Looking to self-host your own video conferencing platform?
Check out our latest blog on how to install and configure Galene, a lightweight video meeting server that runs seamlessly on FreeBSD.
This step-by-step guide walks you through:
Setting up a FreeBSD 14.3 environment
Configuring Galene for your use case
Tips for using ZFS to enhance performance and reliability
Read the full guide:
Skype, one of the pioneers in internet telephony, has officially ended its support on May 5, 2025. While it was not perfect, Skype held a special place for many as their first experience with online calling. As we bid farewell to Skype, it's important to look ahead at the alternatives that can fill the void. Here are some free and open-source options that can replace Skype seamlessly:
Jitsi
Switch to Jitsi, the free and open-source video conferencing tool. Here's why Jitsi is a great choice:
- Cross-Platform: Jitsi works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, making it accessible to everyone.
- Easy Sharing: Share your screen, files, and even collaborate on documents in real-time.
- Rich Media Support: Jitsi supports high-quality video and audio, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience.
Get started with Jitsi, visit https://jitsi.org/
Matrix (Element)
Matrix is an open standard for decentralized communication, and Element is its flagship client. It supports text messaging, voice and video calls, and file sharing. Matrix's decentralized nature allows users to host their own servers, providing greater control over their data.
- Interoperability: Matrix can bridge with other communication platforms, making it versatile.
- End-to-End Encryption: Ensure your communications are secure with built-in encryption.
- Cross-Platform: Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Learn more about Matrix and Element at https://element.io/
Session
Session is a decentralized messaging app that emphasizes privacy and security. It uses the Oxen network for secure communication and does not require a phone number or email address for registration.
- Privacy-Focused: No phone number or email required, ensuring anonymity.
- Cross-Platform: Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
- Decentralized: No central servers, reducing the risk of data breaches.
Explore Session at https://getsession.org/
Signal
Signal is known for its strong focus on privacy and security, offering end-to-end encryption for all communications, including voice calls, video calls, and messaging.
- End-to-End Encryption: All communications are secure and private.
- Cross-Platform: Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Download Signal at https://signal.org/
Mumble
Mumble is primarily designed for voice communication, offering low-latency, high-quality voice chat. It's often used by gamers and communities that require clear and reliable voice communication.
- Low-Latency: Ensures smooth and clear voice communication.
- Cross-Platform: Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Get started with Mumble at https://www.mumble.info/
Don't Get Stuck with MS Teams!
#SkypeAlternatives #OpenSource #Privacy #CommunicationTools #Jitsi #Matrix #Element #Session #Signal #Mumble #MSTeams #Microsoft #Skype #Jitsi #Teams #OpenSource
#VideoConferencing #Privacy #Security #Collaboration #RemoteWork
#TechNews #TechTransition #DigitalTransformation
Attention all Skype users! Microsoft is ending support for Skype, but don't worry—the transition to Jitsi is super easy. You don't even need to create an account. Just visit https://meet.jit.si/ or run your own server with https://jitsi.org/blog/introducing-jaas-components/
Switch to Jitsi, the free and open-source video conferencing tool. Here's why Jitsi is a great choice:
**Privacy and Security**: Jitsi is open-source, meaning its code is transparent and auditable. No hidden agendas or data mining.
**Cross-Platform**: Jitsi works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, making it accessible to everyone.
**Easy Sharing**: Share your screen, files, and even collaborate on documents in real-time.
**Search Engine Optimization**: Jitsi meetings are optimized for search engines, making it easier to find and join meetings.
**Rich Media Support**: Jitsi supports high-quality video and audio, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience.
Don't get stuck with MS Teams! 
My cohousing group is trying to buy European and open source tech. Things are going mostly well, but we struggle with video conferencing. We are currently on OpenTalk. It works well for small meetings with 4-6 people connected, but plenaries are a disaster.
Did a decent service hit the market in the two years since I last investigated this? Can anyone save us from having to get a Zoom subscription?
Um mal eine Alternative Software für Video-Konferenzen aus Europa ins Spiel zu bringen: whereby.com (Sitz in Skandinavien)
Hatte ich neulich in einem Vorstellungsgespräch und funktionierte einwandfrei :)
#VideoConferencing #Whereby #UnplugTrump #UnplugUSA #EuropeanAlternatives
Does anyone here have experience with Jitsi Meet? I'd like to use something not Discord or Zoom, and preferably opensource, for A/V for my TTRPG group.
