Skype vs FaceTime

[kimmer]

I have a family that wants to video chat. They suggested Skype so they can use their win laptop, rather then FaceTime on the small screen of their iPhone. Anyone here use Skype? Does it install a bunch of bloatware on my old iMac? Will I wind up with a bunch of spam email from setting up an acct? Any major privacy issues? Any other thoughts?

iMac: 27-inch, mid 2011; running 10.13.6

[Paddy]

Kimmer, I haven't used it in eons, as everyone I need to chat with via video chat has a Mac or an iPhone or an iPad. But...found this: https://www.cleverfiles.com/howto/stop-using-skype-mac.html

I do know that WhatsApp is phenomenally popular everywhere else in the world (not as popular in Canada and the US) and works well. We use it for texting when in the Bahamas - haven't used it for video chats, but I know my friends there do.

[kimmer]

Thanks, Paddy. I read that article after I posted this thread, and the first thing I saw was issues with skype and HS. I told the "kids" that it was either FT and they could suffer using their small screen, or we simply talk on the phone. I see no point in installing a program to use once in a blue moon. Call me stubborn.

[Highmac]

I used Skype long ago, but dumped it when it became so patchy I couldn't get a conversation with my brother 40 miles away. I use FT for chatting to my son's family and it's generally reliable.


However, after reading this thread I went on to a UK site, where one of the admins posted a warning about using a video-calling app called Zoom. He provided a link to this report - https://daringfireball.net/2020/03/regarding_zoom


His own message:

If you have to use this app, read this BEFORE installing the Mac app. And then DON’T install it.

From the article:

Zoom called this hidden unremovable-through-normal-means web server a feature, not a bug. The bug was so insidious that Apple had to push a silent MacOS update to remove Zoom’s hidden web servers.

[Xairbusdriver]

I'll just bring to your attention that Facebook owns Whatsapp. Consider what that means as far as tracking, selling your data and security. It shows easily by searching for "Whatsapp" + "problems", even though I didn't break it down between Android and Apple. My wife used Skype many years ago. BTW, I believe it is owned by Microsoft, but that may mean it words better for folks using Windows. My wife now uses FT since she mostly talks/faces(?!) her Sister who also has an iPhone/MacAir.

[kimmer]

Neil, thanks for the info all the way around.

Regarding Zoom, my church admin council was considering using this so we could have a meeting as we're a mix of win and Mac's. I researched and discovered a bucketload of stuff that concerned me enough to tell them to count me out, which is problematic since I'm the secretary.   The person pushing zoom then researched and came back and said, "Hey, this isn't safe." Thus taking all the credit.     Doesn't matter what group it is, there's always one. Har har

I knew about FB owning Whatsapp, and thankfully, they haven't suggested using it.

Yes, skype is owned by microsoft.

I'm sticking with small screen on your iphone or just call me on the telephone/cell. Personally, it matters not to me. A text works just as well.

[Xairbusdriver]

Apparently Apple pushed out some code, probably in some Security update, that corrected one of Zoom's worst "features". So it's not as 'filthy' as it was, but once burned by some one, I tend to stay away from them if possible. Zoom was installing their own web server (not a browser, but a server) that was none too secure. I'm not sure what, if anything Microsoft/Facebook/Android did to fix that. But Apple took action that helps our security, at least with that problem. Of course, they would rather everyone use FaceTime... so there is still the monetary incentive on Apple's part.

Some how, the vast majority of folks seem unaware that there is even any reason to think about "security". Rather like those who continue to gather in crowds now a days. I guess it proves the theorem, "All a majority means is that all the fools are on the same side!"

[Raven]

As personal meetings of a group seem to have come to an end, my Chamber of Commerce and other groups I belong to are meeting via video chats. Most of my peers use Windows and Zoom seems to be the app of choice. Seems to be a bit easier to use than Skype. Used Google Hangout one time. Depends who sets it up.
My personal preference right now is Zoom, and we will do that again this week. What are the issues to be aware of?

[Highmac]

Some links:
https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/zoom-calls-are-not-end-to-end-encrypted-even-though-it-says-they-are

This one is even more telling:

Zoom is being banned by schools across the United States following an increasing number of security and privacy issues reported by the app's users.[/i]

The quote is from TechRadar who cite The Washington Post.

[Paddy]

Just to double back a bit - Jim mentioned that WhatsApp is owned by FB and then inferred that because of that, it would be as much a data mine for FB as FB/Twitter etc. are.

Nope.

WhatsApp has end to end encryption - and you can't turn it off. WhatsApp can't spy on you, FB can't spy on you. THAT is one of the major reasons the app is so popular, and probably why the Chinese have banned it since 2017.

Their explanation: https://faq.whatsapp.com/en/android/28030015/

Interesting article about government and encryption...https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2019/09/29/whatsapp-backdoorwill-facebook-be-forced-to-break-message-encryption-as-reported/#511a50cc1b38

[Xairbusdriver]

WhatsApp has end to end encryption - and you can't turn it off. WhatsApp can't spy on you, FB can't spy on you.

I'll take your word for that, Paddy. But I'm not sure who I trust less, China or Zuckerberg.

Of course, when you communicate with most Windows users, you have to assume many of them  have malware installed... and their Contacts list will have your info in it. And that is not likely encrypted.

[Paddy]

WhatsApp has end to end encryption - and you can't turn it off. WhatsApp can't spy on you, FB can't spy on you.

I'll take your word for that, Paddy. But I'm not sure who I trust less, China or Zuckerberg.

Weeeellll...if WhatsApp end-to-end encryption suddenly disappeared, I'm pretty sure there would be widespread reporting on it. That IS why a lot of people use it over other messaging apps.

Of course, when you communicate with most Windows users, you have to assume many of them  have malware installed... and their Contacts list will have your info in it. And that is not likely encrypted.

Not sure of your point here. Don't communicate with Windows users?    That's not a possibility.

[Xairbusdriver]

Of course you have to comm with them , just don't be surprised when your email (at least) is harvested from them. Just another reason to have throw-away addresses.

WhatsApp can't spy on you, FB can't spy on you.

And Macs can't get malware. Nothing can go wrong.

[Paddy]

BTW - I should clarify, in case anyone reads any of the above out of context. WhatsApp can't spy on you via WhatsApp and FB can't spy on you via WhatsApp, even though they now own them.

That does NOT mean FB itself can't spy on you (via your FB account) - that's pretty much their business model. They just can't do it via WhatsApp, and if they start doing it, then you can be sure that the tech press will be all over it, since the one feature that makes WhatsApp so attractive to people over other messaging apps IS the fact that messages are encrypted. Why do you think China banned it? Couldn't spy on WhatsApp users, that's why. I understand being cynical, but let's not let it obscure the facts as they stand now, ok?

[Xairbusdriver]

Understood! And to be clear, the fact is I'm cynical! That's the same reason I don't listen to only one media. Nor any politician! Sorry, can't bring up politics here.