Use of skype

[RetamalesDA]

it is authorized to use skype to communicate with ward clerks and bishops? skype installed on church computers?

[russellhltn]

it is authorized to use skype to communicate with ward clerks and bishops? skype installed on church computers?

I know of no policy either way. As far as I know, Skype is not typically installed on church computers.

Some unit computers are still on dial-up.

[benjamincarleski]

My understanding was if it wasn't specifically mentioned in the church's policies, it was up to the stake presidency to decide what could or could not be installed or used on church computers or through the building's network.

[techgy]

I know of no policy either way. As far as I know, Skype is not typically installed on church computers.

Some unit computers are still on dial-up.

The policy on software for administrative computers leaves the decision up to the Stake President with the understanding that the software doesn't interfere with the normal functions of the computer for record-keeping, etc. Software that is privately owned cannot be installed.

[marianomarini]

Software that is privately owned cannot be installed.

And Skype is surely not one of this type (it's freely available through Internet).

[techgy]

And Skype is surely not one of this type (it's freely available through Internet).

Correct. I was only summarizing the actual policy.

[maxmcgregor]

Has anyone used Skype along side the Meetinghouse Webcast equipment? I'd like to find a way to do a simple Stake Conference audio feed to our three branch care centers with Skype, in addition to the one other Ward house we'll be broadcasting too. I think to keep it simple, I'll just run an extra mic to my PC, then conference three branch PCs via Skype for an audio only conference call - they would just mute their side. My only concern would be the bandwidth cost and whether it would take too much away from the main broadcast. I plan to disable the WAPs during conference, just to ensure maximum bandwidth for the building to building coms. Any thoughts?

[russellhltn]

Has anyone used Skype along side the Meetinghouse Webcast equipment?

Is setting up a Meetinghouse client that complex? Because I'm not sure what you're getting out of such an arrangement. That idea isn't going to scale well if more locations need to be added.

[maxmcgregor]

I've thought about Skype for our Branches as well, but I'm not going to sacrifice bandwidth by streaming additional audio and video through the meetinghouse internet pipe. I'm also planning to disable the wireless routers at both buildings during our conference broadcast, so they do not bite into the bandwidth. I received approval from our FM to get one additional firewall from HQ for our biggest branch location. That will allow me to receive the main webcast at that branch without sacrificing bandwidth. I may still pursue using skype audio only over a cell-net based connection, running independent of the main webcast, if I can round up some volunteers with good data plans and connectivity to use their devices and jack into the audio at each location.