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Michael Business Law
Skype problems

How many people have problems with Skype?  For me, they crop up randomly quite a lot. I have found experienced problems with the download app as well as the web-based version.  There seems to be no rhyme nor reason to the nature or regularity of the problems. Has anyone found an absolutely reliable means of using Skype?

I use zoom.us instead of Skype more and more now and so far, I've not experienced any problems.  It's quick to download and the audio/video quality is at least as good as Skype's.


Comments · 10

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"For me, they crop up randomly quite a lot. I have found experienced problems with the download app as well as the web-based version. "

I NEVER met problems as you stated above with SKYPE.  I wonder if it is the problem with your operation system settings. Primarily  I suppose the SKYPE is quite a stable software for users to apply in terms of language learning/teaching. BUT I suggest you cut off a couple of applications running in the computer while you are using Skype to call especially  your RAM is not capable enough to support such an heavy multitask loading.   
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It’s a matter of being used to the new interface. I am using the app, a little confusing at first sight since the update but the audio and video quality are still  the best in my opinion. What I also like is that I can keep the chat (my two regular teachers write down phrases and new vocabulary) and study it later. 

I had recently a lesson with another tutor who used Google Hangouts, the quality of the video and the sound were extremely poor, but maybe it’s due to his internet connection.

So I keep up with Skype since I do not like to change all the time. 

@ Chris MFL

It depends on the quality of the internet connection of your correspondent!!! I regularly Skype with people in France and the connection is excellent, they use their phone and have internet through Bouygues provider. So please do not generalize. 

@ Michael, some regimes who try to control liberty of expression also try to control media like Skype. So users tend to switch to other tools (Zoom, Hangouts, WhatsApp , Telegram) who maybe are not yet controlled by censorship in a given country. Some users utilize VPN to anonymize  their URL and escape from control.

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Thanks, Elfin.  Also, thanks Lawrence and Jack.  I guess users in different countries will have different experiences.  I have QQ set up for Chinese students, if necessary.  It's useful to know that Skype can't be upgraded now in China.  In fact, it's now possible for me - and probably many other teachers - to give lessons on QQ, Facebook, Skype, Zoom, WebEx, and WhatsApp!  It's all too much! I am sure there are others.
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Michael, I agree. Skype is increasingly hard to rely on.

It's true that a lot depends on the quality of the internet connection but  I don't have these problems at all with Zoom.

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I have tried zoom, it was not stable. The problem with skype is that I cannot upgraded now because it has been removed from app store(mainland China). So I think one day I have to give up to use it. In general, skype is stable.

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