Anyone up for a get-together?

[toprob]

I've been thinking that it might be a good time for a casual forum get-together, via video of course. My family has been experimenting with this, trying a few systems, but have settled on Zoom, which is easy to use and consistently reliable. There have been some reports of poor security with Zoom, and although the Government is using it at the moment, they do say they won't be using it when top security is needed... I would imagine that nobody here would be talking top-secret stuff.

I could host a meeting, post the link and password etc on the Members Only forum, so any member can join.

If anyone is interested, please give some thought to a good time to do this -- not everyone is sitting at home at the moment, and it would be good to cater for everyone.

[chopper_nut]

I'd be keen on that. Let's see what we can get together

[Fozzer]

Maybe it's 'cos I am a bit of a "loner", but I make a point of avoiding all the "Live Chat" videos on YouTube, preferring to view the normal videos, and commenting on them, (or not), in my own time!
The live stuff is too much like; in-your-face, "Facebook" for my liking...
..and I avoid "Facebook" like the Corona Virus Pandemic...trust me!!
...which is why I always use old-fashioned; "e-mail".... ...!

There you go...

...from a miserable old English bugger!... ...!

Take care, all!... ...!

Paul... ... .... ..!

[toprob]

Just a bit more info - the conferencing software (Zoom) works on your PC with a webcam/mic, your laptop, tablet or phone. It is very simple to set up, the 'host' sends a link to all participants, and if this is your first time, it will automatically install the software. If anyone wants to give it a go, I can do a quick one-on-one, so you'll be ready when we go live!
It is free to use unless you are hosting, so basically only I need to pave the 'pro' account.

[chopper_nut]

Just signed up Rob, we can give it a go if you like

[toprob]

I've popped an invite on the Members Only forum, to let anyone test this out over the next half hour. Just click the link and see what happens.

[toprob]

I'll put this idea on hold for the moment.

[emfrat]

I'll put this idea on hold for the moment.

Rob -
There seem to be some security issues with the software, also some surprising side effects like grandson Sam tidying his room because his Tech college is using Zoom for classes.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-02/ ... w/12113802


Maybe later.
ATB, Mike

[toprob]

Yes, I have looked at the security issues, there are two main concerns for me, first is the 'zoombombing' issue in your link, and the other is the URL passing which can give a hacker a crack at figuring out your Windows password. Both are unlikely to affect the sort of meeting that I envisage -- first, we have no secrets, and in the unlikely event that anyone does break in, it isn't like a school where it interferes with learning -- we can just reshedule:) Plus I always use a password, which does add another layer of security -- a lot of people find it more convenient to forego the pasword. The URL issue is easy to deal with as well, we'll all just agree up front not to try and hack each others' computers:) And of course there would be a warning about clicking on any links which are passed between members. The same sort of system which is already used on NZFF, but more so.
Anyway, it doesn't look like there's much interest, I just thought an informal chat would may be timely for some, while we are all stuck at home.
If you watch Parliament TV at the moment, they use Zoom, but again, it is public info anyway, so no secrets allowed, and no doubt they use a password.
The real danger is some oldie here wandering off and forgetting to put his pants on when he comes back -- not looking at anyone...