Magic Jack - Good or Evil? - Comments Page 2

"They're just looking at the numbers you dial." That by definition is spyware!

EDITOR'S NOTE: Ummm, no. You don't get to choose your own definitions for computer terms. Spyware must be (1) installed surreptitiously, without the user's informed consent; and/or (2) software that secretly monitors the user's behavior, and transfers private information to another party without the user's consent. MJ does not fall into either category.

To Jack Alexander: My brother's friend's sister's husband apparently discovered that Microsoft Office products contain spyware and keyloggers. He said that Microsoft collects information for statistical purposes only, but you know how that goes. So, based on this information, you should uninstall Microsoft Office. While you're at it, you should probably uninstall the Windows OS as well. One can never be too safe.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Oh yeah? Well, my brother's wife's cousin's friend is in the CIA and he says that those dark glasses all the spies have... they can see right through your underwear. Just so ya know...

I've used MajicJack in Canada for more than a year, and I like it. Sometimes on overseas calls it is not so hot...and trust me, when people say they got a virus or malware VIA (not from) majicjack, it IS possible because MANY telephone companies are very upset with the long distance rates being so cheap that they probably pay hackers to do everything possible to stop MajicJack and hack the site and try to imbed software.

If you have up-todate anti-virus and malware detactors, no problem. If you don't, then no room for complaints, you could be getting malware from amny websites or emails. I use ceryx to filter out all malware and viruses that could come via emails, and that's only $5 a month. I like it. It's great. And mine still works.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I think your fears of getting a virus by virtue of phone company hackers infecting the NJ website is a bit far fetched. But thanks for the reminder to have a good anti-virus program!

I used MJ for a year & was basically pleased, but the USB connector broke & they wouldn't replace it or fix it, or even sell us a new one without paying for another year of service.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Apparently it depends on who you talk to, and when... others have mentioned getting replacements for their units.

I've been using MJ for several months now and so has my daughter. We love it. I don't care if it knows who I call or what I say. If I had something to hide I might be concerned. If you stop and think about it-any phone company probably has the same ability. Also-emails are like post cards...they can be read by anyone who handles that post card.

Personally I think MJ is great. I got tired of paying taxes of all kinds on my phone bill. They should have at the end of your phone bill...you've been s.....d tax.

BD

I agree with your views, and I will get a Magic Jack as soon as the company stops presenting it like a snake oil scam. Buying it from their TV or online promotion is tantamount to admitting you're an idiot. In fact, I will also not buy any book 'for dummies' or 'for idiots'. Anybody want to help me co-author a book titled "Self Respect for Dummies"?

>

That IS an erroneous over-statement.

I DO control updates downloads because they may contain unwanted additives with a nuisance value. Once I am satisfied it is clean, I WILL download the update, and I do not consider myself an exceptional Internet user.

EDITOR'S NOTE: That's fine for you, but the overwhelming majority of computer users are not going to be bothered. And having auto-updates on auto-pilot, will NOT pose a problem for 99.99% of users.

That gadget is a piece of (*YES*...That!)I installed it and it worked for 10 minutes, then the phone line was gone for good. The "techs" if you can call them "techs" are about as knowledgeable as a lizard and don't care one way or another if the device is working or not.
And as far as snooping goes, it pisses me off that my "favorites" were a part of the "softphone" and this tells me that yes, they probably are illegally snooping on your computer and if they're doing that then it is likely they're doing more. I got a three hour run around with their "tech" THEN when they couldn't figure out the problem (no surprise there) they "escalated" me to a higher level "tech" who came on in lightening speed like they were right there sitting next to the "lower level tech" and proceeded to give me the same "help" as the lower one sitting next to him. We need to spread the word that this is more than a scam, it is a rip off. OH, and by the way, it says they won't charge your card until after the thirty day trial......GUESS WHAT? They charged mine immediately and told me AFTER THE FACT that they charge debit cards in two installments immediately so as to .....as to....as to....I really can't remember what lame excuse they had for lying to me. But that is another reason they aren't trustworthy, they are LIARS.

Never mind if they probe your computer (so does Google) but I strongly urge all and sundry to run the EULAlyzer program and check out the TOS of Magic Jack BEFORE using the equipment. (For one thing, if you have ever, or will ever, need 911 emergency services you are at the mercy of their software deciding if you can reach them.)
There are many other facets of their "service" you may not like and don't wish to accept. (For one thing, they expect you to regularly check their TOS for any changes. I wouldn't remember the original, much less know what was changed and where it was changed.)
Please check that TOS with a magnifying glass.
I, for one, am fed up with companies that want me to accept the blame and problems arising from something I didn't design.

Just wanted to say, I'm thankful for a 'voice of reason'!

Can you please explain how Magic Jack Online Support can all of the sudden launch a website? For example, one support tech suggested that I test my internet speed by going to speedtest.net, and next thing you know they were able to launch the website, it freaked me out. And on another occasion, like a month later, one support tech asked me if i was done doing my speed test on speedtest.net, and I again freaked and asked her how she knew i had the website open and her comment was that didn't the previous tech asked me to open the website. In fact, I just happen to have it open because of another reason. I can't recall on top of my head but there have been other tasks that a support tech would elude about and made me wonder what the heck? Is there a way for MJ to remotely get into my computer? I asked them that question myself and they denied. What do you think? Perhaps Bob, you should try the gadget and let us know what is really going on rather than debating the language. Please and thanks for this update.

Never heard of Magic Jack before (I live in isolated Nova Scotia Canada) but have been using Skype with great success. Free video Skype to Skype and long distance packages for North America @ $26.00 per year. It's great!

I've had MJ for a Year it works great I had a few problems with broken transmission but I just hang up and call back, I also took the 5 yrs plan that's how impressed I am.

Have used MJ for several months, as have other members of my family, without a single hitch. The program does everything it claims to do. There is no problem with 911 calls - read the instructions.

Thank you Bob for a reasoned and reasonable analysis of the device. I agree with every word.

I would like to use Majic Jack but I still use 2000 and will not switch to xp or vista. I wish they would at least include windows 2000
thanks for your reveiw of M.J.

I have had Magic Jack for three days now and have not been able to complete a call. Three calls and four calls to their customer service. Call number five will be to cancel the service. When I pick up the phone to call, I shouldn't be wondering if the phone is going to work. I connect via Cox and have a new computer. Things seem OK on this end.

I enjoyed your article. Very well researched and presented. I don't have a MJ because I live by and with my cell phone. :) But were I to consider one, the points you mentioned would not bother me. However, the lack of an uninstall feature would really be a pain in the.... :)

I own a majic jack and it works perfectly, just paid my renewal for another year $19.95. No poroblems with unit,calling or receiving calls.Seems to me Broadband National would be againt it as it doesn't include Comcast or any other cable providers to use. So to discourage people from buying it, it would seem smoke and mirrors and misinformation is the ploy.

You have put my mind at ease as I have been using MJ with no real problems. I've used Verizon and other phone companies with no real problems, too. With all phone services a bump appears from time to time. I've had an occasional dropped call. But, was it the MJ or was it the phone company of the person I was talking to?

I don't think the dangers of collected information is any greater than Microsoft, who, when you update says "we do not collect information from your computer", but also says "wait while we are checking to see what your computer needs" or something to that effect. If it is not collecting information from you computer then what is it doing?

Hi Bob, Just to let you know, I have been using MJ for about 6 months now. At the beginning, I had disconnects constantly via MJ. ALOT of static and hearing every other word, whether I made the call or received it. Did a little playing around with my landline phone lines (used mostly for my kids school) and have not had a problem since. We all love it here. Thank You