Skype use at NDSU

Skype can be a useful tool

Skype (www.skype.com) is a free peer-to-peer (P2P) "voice over IP" application with several advantages:

• It provides inexpensive or free long-distance calling
• It's a good option for international students or those who frequently travel abroad.
• It provides quick collaboration for small groups.
• It's easy to use.

Use of Skype on the NDSU network and systems is not prohibited if used appropriately and within the NDSU policies and procedures.

Some possible dangers

Like other peer-to-peer applications, Skype calls are routed through computers running as SuperNodes. Any system running a Skype application runs the risk of becoming a SuperNode, which can generate a large amount of network traffic by opening connections from non-NDSU networks.

Computers that use fast Internet connections - such as the ones provided to NDSU users -- are most likely to become SuperNodes.

Even after you quit, Skype connections continue

It is important to remember that Skype connections can continue to operate even after the user has quit the Skype application. Generally, the user needs to restart the computer to stop the SuperNode call-routing activity.

Using an NDSU-owned computer as Skype SuperNode and/or having a Skype SuperNode active on the NDSU network is a violation of the NDSU Acceptable Use for Electronic Communication Devices, Policy #158. NDSU prohibits Skype SuperNodes on campus because they tend to use excessive amounts of network traffic, which can impact computer use by students, faculty, and staff.

Improper Skype use can have consequences

Local systems that become Skype SuperNodes trigger NDSU network monitors because they use so much network traffic. Continued reports of excessive traffic from these computers result in the computers being blocked from the NDSU network.

Computers that are blocked from the network will be allowed back on the network after...

• the user is educated on proper use of Skype; and
• Skype is removed from the computer; or
• Skype is reconfigured so that it is not a SuperNode.

Guidelines to follow when using Skype

Based on the information above, the business version of Skype can be installed and used on the NDSU network using the following guidelines:

1. Skype should only be used for education, research and business related to NDSU.
2. For Microsoft Windows XP, please download and install the business version of Skype www.skype.com/download/skype/windows/business.html
3. For Linux or Mac OS, the most current version of Skype should be used.
4. Skype will require "Administrator's rights" to be installed; however, Skype should be run with a non-administrator account. This is especially important on Windows computers to prevent Skype from changing Windows firewall settings.
5. The operating system must be configured so Skype is not loaded when the machine starts up.
6. A software firewall must be installed and enabled on computers using Skype. Some firewall options include...
7. 1. Windows XP: Use the firewall built-in to Windows XP or Zone Alarm.
   2. Macintosh: Use the firewall built-in to Macintosh or Norton Firewall.
8. Exceptions for Skype must be disabled or deleted in the firewall setup. This done using the Administrator account.
9. 1. Windows XP Firewall: Settings>Control Panel>Windows Firewall>Exceptions
10. The registry settings in the Operating System of your computer must be configured so that it will not automatically default to become a Skype supernode. Please download and install this registry file to change those default settings for Skype. This file is for Windows 2000/XP. Download here

Detailed configuration instructions are noted below under Skype Configuration on Windows XP.

It is recommended that users read and understand the Skype End User License Agreement, located at: www.skype.com/company/legal/eula/

Important: NDSU Information Technology Services and the NDSU Help Desk do not provide support for Skype.

Skype Configuration on Windows XP

Ensure that Skype is not loaded when the computer starts up and is only running while the user is at the computer to receive or make phone calls. There are two ways to ensure that Skype does not start when Windows starts.

Option 1: On the "Sign In" window in Skype uncheck the box labeled "Start Skype when the computer starts." Continue to sign in normally.

Option 2: If Skype is already running it can be disabled from starting when Windows starts by:

1. On the toolbar in Skype go to Tools>Options.
2. When the Options window appears, click on the advanced tab on the left side at the bottom.
3. At the top of the advanced screen under Startup uncheck the first box labeled "Start Skype when I start Windows."
4. Continue by selecting Save at the bottom of the window.

A software firewall such as the Windows XP firewall must be installed and enabled.

For most XP operating systems that are up-to-date and current on service packs and patches, the XP firewall is automatically installed and enabled. To ensure that the firewall is enabled, go to Start>Control Panel>Security Center>Windows Firewall. The check box On should be selected, then press OK.

Authors: Theresa Semmens <theresa.semmens@ndsu.edu>;Robert Viou, Robert.Viou@ndsu.edu