Curious about how cutting-edge open-source solutions are transforming the legal landscape? See how the Swiss Federal Supreme Court integrated Jitsi Meet with Polycom to host secure virtual court sessions. It’s a brilliant example of how technology can enhance transparency and security in the legal field.
Discover the full story: https://consensuslabs.ch/blog/secure-video-conferencing-bundesgericht-jitsi-polycom
@crecente @stopTDV Jitsi is an open source, encrypted voice/video conferencing program. Unfortunately, it is made by nerds and hard to install/run. I'm about to launch into seeing if I can get it up and running on my server (not for public use, but to see if I can help others install it).
We need the nerd army to come through on video FOSS and encrypted conferencing alternatives. (Maybe there are some and I'm not aware).
Zoom meetings really are just modern seances, aren’t they?
> “There’s someone who wants to join us.”
“Elizabeth, are you there?”
“We can’t hear you.”
“Can you hear us?”
#ZoomMeetings
#ModernSeance
#VideoConferencing
#Meme
#Humor
#DigitalLife
#ClassicArt
I’m really getting quite salty about this. I keep finding amazing software that gets purchased by some giant corporation, then tossed in the trash.
If you’re wealthy, please don’t buy and sunset apps. Just stop.
Does anyone have a favorite video conferencing service that is privacy focused? And maybe even FOSS?
My low-hanging fruit enhancement request for #GNOME to not use a colored microphone icon when the microphone is actually muted, to distinguish more easily when the microphone is actually "live"... if you'd like to get started contributing to #GNOMEShell, this might be a good opportunity: https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gnome-shell/-/issues/8077
Reflection: #Videoconferencing has matured to the point where everybody expects it to "just work" but it rarely "just works" especially with hybrid (room + people dialling in).
Just like execs and senior managers who were able to run Powerpoint effectively in the 2000s and 2010s garnered kudos, professionals who learn how to run room videoconferencing effectively and well are going to advance their careers.
Please for the love of all that is good, learn how to videoconference properly.
Not sure if this is a stretch, but has anyone managed to get automated #captions (or CART) and shareable live #transcriptions working with the public #Jitsi Meet instance, even via a third-party app?
I'm not interested in self-hosting, and I'm open to paid solutions. I know that there are some services that offer a bot that you can invite into your meeting to transcribe, but the ones I've tried don't work with Jitsi (Iist in 
)
A short history of the AT&T Picturephone, a 1960s precursor of modern videoconferencing systems.
What is the best non invasive / #privacy respecting #videoConferencing app these days?
Five people and a one hour call.
No AI training. No tracking. No evil corporation like Microsoft, Google, Facebook, etc.
Bonuses:
no need to sign up.
Decent encryption but that is less of a requirement then the operator not mining our conversation and profiling us.
The surprising mental impact of seeing your own face on [video conferencing] calls
Viewing one’s own face during video conferencing calls leads to mental fatigue, according to a study of brain activity, which found equal outcomes among men and women.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/video-calls-zoom-face-fatigue-b2532581.html
We are excited to announce the release of #eduMEET v4.0!
Version 4 marks the coming of age of the #OpenSource #videoconferencing platform for #Research & #Education developed within the GÉANT project.
What's new?
Rewritten architecture & simplified code Refreshed look and feel & improved user experience Serving big meeting rooms New features (as breakout rooms & background blur) Improved backend & scalability
#GSA used “egregiously flawed” #marketresearch in its decision to purchase 150 Chinese-made #videoconferencing #cameras that did not comply w U.S. trade standards, agency’s oversight office said in report released Tues. USbased firm, which was unnamed and designated only as “Company A” in the report, provided agency w cameras manufactured in China that did not comply with 1979 Trade Agreements Act, includes known security flaws that still need to be addressed - per IG https://www.nextgov.com/acquisition/2024/01/gsa-used-egregiously-flawed-data-clear-purchase-chinese-made-cameras-watchdog-says/393563/?oref=ng-home-top-story
We've received word from many newly joined members that their reason for joining is our fully-free Jitsi service member benefit. In case you missed it, we recently published an article about this often overlooked member benefit. Read it here: https://u.fsf.org/41x #Jitsi #VideoConferencing #Freedom #Privacy #DeGoogle #LearnLibre #FreeSoftware #Communication
We've received word from many newly joined members that their reason for joining is our fully-free Jitsi service member benefit. In case you missed it, we recently published an article about this often overlooked member benefit. Read it here: https://u.fsf.org/41x #Jitsi #VideoConferencing #Freedom #Privacy #DeGoogle #LearnLibre #FreeSoftware #Communication
