Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Do not buy MagicJack (new post on the subject) (I was wrong, and I am sorry for my other post)
| Do not buy MagicJack (new post on the subject) [message #74881] |
Wed, 24 February 2010 10:21  |
idrob
Messages: 645
Registered: January 2005
Location: Central Idaho
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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After reading the information Larry Davick posted in the other thread, I became concerned, but not too concerned about the MagicJack hidden software and what it might do in your computer. But then, last night I had a MAJOR crash of my Apple Mac Book Pro and that has never happened in the past several years I had the machine.
About the only thing I have put on the machine recently is whatever program automatically sets up the MagicJack. I don't know for sure that it caused the problems I experienced, but now I am very suspicious.
I am taking steps to remove that program (which is difficult as it is hidden, and there is no uninstall program for it).
I am sorry I got this thing, and am even more sorry to have posted the initial information. I am taking the MagicJack back and have this recommendation:
SHOUTING: DO NOT BUY OR INSTALL A MAGICJACK ON YOUR COMPUTER.
GMC content: General information
Rob Allen
former owner of '76 x-PB
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| Re: Do not buy MagicJack (new post on the subject) [message #74886 is a reply to message #74881] |
Wed, 24 February 2010 11:40  |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Sorry about your experience with MagicJack. However, you can accomplish the very same goal with Skype, a product of Cicso. Skype is a Voice over Internet Protocal (VoIP) service. Same as MagicJack, but that is about the only similarity. Skype is available at 3 levels of service. Free, just download the software and go to town. However, you can only call someone who also has Skype and has their computer up and on the I-net. At the second level, for about $30 a year, you are able to make unlimited calls to the entire U.S. and Canada. The Skype network will drop into a local number, and complete the call. However, (again with that word), people cannot call you back, this is a one way dial-out. The called person, if using caller ID will not know who is calling. The call out number has always been in their local area code. I currently use this and it works for my purposes. (Don't call me, I'll call you.) Finally, for an additional $60 a year, you can get an actual assigned phone number, that other people can call you on.
The killer on this, you must have a broadband internet connection, and your computer must be on line. There is a small device available that will allow you to "plug" a standard phone into your computer and use it, if you do not like using a headset and mike (but, you will look just like a phone operator.)
One nice feature, if you have several computers, you can load the Skype program on all of them. Then, when you log in with your user name and password, and you have changed to a different computer. You cannot be logged in on 2 computers at once. But, you can have 2 accounts, with different names and passwords.
I had thought of using MagicJack, but read several articles that reflected poorly on their method of operation (business plan). By the way, read the fine print on their contract, you might find that there are unpleasant surprises hidden in there.
Hope this helps.
Tom Phipps,
75 GMC
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] Do not buy MagicJack (new post on the subject) [message #74888 is a reply to message #74886] |
Wed, 24 February 2010 11:52 |
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Tom,
Thanks for clarifying Skype for folks. MagicJack has magic and jack in the
name for a reason. The better name would have been VoodooDick.
If a person has Skype-In and Skype-Out it is possible to get your cell phone
in the loop. Skype calls that are inbound can ring the cell phone. If you
have your computer on, you can see the voice mails (number for the subject
line).
Skype is great. The Eastern States officer and I are using it for conference
calls.
Rob,
If you have difficulty getting rid of MagicJack, let me know. I do believe
it does install a kext file, which can be difficult to get rid of. To me,
MagicJack is like legalized malware. I suspect some guys in China are really
excited about the opportunities it presents.
Byron Songer
1978 Royale by Coachmen
Louisville, KY
Personal - http://web.me.com/bnsonger
Eastern States - http://www.gmceast.com
Thomas Phipps wrote:
>
>
> Sorry about your experience with MagicJack. However, you can accomplish the
> very same goal with Skype, a product of Cicso. Skype is a Voice over Internet
> Protocal (VoIP) service. Same as MagicJack, but that is about the only
> similarity. Skype is available at 3 levels of service. Free, just download
> the software and go to town. However, you can only call someone who also has
> Skype and has their computer up and on the I-net. At the second level, for
> about $30 a year, you are able to make unlimited calls to the entire U.S. and
> Canada. The Skype network will drop into a local number, and complete the
> call. However, (again with that word), people cannot call you back, this is a
> one way dial-out. The called person, if using caller ID will not know who is
> calling. The call out number has always been in their local area code. I
> currently use this and it works for my purposes. (Don't call me, I'll call
> you.) Finally, for an additional $60 a year, you can get an actual ass
> igned phone number, that other people can call you on.
> The killer on this, you must have a broadband internet connection, and your
> computer must be on line. There is a small device available that will allow
> you to "plug" a standard phone into your computer and use it, if you do not
> like using a headset and mike (but, you will look just like a phone operator.)
> One nice feature, if you have several computers, you can load the Skype
> program on all of them. Then, when you log in with your user name and
> password, and you have changed to a different computer. You cannot be logged
> in on 2 computers at once. But, you can have 2 accounts, with different names
> and passwords.
