

Sorry, I thought it was self-explanatory. If you do not currently use
Skype, you probably do not need it. Pushing it out via updates is
simply Microsoft's way of trying to increase the user base of Skype,
which it acquired in 2011.

I was puzzled by this one too. I have Skype installed on my laptop but
not on my desktop PC. I was being offered the update for both machines.

If you update, does it automatically run at startup or is it just a program that
is available if you want to use it and then shut it off?

On 5/5/15 3:36 PM, wrote:
On Tue, 05 May 2015 16:28:47 -0500, John Aldred wrote:

On Tue, 05 May 2015 19:14:25 +0000, Stormin' Norman wrote:

On Tue, 05 May 2015 12:08:22 -0700, wrote:

On Tue, 05 May 2015 18:55:12 +0000, Stormin' Norman
wrote:

On Tue, 05 May 2015 11:51:08 -0700, wrote:

I am running Win7 64bit and had some Optional Updates today. One of
them was "Skype for Windows". I did not update it and moved it to
"Hidden" - what is this program and is it necessary?

Thanks for any insights.
charliec


http://www.skype.com/en/

Thanks - but that doesn't tell me much about whether it is necessary or
not - or whether I should upgrade/update it or not. Is it already
installed on Win7 computers and this is an update to it?

Sorry, I thought it was self-explanatory. If you do not currently use
Skype, you probably do not need it. Pushing it out via updates is
simply Microsoft's way of trying to increase the user base of Skype,
which it acquired in 2011.

I was puzzled by this one too. I have Skype installed on my laptop but
not on my desktop PC. I was being offered the update for both machines.

If you update, does it automatically run at startup or is it just a program that
is available if you want to use it and then shut it off?

Stand alone program you can shut down, and only runs at start up if you
configure it to do so.



--
Ken
Mac OS X 10.8.5
Firefox 36.0.4
Thunderbird 31.5
"My brain is like lightning, a quick flash
and it's gone!"

On 05/05/2015 20:53:24, Ken Springer wrote:
On 5/5/15 1:14 PM, Stormin' Norman wrote:
On Tue, 05 May 2015 12:08:22 -0700, wrote:

On Tue, 05 May 2015 18:55:12 +0000, Stormin' Norman
wrote:

On Tue, 05 May 2015 11:51:08 -0700, wrote:

I am running Win7 64bit and had some Optional Updates today. One of
them was
"Skype for Windows". I did not update it and moved it to "Hidden" -
what is
this program and is it necessary?

Thanks for any insights.
charliec

http://www.skype.com/en/

Thanks - but that doesn't tell me much about whether it is necessary or
not - or
whether I should upgrade/update it or not. Is it already installed on
Win7
computers and this is an update to it?

Sorry, I thought it was self-explanatory. If you do not currently use
Skype,
you probably do not need it. Pushing it out via updates is simply
Microsoft's
way of trying to increase the user base of Skype, which it acquired in
2011.

To add to Norman's messages...

Apple has Face Time, which I think does the same thing except you need to
have all Apple devices. I could be wrong big time here, as this is only
Apply equipment I own that can use Face Time.

You are correct, Apple to Apple, not third party.

--
mick

On 05/05/2015 22:54, mick wrote:
On 05/05/2015 20:53:24, Ken Springer wrote:
On 5/5/15 1:14 PM, Stormin' Norman wrote:
On Tue, 05 May 2015 12:08:22 -0700, wrote:

On Tue, 05 May 2015 18:55:12 +0000, Stormin' Norman
wrote:

On Tue, 05 May 2015 11:51:08 -0700, wrote:

I am running Win7 64bit and had some Optional Updates today. One
of them was
"Skype for Windows". I did not update it and moved it to "Hidden"
- what is
this program and is it necessary?

Thanks for any insights.
charliec

http://www.skype.com/en/

Thanks - but that doesn't tell me much about whether it is necessary
or not - or
whether I should upgrade/update it or not. Is it already installed
on Win7
computers and this is an update to it?

Sorry, I thought it was self-explanatory. If you do not currently
use Skype,
you probably do not need it. Pushing it out via updates is simply
Microsoft's
way of trying to increase the user base of Skype, which it acquired
in 2011.

To add to Norman's messages...

Apple has Face Time, which I think does the same thing except you need
to have all Apple devices. I could be wrong big time here, as this is
only Apply equipment I own that can use Face Time.

You are correct, Apple to Apple, not third party.


I use Skype on my iMac and iPad - very good it is too! ;-)

Just sayin'!

--
David B.