Linux users campaign after Microsoft 'neglects' Skype with a week of downtime

[Batu69]

Characteristic of a systematic decline, claim campaigners

 

HACKED OFF Linux users have started a campaign to get Microsoft to fix the Skype VoIP platform which they claim has been in decline for some time.

 

The open letter to Microsoft said: "It was a shitty move to not update the client for three years, which resulted in this, mostly. It was annoying that you ignored almost every tweet to @SkypeSupport about issues with Skype for Linux. But it is absolutely disgraceful that you dropped the Linux client BEFORE any alternatives are available and without telling your users."

 

The campaign invites people to tweet their support with the hashtag #thanksbill which, unless we're missing something, suggests that their frustration stems from 2008 when Bill Gates last held a full-time position at Microsoft.

 

The full tweet reads: "@SkypeSupport dropped support for Skype for Linux, we can no longer accept calls. Support us by sharing: http://nickforall.nl/skype/ #ThanksBill CLICK TO TWEET."

 

Problems with outgoing calls began on 22 February but the campaign organisers, 'Boltgolt' and 'NickforallNL', believe that it is indicative of a long-term decline for the Linux client.

 

"We do understand that Linux is a competitor of Microsoft's Windows. But we do not understand why this results in a lack of support for Skype," continued the letter.

"Linux is actively being used by power users who cannot or do not want to use Windows because of a lack of features, and now those ($kype for business and private purposes) are dropped by Skype."

 

Nothing could be further from the truth, on the other hand, for users of other Microsoft 'rivals', Android and iOS, who are seeing what we lovingly refer to as John Hurt chest burster apps as the company tries to become a cross-platform bundle of love and friendship.

 

So what's going on with Skype for Linux? We've asked Microsoft and the firm hasn't got back to us. Plus ça change.

 

Article source

[Pequi]

26 minutes ago, Batu69 said:

"Linux is actively being used by power users who cannot or do not want to use Windows because of a lack of features, and now those ($kype for business and private purposes) are dropped by Skype."

Real "Power Users" should be terrified of Skype.

 

http://www.itworld.com/article/2724048/cloud-computing/was-skype-reworked-by-microsoft-to-make-it-easier-to-wiretap-.html

 

Use a P2P end-user encrypted text messaging system. Something like pidgin with pidgin-encrypt or OTR.

[straycat19]

Quote

Use a P2P end-user encrypted text messaging system. Something like pidgin with pidgin-encrypt or OTR.

 

Do you realize how stupid that sounds?  Replace a system that allows voice and video with text.  If that was a viable option no one would be complaining.  Why don't we replace it with telepathy.  I just telepathed you a message, did you get it?  Oh your brain isn't working?

 

[Pequi]

1 hour ago, straycat19 said:

Quote

Use a P2P end-user encrypted text messaging system. Something like pidgin with pidgin-encrypt or OTR.

 

Do you realize how stupid that sounds?  Replace a system that allows voice and video with text.  If that was a viable option no one would be complaining.  Why don't we replace it with telepathy.  I just telepathed you a message, did you get it?  Oh your brain isn't working?

 

Me, stupid ?

Skype is encrypted at the server, so whoever owns the server owns the keys. OTR encrypts on the clients, both need to have the appropriate keys or the messages are just garbage. Which is why people still use Pidgin, Miranda and other OTR compatible clients for PRIVATE conversations.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Off-the-Record_Messaging

 

Microsoft Skype and Google Talk both keep your encryption keys, so they can they sell the conversations. There's a discount for "Mother in Laws discussing the weather", just in case you are interested. Auction starts in 2 hours, minimum bid is 10 cents for 20 hours recording. Sorry. No returns.

;)

[steven36]

1 hour ago, straycat19 said:

 

Do you realize how stupid that sounds?  Replace a system that allows voice and video with text.  If that was a viable option no one would be complaining.  Why don't we replace it with telepathy.  I just telepathed you a message, did you get it?  Oh your brain isn't working?

 

If you're on windows Microsoft has you're real ip and it links to Skype anyways unless you use a vpn behind you're router and never ever been online without it. I been using IM for years . I use to use voice and video that stuff has been around forever . But for the last 5 years i only use text if you want to talk to me in IM you're going have to text me . If you want hear my voice you can call me , if i know you or if you're a sexy lady you and i trust you after chatting with you awhile.. ill may give you my number

[VileTouch]

2 hours ago, straycat19 said:

 

Do you realize how stupid that sounds?  Replace a system that allows voice and video with text.  If that was a viable option no one would be complaining.  Why don't we replace it with telepathy.  I just telepathed you a message, did you get it?  Oh your brain isn't working?

 

but skype isn't the ONLY video conference software out there. in fact some are lightyears ahead of skype in performance, quality and features...just sayin'

[CODYQX4]

You could send GPG encrypted messages over any chat app you wanted, even Skype. It can be NSA rooted at the server level all it wants but if you pre-encrypt it won't matter. Kinda like putting encrypted files on Dropbox.

 

Use something that won't fold in a year, has a large userbase, but you can still secure your messages to those who would know how to decrypt them.

[steven36]

1 hour ago, VileTouch said:

but skype isn't the ONLY video conference software out there. in fact some are lightyears ahead of skype in performance, quality and features...just sayin'

What i was using back in the 1st decade of the 21st century  is better than Skype.

 

51 minutes ago, CODYQX4 said:

You could send GPG encrypted messages over any chat app you wanted,

Not true  if you fool around  some would ban you  from using there program for much less . I know how these chat programs work . Maybe it work for Skype but it want for all programs  if it breaks there toss you most likey would get banned , also on the chat i use i use encryption but only some have the one i do so its useless when i talk to people who dont . Same would be would be with GPG on Skype not hardly  any one would have it so it only would work for those that do.

[CODYQX4]

3 hours ago, steven36 said:

What i was using back in the 1st decade of the 21st century  is better than Skype.

 

Not true  if you fool around  some would ban you  from using there program for much less . I know how these chat programs work . Maybe it work for Skype but it want for all programs  if it breaks there toss you most likey would get banned , also on the chat i use i use encryption but only some have the one i do so its useless when i talk to people who dont . Same would be would be with GPG on Skype not hardly  any one would have it so it only would work for those that do.

Would they really ban 2 people (not a big service piggybacking off them) for GPG? Doubtful.

 

But then there's always sending cat pics around with GPG'd steganography images with messages inside.

 

My point is there seems to be dozens of services coming out of the woodwork promising secure chat, but they die as quickly as they rise. What do you expect? Their business models aren't making them enough money and most sheeple don't know or care enough to use such a service. Majority of US according to a poll is supporting FBI over Apple out of ignorance, but nobody who knows the implications seems to be supporting the FBI. We're talking about people who think Microsoft has a kill switch for the internet, after all.

[Ghazi]

Don't know much but many people are not that tech savvy. Also they want it easy. Many would say they don't have nothing to hide. So what will you do with this ignorance. They don't understand the implications of this

[steven36]

47 minutes ago, CODYQX4 said:

Would they really ban 2 people (not a big service piggybacking off them) for GPG? Doubtful.

 

Yes i knew a lot people ban from some of  the community driven ims  . but if the government dont win  were they have access to it .  the next thing will be they will ban it witch will put us back to like 2001 . Its a loss loss thing for people.