> I had thought of using MagicJack, but read several articles that reflected
> poorly on their method of operation (business plan). By the way, read the
> fine print on their contract, you might find that there are unpleasant
> surprises hidden in there.
> Hope this helps.
>
> Tom Phipps,
> 75 GMC
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
--
Byron Songer
Full-timing to enjoy the USA
Former owner but still an admirer
GMC paint schemes at -
http://www.songerconsulting.net
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| Re: [GMCnet] Do not buy MagicJack (new post on the subject) [message #74889 is a reply to message #74886] |
Wed, 24 February 2010 11:52 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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I LOVE MY MAGIC JACK
I use it all the time and 50 million others do too
wondering what hype this is this
gene
'
On Wed, Feb 24, 2010 at 9:40 AM, Thomas Phipps <tph1pp5@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> Sorry about your experience with MagicJack. However, you can accomplish
> the very same goal with Skype, a product of Cicso. Skype is a Voice over
> Internet Protocal (VoIP) service. Same as MagicJack, but that is about the
> only similarity. Skype is available at 3 levels of service. Free, just
> download the software and go to town. However, you can only call someone
> who also has Skype and has their computer up and on the I-net. At the
> second level, for about $30 a year, you are able to make unlimited calls to
> the entire U.S. and Canada. The Skype network will drop into a local
> number, and complete the call. However, (again with that word), people
> cannot call you back, this is a one way dial-out. The called person, if
> using caller ID will not know who is calling. The call out number has
> always been in their local area code. I currently use this and it works for
> my purposes. (Don't call me, I'll call you.) Finally, for an additional
> $60 a year, you can get an actual ass
> igned phone number, that other people can call you on.
> The killer on this, you must have a broadband internet connection, and your
> computer must be on line. There is a small device available that will allow
> you to "plug" a standard phone into your computer and use it, if you do not
> like using a headset and mike (but, you will look just like a phone
> operator.)
> One nice feature, if you have several computers, you can load the Skype
> program on all of them. Then, when you log in with your user name and
> password, and you have changed to a different computer. You cannot be
> logged in on 2 computers at once. But, you can have 2 accounts, with
> different names and passwords.
> I had thought of using MagicJack, but read several articles that reflected
> poorly on their method of operation (business plan). By the way, read the
> fine print on their contract, you might find that there are unpleasant
> surprises hidden in there.
> Hope this helps.
>
> Tom Phipps,
> 75 GMC
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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| Re: [GMCnet] Do not buy MagicJack (new post on the subject) [message #74891 is a reply to message #74881] |
Wed, 24 February 2010 12:18 |
Gary Berry
Messages: 1002
Registered: May 2005
Karma: -1
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Senior Member |
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This appears to me to be just a bunch of bunk. I've had MagicJack for
a couple of years now on various computers, and it works just fine.
None of them have gone crazy due to their software. I bought them for
my kids and for my brother. It's how I call folks when I get close to
a high speed internet connection while I'm traveling (doesn't work
well with either my MotoSat or my ClearWire due to the satellite
issues and saves cell phone minutes).
On Wed, Feb 24, 2010 at 8:21 AM, Rob Allen <profmail@wildblue.net> wrote:
>
>
> After reading the information Larry Davick posted in the other thread, I became concerned, but not too concerned about the MagicJack hidden software and what it might do in your computer. But then, last night I had a MAJOR crash of my Apple Mac Book Pro and that has never happened in the past several years I had the machine.
>
> About the only thing I have put on the machine recently is whatever program automatically sets up the MagicJack. I don't know for sure that it caused the problems I experienced, but now I am very suspicious.
>
> I am taking steps to remove that program (which is difficult as it is hidden, and there is no uninstall program for it).
>
> I am sorry I got this thing, and am even more sorry to have posted the initial information. I am taking the MagicJack back and have this recommendation:
>
> SHOUTING: DO NOT BUY OR INSTALL A MAGICJACK ON YOUR COMPUTER.
>
> GMC content: General information
>
> --
> Rob Allen
--
Gary and PoohBear
73 CL Stretch in Or
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| Re: [GMCnet] Do not buy MagicJack (new post on the subject) [message #74897 is a reply to message #74881] |
Wed, 24 February 2010 13:42 |
emerystora
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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Ron
My daughter has it and I installed it on my Macbook Pro laptop and it
performed great.
The files are not hidden, you just have to know where things get
installed on your computer
The file should be on your applications folder.
Then there is a preferences file in your user area in the Perfs file
You can easily completely eliminate it if you want
If you can't find it andif you will be at the Montgomery convention I
can help you
Do you want to sell it?
I am planning to order it when I get back home after this trip.
