Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Addressing Skype Issues 

(lost calls, poor reception, etc.)


Hi, this message is for anybody who will join any of the Skype group calls. If you won't or can't join the calls, you can safely ignore this message.

We've been experiencing a bit of dropped calls the last few weeks. Amber, as call host, is checking a few things out with her computer's set up. In addition, anyone who participates in the calls (or is planning to) can take a look at your own connection by doing the steps outlined below. Taking 5-10 minutes might really help improve the technical quality of the calls, allow more time for sharing our ideas and insights on the readings, and avoid the frustration brought about by frequently interrupted conversations.

A couple of things EACH of us should check on that could be adding to the issue (and, ahem; I'll admit right now, I was guilty of not using the latest version of Skype.)  

NOTE: Steps 2 and 3 should be checked BEFORE the next call. Depending on one's skills, equipment, and connection you may want to do this a couple of days before the call, in case you run into any glitches or want to do a test call with one or two other people. (i'm happy to help with that if anyone needs a second or third person for a test call this week. 908-433-0052 to contact me).

The links in the steps below jump directly to skype's relevant pages.

  1. We should be OK on bandwidth, since we are only using audio, not video. (talk about the impact of technology on the distributed person!)
  2. EACH caller should ensure their computer meets the system requirements for running Skype on their OS.
  3. EACH caller should ensure they are using the latest version of SKYPE for their OS.
  4. DURING the Skype conference call, it is important that EACH caller close all browsers or other applications that use the internet, especially any that play music or videos. (games, Pandora, iTunes, etc.)
  5. Two things that may help with clarity of the call if anyone's having trouble hearing each other:
Let's see if everybody takes these measures, if we might not have fewer dropped calls.

1 comment:

S T said...

I found this reading group after doing a google for Hal Foster's Design and Crime, is this reading group still active?