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Where leaping to conclusions is my primary form of forward motion.
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Thursday, May 5, 2005
Update on Skype Performance Issues
I got some help from Skype tech support on the CPU usage issue. In addition the list of conflicting programs listed on the Skype site, I was instructed to turn off the built-in speech recognition function in Windoze:Also, be sure to turn off Windows XP speech recognition feature. The speech recognition engine kicks in when you begin a call and can cause your CPU to run at 100%. Turn off the speech recognition by opening the Control Panel and selecting Regional and Language Options. On the Languages tab, under Text services and input languages, click Details. Under Installed services, click Voice Recognition under the language you are using, and then click Remove.
I didn't even know this was on, and removing it did make a significant difference in performance. Skype still hogs CPU at logon, and whenever I initiate new activites, but it doesn't seem to hang during calls, or when I send an IM during a call. I tested it for about 15 minutes this afternoon and results were acceptable.
Posted by: 
Terry Frazier at 5:54 PM
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Categories: Collaboration, Productivity, Technology
Terry Frazier at 5:54 PM
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Monday, April 18, 2005
Personal Productivity Tools
Helpful personal productivity tools and add-ons from Jack Vinson. Theres several here I already use and some others that sound quite useful.
Some other tools in my space
I wrote a few days ago about my PKM System, where I focused on email and file management, and I discussed some of the flow of my work. There are some other tools in my suite that help me with the flow of my work: anagram, BlogJet, Movable Type, MindManager, Outclass, AddEmailAddress, Firefox, AdAware, SmartList to Go, Flickr, Skype and emacs. Details below the fold. [...More]
Sunday, April 17, 2005
1st Skype Conference Call - Problem Resolved
Just tried my first Skype conference call using SkypeOut. I de-installed/re-installed the 1.2.0.41beta client to no good effect. But I think I figured out what the problem was - passwords.When I bought a SkypeIn number the other day I changed my account password to something more than the simple, low-security password I use at public sites. But the Skype client never asked me to log-out and log-in under the new password. It kept working (apparently) normally for Skype-to-Skype connections and the SkypeIn number worked, so I didn't think about it. But it never recognized the voicemail service.
Today I bought some (initial) SkypeOut minutes, and when I went to make a SkypeOut call the client warned me that my password had changed and forced me to log-out and log-in again with the new password. Suddenly all my account options were available and working.
So I called two family members on their POTS numbers and we had a brief conference. Perfectly serviceable. Not great clarity - both parties complained about the the general sq being muffled - but serviceable as long as only one person spoke at a time. No noticeable time lag or echos.
This is probably not something I'd use with new clients who are used to traditional conference calling services - especially if the call required more than four parties. But I can see using it where I have an established relationship (and a bit of leeway) and the circumstances call for a small, impromptu conference of 3-4 parties. This is certainly as good as the typical 3-way calling offered through most cellular networks.
Posted by: Terry Frazier at 1:47 PM
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Categories: Productivity, Technology
Terry Frazier at 1:47 PM
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This Page was last updated: Wed, 02 Jul 2008 22:06:57 GMT
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