Facebook Video Calling by Skype Technologies: Should I Remove It?

Facebook Video Calling by Skype Technologies is a feature that allows users to make video calls directly from their Facebook accounts. It was introduced in 2011 as a collaboration between Facebook and Skype, aiming to enhance the communication experience for Facebook users. However, as with any software or feature, there are pros and cons to consider. In this article, we will explore what Facebook Video Calling is, its benefits and drawbacks, and whether or not you should remove it from your Facebook account.

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What is Facebook Video Calling?

Facebook Video Calling is a feature that allows users to have face-to-face conversations with their friends and family members through video calls. It utilizes the technology and infrastructure of Skype, a popular video calling platform, to enable seamless video communication within the Facebook platform.

To use Facebook Video Calling, users need to have a webcam and microphone connected to their computer or mobile device. They also need to install the Facebook Video Calling plugin, which is a small software component that enables the video calling functionality within the Facebook website or app.

Benefits of Facebook Video Calling

Facebook Video Calling offers several benefits for users who want to connect with their loved ones in a more personal and interactive way:

  1. Convenience: With Facebook Video Calling, you can have face-to-face conversations with your friends and family members without the need for a separate video calling app or software. It is integrated directly into the Facebook platform, making it easily accessible.
  2. Accessibility: Since Facebook is one of the most widely used social media platforms, chances are that most of your friends and family members already have a Facebook account. This means that you can easily connect with them through video calls without having to convince them to install a new app or create an account on another platform.
  3. Personal Connection: Video calls allow for a more personal and intimate connection compared to text-based communication. You can see the facial expressions and body language of the person you are talking to, which helps to convey emotions and strengthen relationships.
  4. Group Calls: Facebook Video Calling also supports group video calls, allowing you to have virtual gatherings with multiple friends or family members at the same time. This is especially useful for special occasions or when you want to catch up with a group of people.

Drawbacks of Facebook Video Calling

While Facebook Video Calling offers many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

  1. Privacy Concerns: Facebook has faced numerous privacy controversies in the past, and video calling introduces another layer of potential privacy risks. When using Facebook Video Calling, you need to be cautious about the information you share and ensure that your privacy settings are properly configured.
  2. Technical Issues: Like any software, Facebook Video Calling is not immune to technical glitches or compatibility issues. Users may experience problems with audio or video quality, connectivity, or software conflicts. These issues can be frustrating and may require troubleshooting or contacting customer support.
  3. Resource Usage: Video calling requires a significant amount of network bandwidth and system resources. If you have a slow internet connection or an older computer, you may experience lag, freezing, or poor video quality during video calls. Additionally, video calling can drain your device’s battery quickly, especially on mobile devices.
  4. Distractions: Video calls can be more distracting compared to audio or text-based communication. You may be tempted to multitask or get distracted by your surroundings during a video call, which can affect the quality of the conversation and your ability to focus.

Should You Remove Facebook Video Calling?

Whether or not you should remove Facebook Video Calling depends on your personal preferences and needs. Here are some factors to consider:

  • If you frequently use video calling to connect with your friends and family members, and you find Facebook Video Calling convenient and reliable, there may be no need to remove it.
  • If you have privacy concerns or have experienced technical issues with Facebook Video Calling, you may consider removing it and using an alternative video calling platform that better suits your needs.
  • If you rarely use video calling or prefer other communication methods, such as audio calls or text-based messaging, you may choose to remove Facebook Video Calling to declutter your Facebook experience.

If you decide to remove Facebook Video Calling, you can do so by following these steps:

  1. Log in to your Facebook account and go to the settings menu.
  2. Navigate to the “Apps and Websites” section.
  3. Find the Facebook Video Calling app and click on it.
  4. Select the option to remove or uninstall the app.

Alternatively, you can use a third-party uninstaller tool like Revo Uninstaller Free to ensure a complete removal of the Facebook Video Calling plugin from your computer.

Conclusion

Facebook Video Calling by Skype Technologies is a feature that allows users to have video calls directly from their Facebook accounts. It offers convenience, accessibility, and a more personal connection for users who want to connect with their friends and family members. However, it also comes with privacy concerns, technical issues, resource usage, and potential distractions.

Whether or not you should remove Facebook Video Calling depends on your personal preferences and needs. Consider factors such as your usage of video calling, privacy concerns, and alternative communication methods. If you decide to remove it, follow the steps provided or use a third-party uninstaller tool like Revo Uninstaller Free for a complete removal.

Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what aligns best with your communication preferences and priorities.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

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    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

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    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

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    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

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    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

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    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.