To Skype Or Not To Skype

[seacue]

I'm being pushed to install Skype on a computer I maintain at the main office of a small non-profit organization.

I've read the Wikipedia discussion and Skype's own site.

I don't like the idea of it bypassing the WinXP firewall and the fact that Skype may use one's computer as a forwarding node as a background task - which also would consume some of our DSL bandwidth.

We already use a cut-price long-distance telephone service.

Any comments?

Thanks,

seacue

[Saab Dastard]

CQ,

Raise your concerns with whoever is putting the pressure on to install it.

As I understand it, installing Skype and occasionally using it to make calls then disabling it does not compromise security or consume resources. However it does rely on users remembering to exit it.

It's a bit like using a modem - you are invulnerable as long as you haven't switched it on! But forgetting to switch it off (or even worse leaving it connected) can be a security issue, as people can dial in to it.

2p

[BRL]

Saab, check your email!!!