Audio And Video Conferencing

NetMeeting client setup is simple. The Setup Wizard detects audio and video conferencing hardware and performs an audio input level test during the installation process. You can enter the address for a default ILS. The standard client installation provides support for modem and network connections. The latter supports IP- and IPX-based networks. Document conferencing (application sharing, chat, and file transfers) can be done across modem links or IPX LAN connections, but audio and video conferences require IP.

ILS installation is simple, but it does not address customization of the ILS, which must be done after it is installed. The basic ILS support lets users automatically register themselves in the ILS database by simply connecting via a NetMeeting client. ILS documentation covers additional scripting options, but their implementation can be complex and time-consuming, depending on the level of customization. For a small number of client installations, basic ILS and NetMeeting client installation can be done in an hour.

Using NetMeeting

The NetMeeting client looks a lot like Microsoft's Internet Explorer, but Net- Meeting's tabbed window is where it differs. The Directory tab provides an interface to an ILS. Unfortunately, only one ILS can be used at a time, but you can quickly change between multiple ILSs. An ILS is not the only way to make a connection. HTML links of the form callto: address allow links via IP address, domain name, and even an e-mail address. The latter uses an ILS to resolve the address. This type of linkage can be used for applications like help desk support.

The SpeedDial tab lets you quickly call back recent callers. The Current Call tab shows who is involved in an active call, and shows video images for video conference calls. A History window contains a list of recent calls. NetMeeting operation is relatively simple. You use entries in the Directory or SpeedDial pages, or click on the Call button on the toolbar.

You can configure NetMeeting so that incoming calls pop up a dialog box identifying the caller, letting you decide whether to take the call. Alternatively, you can set NetMeeting into auto-answer mode. You can also set up a multiuser conference call, which is hosted by one NetMeeting workstation. Participants call the host to join a conference. Participants can join or exit a conference as long as it is being hosted.

Once a conference is active, the participants can use the chat, shared clip- board, whiteboard, file transfer, and application-sharing features. Chat is text-oriented; it's implemented with a window, where you type and see what others type. Usually, what you type is seen by all participants, but you can send messages selectively-a process called whispering. You can also save the contents of the chat session.

The shared clipboard lets you copy information from a local application and have someone paste it into a remote application. This is especially handy with the application-sharing feature. Application sharing lets you see an application running on a remote PC. With NetMeeting you can control a remote application and paste information that you copied to the clipboard onto your local PC.