PGP VOIP - Privacy Encryption and Security

Oxford University Computing Services has lifted the total ban on Skype, the computer service that allows free voice conversations. Skype is a program from the creators of KaZaA, which allows users to speak to each other over the internet for free. For a small fee, users can also call traditional telephone numbers and receive voicemails. Previously, the university had worried that the program used too much internet bandwidth, and so had banned its usage.

“Use of Skype has not been allowed up until now because of concerns about the amount of traffic it could potentially cause on the university networks,” said an OUCS spokesperson. A group from OUCS engaged in detailed discussions with senior people from Skype among others and ultimately determined that use of the software would not compromise the university’s academic responsibilities in any way.

Kate Peterson, an American visiting student at Lady Margaret Hall, said, “I’m really happy that we’re finally going to be allowed to use Skype. “This will make it easier to keep in touch with my friends and family at home without the extortionate cost of transatlantic phone calls, especially since I only have a mobile phone here.” However, there will still be some limitations on use of the program.

Students will not be permitted to set Skype to run automatically when they switch on their computers, and can also only select specific ports to connect for listening and transmitting.

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