Skype Nanny needed?

[Russell Shaw](http://blogs.zdnet.com/ip-telephony/?p=728) links to [Network World's Steve Taylor and Larry Hettick](http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2005/1031convergence1.html?fsrc=rss-convergence) and asks,

> what about a Skype Nanny to monitor your Skype service, watch out for security alerts, perform tweaks, download and install patches, updates, cool third-party apps?

Some people would add "personal support" to this list also.

We certainly have work remaining to do to make the installation and upgrade processes smoother. And until we get to standalone Skype devices, running Skype assumes you know at least a little bit of how to run a computer (or have someone do it for you), even though Skype is one of the easiest things you can install and run. We often get stories of moms or grandmas whose kids install Skype for them and they've been hooked ever since.

That being said, Skype never assumed to do things solely on its own. We can't afford have "Skype technicians" going to people's homes in 200 countries, as that would be too expensive and raise the cost for all our users. We're good at building a calling platform, and this is what we focus on. We know there's a whole lot more than that to a great calling experience, and this is why we continue to create a [partner network](http://www.skype.com/partners/current/) throughout various countries and business areas who help us provide local(ised) distribution, support, devices and all that, and come back to us with ideas of what Skype itself can do better. If you're thinking of joining the line of our partners, [check out the current partnership options](http://www.skype.com/partners/) and keep checking back, as the list of services and opportunities keeps growing.

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"Skype is one of the easiest things you can install and run."

Someone hasn't been on the forums recently... name another program which requires people to do manual uninstalls / reinstalls to survive an upgrade, router upgrades, firewall reconfigurations, driver updates, WZC disabling, TCP hacks, not to mention that on some pcs the new version can crash with enough force to lock up the entire system. Great program, yes. Easy to install? It's a roulette.

I guess i've been on the 'good' side of the wheel then. I never really had much trouble with skype. Although I know a bit more about computers. And i learned a lot about skype by reading on the forum. Theres a whole list of things that can be done to get it working if you have troubles with installing, even tweaking tips for bad sound quality etc. maybe skype should put this list on their website so people can use it as a guide? it also keeps the forum a bit cleaner.

Well if we know how to handle Skype on our own then why need a nanny to do the work for us? I mean I know how to work skype and I'm fine. Personaly I think the idea is bull.

I have been using SKYPE for a long time without problem until recently. Now due to finding it impossible to replace my password I have had to download a new copy. However now I find I cannot load cash. Each time I try I am advised I will get a link by Email...It never arrives. I will continue to try but my patience is fast running out
Paddy

I have been using SKYPE for a long time without problem until recently. Now due to finding it impossible to find under the search for SKYPE USER, enter SKYPE NAME, FULL NAME or E-MAIL ADDRESS.
So I enter the SKYPE NAME, COUNTRY and CITY, then press the SEARCH button and wait untill I get the message: could not find .... make shure .....etc. etc. After entering unsuccesfully: FULL NAME or E-MAIL same result. This is very disconcerting because both my friend and I were comunicating without a hitch.
Now all of a sudden both of us have same problem either way, in other words my friend has the same problem when searching for me. We are both in line but SKYPE do not recognize either one.
Next the problem is extending to another SKYPE NAME, this one in the same neighborhood and a repeat of previous process.
Suspecting a program problem I updated to the latest SKYPE and the problem continues.
Frank

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