Using The Signal APP For Backup Comms

[JohnyMac]

We all have character flaws. One of mine is talking about a subject that I think everyone knows about. Case in point, I received a PM yesterday asking, "what is this signal you keep talking about?" Here is a short explaination.

In short, Signal is a messaging system like texting but better.

Signal uses a cell towers AND the internet to send text like messages. Signal messages are sent instantly. Have you ever sent a text and the receiving person gets the message hours later or even the next day?

Signal is encrypted so although the powers to be can see that you send XYZ a message or you received a message from ABC, they can not read the message. The secret is to not keep the message on your phone.

You can set the time that you want it to remain on your devise once it is read. Once it vanishes into the ionosphere, it can not be retrieved by you or any other party. POOF! It is gone.

Signal can only be used on a smart phone. iPhone or Android. Here are links to the app for your platform.

Android:  https://signal.org/android/apk/

iPone: https://www.signal.org/download/ios/

In 2022 we had a week with no to limited cell service or electricity. Signal worked like a champ communicating with the folks in my local MAG who did not have a ham radio. It also works as a phone (voice) or video.

This is why I switched from TEXT in the "When the interwize goes dark SOI" to Signal.

I would like to apologize that I did not do a better job explaining this earlier. 

 

[pkveazey]

Okay, I installed SIGNAL. I have no idea how it works, but I now have it.

[Searchboss]

I have had Signal installed for about two years now. I have it on both my phone and on my desktop computer. I use it mainly with trusted acquaintances, not as a day-to-day communications app. I was surprised to learn that a lot more people use Signal than I thought. There was a small learning curve, both for me and in getting my acquaintances to install and use it. I have since set the "Disappearing Messages" setting to one week so the messages will go away after that time limit. This works well and keeps the clutter of past conversations down.

I do have one acquaintance who is "technology challenged" and seems to miss a message every so often. It seems he somehow turned off the notice feature on his phone. He claims he does not know how that happened. 

[Nemo]

My phone plays tricks on me all the time.  Turns things off, turns things on, makes strange noises, wants to send me money or free things and all kinds of stuff.

Nemo