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  • This Skype Bug is Bad: Alternatives Listed
Technology Articles > Software > Security & Privacy > This Skype Bug is Bad: Alternatives Listed

In June, Skype went through a major update. Updates are usually positive things, but this time around something went awry. Some Skype users across the world are reporting a major bug that sends IM messages to the wrong users. As you might imagine, this is a big problem – especially if you want the information you are sending to remain private. Skype is currently working on the problem, but no solution to the bug exists yet. In short, be careful what you send through Skype right now because it could wind up in the wrong person’s hands.

The Skype team hasn’t stated when this problem will be fixed, only that the team is working on solving it. So, you may want to find an alternative to Skype until the bug has been eradicated. What alternatives to Skype exist? There are a few other programs out there that will allow you to connect with people across the world, though none of them are quite as great as Skype is. All the same, here are some top suggestions.

Some Alternative Free IM Clients

Thankfully, there is no shortage of free IM clients available. If you’re just looking to message someone who lives far away, there are a number of options you can check into.

Facebook Messenger

The first option is Facebook Messenger. You can send a message to anyone anywhere for free with Facebook Messenger (iOS and Android), as long as that person has a Facebook account. What’s great about FB Messenger is that you can also see whether or not a person has read your message once that message has been sent. It’s also a great way to contact someone who’s glued to their phone, since Facebook sends automatic push notifications to anyone who receives a messenger note.

MSN

Another option is MSN. MSN has been around for a very long time now, but it is still one of the most popular messenger programs out there. MSN is free to use, easy to navigate, and there is a MSN app that you can check out too. If you just want to chat, MSN might be a good option.

A Few Good Video Chat Clients

If you’re looking to do more than chat, you’ll want to find a good alternative video chat client. Skype really is the gold standard when it comes to video chat, but there are some other options out there. One such option is Google Voice.

Google Voice

Google’s Voice is simple to use and comes with a clean interface. Google has also made Voice accessible to people everywhere, and this video chat client acts a lot like Skype with none of the bug hassle. If you live in the U.S., you can also set up a Google Voice number, which can then be configured with your other phones. So, for example, you can ask for one Google Voice number, and anyone who calls that number will be patched through to your cell phone or any other phone that you set up. Google Voice is free from PC to PC.

Viber for iPhone

If you happen to have an iPhone, you should check out Viber, which is another good alternative to Skype. The Viber app allows people to connect via iPhone for free. Viber has proven to be a reliable video chat service, and it’s a great option.

As you can see, there are alternative to Skype that you can check out while the Skype team works on getting that bug fixed. For now, use Skype at your own risk and peril and remember not to send any private messages through the Skype client – you never know who might wind up seeing your note!