YMAX MagicJack Interrogation

[Afflete]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me about the technical use/operating components of YMAX company's "famous" Magicjack VoIP device? Briefly, I am in need of a simple Info Tech explanation that can identify the non-serious nature of the device on any computer with internet capabilities.

Today I was interrogated by a representative of the Department of Industrial Relations (located in a southern state)... for putting my Magicjack into one of the state computers with a simple goal of trying to make a phone call while using one of the public computers. Same thing happened at a local library... treated me as though I was hacking into their computer systems! No one had heard of or knew how to simply explain the capacity of the Magicjack system while plugged into a USB port, including me.

At both locations it was regarded as a potentially "illegal scam" and that although they were uncertain of a charge or infraction citation, it nonetheless left a bad taste in my mouth along with an irritated disposition. If I could have any Info Tech insight on how to explain this simple operating device, it may save... my life!

Thanks for your help,
Jay

[MOA]

Contact MJ tech support ...

Hello, I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me about the technical use/operating components of YMAX company's "famous" Magicjack VoIP device? Briefly, I am in need of a simple Info Tech explanation that can identify the non-serious nature of the device on any computer with internet capabilities.

Today I was interrogated by a representative of the Department of Industrial Relations (located in a southern state)... for putting my Magicjack into one of the state computers with a simple goal of trying to make a phone call while using one of the public computers. Same thing happened at a local library... treated me as though I was hacking into their computer systems! No one had heard of or knew how to simply explain the capacity of the Magicjack system while plugged into a USB port, including me.

At both locations it was regarded as a potentially "illegal scam" and that although they were uncertain of a charge or infraction citation, it nonetheless left a bad taste in my mouth along with an irritated disposition. If I could have any Info Tech insight on how to explain this simple operating device, it may save... my life!

Thanks for your help,
Jay

[az2008]

... treated me as though I was hacking into their computer systems! No one had heard of or knew how to simply explain the capacity of the Magicjack system while plugged into a USB port, including me.

I would not connect MJ to a computer that 1) isn't mine, and 2) I don't have explicit, informed consent/permission to use MJ on.

MJ doesn't run exclusively from the USB device. It installs itself to any computer you connect it to. (I.e., it's not as harmless as just connecting a flash drive.).

To make matters worse, MJ seems to pride itself on not providing an uninstall utility. After using MJ on a public computer, MJ will remain on that computer like a virus. Polluting the registry, etc.

MJ just isn't friendly to use on other computers. Dan (the inventor) takes pride in how you carry your contacts around with you on the USB device, like it's travel-friendly. But, he completely missed the opportunity to have it run exclusively from the USB device.

Mark

[Afflete]

MOA: negative...

az2008: insightful, thank you. Although it would seem to negate the overall purpose of Magicjack - mobility on "any" computer, wouldn't you agree? Would you care to try and be the "Advocate"? I would be interested in your response on the other side of the coin as well.

[az2008]

Would you care to try and be the "Advocate"?

Sure. A common refrain among MJ users:

Even if it's not useful as a traveling (use on any computer) device. Even if the quality is unusable. Even if it gives you a brain tumor and makes you sterile... for $1.67 per month, it's one heck of a bargain.

Mark