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Discussion Boards => Off-Topic => Topic started by: JediJohnnie on April 16, 2016, 12:46:03 am

Title: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: JediJohnnie on April 16, 2016, 12:46:03 am
I was considering getting Skype, but every time I tried to download it, my Avast anti-virus keeps saying it's a virus risk. Does anybody know if Skype causes viruses? Is it ok if I download it, or is there too much of a risk?
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: schoolvan on April 16, 2016, 01:27:54 am
I don't know I never got one when I had it, I had it for maybe 2 or 3 years  I don't use it anymore so I uninstalled it.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: jkhanson on April 16, 2016, 06:26:29 am
I have had Skype for years.  I use it a lot for business; sometimes for personal use.

You can chat live or use the video feature to see the person you are talking to.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: michele2042 on April 16, 2016, 06:30:46 am
I've also had it for years.  Only used it a few times around holidays, our son lives thousands of miles away.   Never had any issues with it.   Don't use it as much anymore.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: oldbuddy on April 16, 2016, 09:32:37 am
I use Skype every day and never had a problem with any virus. I use the last portable version 5.5 so there is nothing to install. In fact I can load the program on a USB Thumb drive and run it on any Windows computer I need to.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: debidoo on April 16, 2016, 09:39:25 am
For almost two years skype was the only phone capability we had.  Couldn't afford anything was barely making it and we never had any problems with it.  Now that was about three years ago so I don't know if anything changed or not.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: hkckk5 on April 16, 2016, 11:13:37 am
Have not used Skype in quite a while. But in the past when I did I don't remember having any issues with it. I do know others who use Skype and heard no complaints from them.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: snuggleycutejc on April 16, 2016, 01:53:34 pm
I have skype on my phone, works. I don't have it on my computer but I could. I really don't know if it could have viruses. Good luck with yours.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: countrygirl12 on April 18, 2016, 06:04:48 pm
I do not think it causes viruses.  There are some programs that your virus protection will try to block but they are actually safe.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: nmbrown863 on April 18, 2016, 08:56:18 pm
I don't think so. I don't personally use it but my sisters both live in different states and use it often. They have never had issues with it.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: notriko_mu on April 18, 2016, 11:58:34 pm
I have  not had a problem with Skype.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: lmrbean on April 19, 2016, 05:18:55 am
I have used Skype frequently for over 4 years and at least once a week for the past year since I am now a grandmother. I have never had it cause a virus. It is not blocked by my anti-virus software, which it very dependable.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: ktheodos on April 19, 2016, 07:27:33 am
I have never had issues with it-though I barely use it.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: bleyd on April 19, 2016, 09:22:08 am
I haven't used it but i know a lot of other people that do. I haven't heard about it causing a virus.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: lvstephanie on April 19, 2016, 09:53:16 am
I have never heard of anyone getting viruses from Skype. I'm sure if the software had a security risk, Skype wouldn't have lasted as long as it has, nor would it be used by so many people. I'm guessing that Avast sees that Skype establishes a network connection to another person perhaps using a port that is not commonly used in other programs, so it may think that it is just opening a backdoor to your system that hackers would be able to get into, hence the security warning. But I wouldn't worry that it actually poses a security risk.

The only other thing that I can think of that sets off your AV program is that the download was compromised and malware was inserted into the download stream. If there is a checksum, you can use that to ensure that you downloaded an uncorrupted file.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: monnee on April 19, 2016, 10:17:31 am
Probably could because anything can happen when going thru the internet.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: vp44 on April 25, 2016, 01:34:20 pm
My son has been using Skype for years. He does screen share and so many other things on it. Never got a virus.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: pmagalei on April 27, 2016, 08:49:48 am
Well I think your program might detect some other virus associated with Skype. See if there is someone at best buy that can help you find out if that is the case. I on't know how to set it up but my wife uses it all the times. It is a good way to communicate with family members and friends who live far from you.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: sherryfan on April 27, 2016, 10:18:49 am
When using any web there is always risk for getting virus but as long as you install antivirus, it should be ok.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: adriarobi on April 27, 2016, 01:51:06 pm
My son and I use it to connect with family across the country.

I have had no issues with virus etc.  Grateful to have it. 

 :rose:

Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: reiddb on April 27, 2016, 02:44:43 pm
We never had a problem with it....I prefer face time if you have an iphone....
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: LaTashaS28 on April 27, 2016, 04:37:05 pm
I have use skype in the past but I have found something waaaaaay better than skype.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: patapon555 on May 02, 2016, 04:52:54 pm
Skype is garbage. It is the same software since 2008. Nothing has changed, and other platforms are far better.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: nannycoe1 on May 03, 2016, 06:28:41 am
I have never used Skype and don't know how it works.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: missplaymate618 on May 03, 2016, 06:33:01 am
I used skype a ton and never got a virus or anything on my computer.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: natashaspy on May 03, 2016, 07:04:03 am
I don't use it now but a few years ago when I had it, it never bothered my pc.  Don't think I ever got anything bad from it.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: ljrjess69 on May 03, 2016, 07:54:01 am
im not sure but get a anti virus progrm..........
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: Shaquaysha2210 on May 03, 2016, 08:48:57 am
I still have Skype it doesn't catch virus not that I know of
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: darkxtsuna on May 03, 2016, 04:16:21 pm
some say it depends on the ads they hosted with the application.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: makeblessed on May 03, 2016, 05:03:29 pm
I do not have now, but have used it in the pass and never had a problem with it causing  viruses.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: lguzman1 on May 03, 2016, 09:27:05 pm
That's a good question. I've never heard of it causing a viruses, but I guess it can since it's internet related.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: LenoraMinogue on May 04, 2016, 01:28:04 am
I don't think Skype causes viruses, but it certainly a bloated program compared to how it used to be once. That is a shame too. It used to be such a great opting for IMing.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: PGS28 on May 05, 2016, 08:16:41 am
I wouldn't know; I don't have one, but it's very popular so I would think it would be safe.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: stretch1967 on May 05, 2016, 10:41:16 am
I don't know. Its hard to tell what actually causes the viruses.
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: Liquidfire_43 on May 05, 2016, 07:48:15 pm
Skype is a safe program made by Microsoft... However people can get your IP pretty easily in skype and ddos you (won't be a big deal, unless you are well known figure or targeted by someone). I heard Skype fixed this and made it harder to get IP, but haven't heard anything great about the program. Just make sure you don't click in suspicious links from strangers
Title: Re: Does Skype cause viruses?
Post by: mrisha on May 06, 2016, 01:02:13 pm
That is a first.  I have had Skype for some years and have never had trouble with it. You can talk to anybody who also have Skype.