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Overview:
Microsoft NetMeeting is a FREE program that enables you to connect to others via
your IP Address (your computers specific identification). It is most
commonly used with the WebCams to transmit
live video. You can also transfer files, chat live or even invite several others
and hold a meeting right over the Internet.
To utilize the internet for video etc, both you
and the recipient must have a "common" meeting place on the web to have your
meeting. This is where NetMeeting comes in.
Preliminary:
Before you start there are a couple of things to know.
- You must have NetMeeting installed. It comes free
with Logitech's Quickcam Express and most others. If not, it is a free
download from the internet at:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/netmeeting/.
- Netmeeting is built into Windows XP. Click
on Start/Run/conf.exe to launch the setup.
- You must be connected to the Internet to use NetMeeting
- Do not expect crystal clear video and expect to live with a
slight delay. It is not perfect but still very functional.
- You will need to know your IP Address of your computer (see
below)
- The person or persons you are talking to must also have
NetMeeting.
- There are two types of meetings. One on one where you and
one other person are connected and view each other as you talk. And a Meeting,
which is hosted by one person, (the only one that will be seen in the
NetMeeting video) where you Host a meeting and invite others to come.
This would come in handy if you wanted to hold a meeting or demonstration.
Remember others will be able to see you (but you will not be able to see
them)
Getting Started:
One on One: (Just you and one other
person)
- Open NetMeeting
- Find your IP Address by clicking on
the Help menu and About NetMeeting. This is key because
if you do not know your IP address no one will be able to find you on the
Internet! Write this down.
- Notify the person you wish to have the exchange video with
via phone or e-mail.
- Either have them call YOU or you call them (must know their
IP Address)
- For YOU to make the call....Click on Call then
New Call. (Or click on the telephone icon on the upper right.)
- Type in the IP Address of that person....click Call.
Wait ...it will say Waiting for response from.... Once the call is received
by the other party, their name will appear in the white box below the video
window...and shortly you should see their picture.
NOTE: If the Automatically Accept
Calls option is not selected (Call Menu), you MUST manually click on the
PLAY button with the little blue right arrow icon to start
transmission...otherwise they will never see you. This setting is up to you.
If you want them to see you as soon as they connect the choose the Auto
setting...if you want to control when the camera starts recording
you....then leave it unchecked.
- To end the call just click on the little telephone icon
with the red arrow pointing down to hang up.
NOTE: Now as a test have the other person call
YOU...so you will see what it looks like from the other side.
Conference Call (Meeting):
(You will host the meeting and invite more than one person)
- Open NetMeeting
- Find your IP Address by clicking on the Help menu
and About NetMeeting. This is key because if you do not know your IP
address no one will be able to find you on the Internet! Write this down.
- Click on Call / Host Meeting ...some options will
appear...select how you wish to control the meeting if at all....leave it as
it is for now for this example. Your name only will appear in the Name box
below.
- Notify the people you wish to have the video conference
with via phone or e-mail. Tell them your IP Address.
- As they join the meeting you will see their name appear in
the Name box along with yours....once everyone has joined click on Start
Video button (if you do not have the Automatically Accept Calls option
selected)
- You now have a meeting started in which all others in the
meeting can see you (but you will not see them...only the black NetMeeting
default screen. At this point you can use the icons below the Name
window (all others will see everything you are doing) For example click on
the White Board (third from the left) and draw on the board...all
others in the group will have a White board pop up on their screen and see
everything you draw. Great for expressing a point or idea! Works the same
with the other icons...Chat (select a single person from the drop down
list to send a private message to...others will not see this). You can also Share
a file or files, or Transfer files to their computers while connected
to NetMeeting. Very useful and becoming a standard in the business
community, and a lot of fun for talking to family members far away or across
town!.
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