Skype

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Microsoft + Skype + What's Next?

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         Keeping up with the latest news Jim Hamm fills us in with this,  "Here's an interesting article about Microsoft's Ballmer by Pogue of the New York Times. I happen to agree with Pogue's assessment. I don't think Ballmer has been good for Microsoft. And that's sad because Microsoft has been (and still could be) a great company with the proper visionary leader.

        "A similar fate could befall Apple as well. I think Tim Cook made a great COO. He's good at organizational functions -- production, inventory levels, timely deliveries, etc -- but I don't think he's a visionary. I really don't have a good inside grasp on Apple's management team, but based on what I've read Jony Ive seems to be a visionary at Apple. Others may be as well. Time will tell.
        "As a side note -- talking about Microsoft -- since Microsoft bought Skype the performance of Skype has deteriorated. It is difficult now to maintain a video connection on Skype. I don't know if somehow Microsoft has caused this, but something has happened. I've quit using Skype and now use Google+Hangouts. One can stay connected on a video chat -- much better than Skype. 

        And here's Jim's last comment, delivered with his trademarked grin, "I guess I'll just blame Skype's deterioration on Ballmer too."
       Try this link:  http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com
      

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A Look at Google+ . . . Updated

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Here's a Computerworld look at the many features of the new Google+ which declares it will replace email, Facebook, Twitter, Skype, blogging, RSS, Gmail and email newsletters.  The writer says that spammers can't copy, retain and sell your email address.  He says the term "social networking" is not an adequate term for Google+.  Jim Hamm sent us this info. Just now (7-12)  this PCWorld article tells about security risk issues involving an app that allows Firefox and Chrome users to view Facebook data within Google+.

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Stay Alert, With Reasonable Precautions

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Eagle-eyed PMUG users keep us informed!  Both Jim Hamm and Allen Laudenslager pass along some vital info.  In other words, stay alert, with reasonable precautions!"Here is an article commenting about potential malware for Macs," begins Jim Hamm.  The author makes some good points, and, as he notes, Macs are not immune to malware. As the Mac presence on the internet increases, we become more of an attractive target for malware. As Mr. Bott observes, every percentage point increase in Apple's share of Web traffic means about 10 million more potential customers for hackers. "This article isn't any cause for alarm, just something to be aware of. Anyone who uses a computer and surfs the net is potentially vulnerable to malware. We just need to be alert and exercise reasonable precautions," Jim summarizes the situation. More information is just in from Allen Laudenslager, "There has been a lot of news lately about Mac 'viruses' and malware, particularly something called Mac Defender*#% "First and most importantly, this is not a virus, it's a trojan horse. What it really does is fake you into downloading an app that reports a 'virus' and asks you to buy their software. The big con is to get your credit card information, not eat your data! I really liked this article for plain speak and clear explanations. I really liked Mac360's quote of Betteridge’s Law of Headlines: 'Any headline which ends in a question mark can be answered by the word no.' "A little common sense and a quick check of the internet will protect your Mac better than some 'anti-virus' software from an unknown source. "For the official Apple stand on viruses and malware, check here." And now it's Skype with problems.  Apparently Skype users should have known about this since April 14 when an update for software was made available and publicized.