Emery Stora
On Feb 24, 2010, at 10:21 AM, Rob Allen <profmail@wildblue.net> wrote:
>
>
> After reading the information Larry Davick posted in the other
> thread, I became concerned, but not too concerned about the
> MagicJack hidden software and what it might do in your computer.
> But then, last night I had a MAJOR crash of my Apple Mac Book Pro
> and that has never happened in the past several years I had the
> machine.
>
> About the only thing I have put on the machine recently is whatever
> program automatically sets up the MagicJack. I don't know for sure
> that it caused the problems I experienced, but now I am very
> suspicious.
>
> I am taking steps to remove that program (which is difficult as it
> is hidden, and there is no uninstall program for it).
>
> I am sorry I got this thing, and am even more sorry to have posted
> the initial information. I am taking the MagicJack back and have
> this recommendation:
>
> SHOUTING: DO NOT BUY OR INSTALL A MAGICJACK ON YOUR COMPUTER.
>
> GMC content: General information
>
> --
> Rob Allen
> former owner of '76 x-PB
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] Do not buy MagicJack (new post on the subject) [message #74939 is a reply to message #74897] |
Wed, 24 February 2010 20:44 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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The Magic Jack company is well known for not being very trust worthy. Their product is OK and performs OK.
But they have a history of ripping off customers, their EULA allows them monitor who you call so they can sell the info.
And of course there is no uninstall program.
MJ is kind of like VD, some people F- around for years and are perfectly healthy, others are not so lucky...
Just my humble opinion from what I've read.
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Do not buy MagicJack (new post on the subject) [message #74944 is a reply to message #74891] |
Wed, 24 February 2010 21:12 |
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I didn't mean to imply that MagicJack doesn't work. My concern comes from
the days of doing packet sniffing and vulnerability issues. I'm not sure it
would rank well in terms of being secure and trusted.
Byron
Gary Berry wrote:
> This appears to me to be just a bunch of bunk. I've had MagicJack for
> a couple of years now on various computers, and it works just fine.
> None of them have gone crazy due to their software. I bought them for
> my kids and for my brother. It's how I call folks when I get close to
> a high speed internet connection while I'm traveling (doesn't work
> well with either my MotoSat or my ClearWire due to the satellite
> issues and saves cell phone minutes).
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
--
Byron Songer
Full-timing to enjoy the USA
Former owner but still an admirer
GMC paint schemes at -
http://www.songerconsulting.net
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| Re: [GMCnet] Do not buy MagicJack (new post on the subject) [message #74981 is a reply to message #74897] |
Thu, 25 February 2010 20:13 |
idrob
Messages: 645
Registered: January 2005
Location: Central Idaho
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| emerystora wrote on Wed, 24 February 2010 11:42 |
Ron
My daughter has it and I installed it on my Macbook Pro laptop and it
performed great.
The files are not hidden, you just have to know where things get
installed on your computer
The file should be on your applications folder.
Then there is a preferences file in your user area in the Perfs file
You can easily completely eliminate it if you want
If you can't find it andif you will be at the Montgomery convention I
can help you
Do you want to sell it?
I am planning to order it when I get back home after this trip.
Emery Stora
On Feb 24, 2010, at 10:21 AM, Rob Allen <profmail@wildblue.net> wrote:
>
>
> After reading the information Larry Davick posted in the other
> thread, I became concerned, but not too concerned about the
> MagicJack hidden software and what it might do in your computer.
> But then, last night I had a MAJOR crash of my Apple Mac Book Pro
> and that has never happened in the past several years I had the
> machine.
>
> About the only thing I have put on the machine recently is whatever
> program automatically sets up the MagicJack. I don't know for sure
> that it caused the problems I experienced, but now I am very
> suspicious.
>
> I am taking steps to remove that program (which is difficult as it
> is hidden, and there is no uninstall program for it).
>
> I am sorry I got this thing, and am even more sorry to have posted
> the initial information. I am taking the MagicJack back and have
> this recommendation:
>
> SHOUTING: DO NOT BUY OR INSTALL A MAGICJACK ON YOUR COMPUTER.
>
> GMC content: General information
>
> --
> Rob Allen
> former owner of '76 x-PB
>
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Emery: Thanks for the offer, but I have already returned it to Fry's Electronics where I got it. They told me a large number of them are returned. As I did not know where the files were hidden, and what they were called, I did a major revert of my hard drive via my Time Capsule to a time prior to the installation of the MJ. On the Mac, that restores all files, machine programs, applications, and everything else, so It should be eliminated.
What was scary was the fact that I lost the clock (time reverted to 1/1/2000), the passwords to my email accounts went missing, my wifi connection information was lost, and the keyboard operated about 2 seconds ahead of the screen. Since the MagicJack was the only thing I had installed recently the cause and effect was too strong for me to overlook. As you know, Mac's don't very often crash, in fact in almost 3 years I had never had it happen.
As a phone it worked very well. I was impressed. But I don't need the other issues that it may have caused. Use with caution.
Rob Allen
former owner of '76 x-PB
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