Sync Comm
PAGE (4 of 7)
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Sync Comm |
PAGE (4 of 7) |
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Audio based chatting across the Internet is becoming increasingly
popular. Many people see it as a mechanism to escape long distance
phone charges. Net audio chatting requires that users have computers
that support both digital sound input, (microphone) and output,
(speakers). The quality of most Net audio chatting is well below that
of normal telephone conversations. Tradeoffs must be made to balance
audio capture/digitization rates, compression and Network
bandwidth.
Microsoft
NetMeeting®, (available free from Microsoft),
provides audioconferencing as well as text chatting, a shared whiteboard and
video teleconferencing. Based on the H.323 desktop conferencing standard, it can
communicate with any other H.323 compliant client. Download NetMeeting
and install it to try it out. Installation may require a reboot before first
use. (NetMeeting should be available in the CS lab.)
NetMeeting Setup
If this is the first time you have used NetMeeting you
may be will taken through the Setup Wizard. For security reasons do not enable
sharing when asked in the wizard. Choose any of the directory servers you wish
in order to be able to connect with other users. Enter your
personal information as requested, (or choose anonymous information
if desired). Next select your type of use and network connection type. The setup
wizard will auto-detect any video devices if present. An audio tuning wizard
will allow you to set volume and record levels. In the Tools
menu, Options... dialog, General tab it
is recommended that you do check the "Do not list my name in the directory" checkbox
in the directory settings to avoid unwanted email and anonymous calls.
(Note - you can still be logged on to the directory server and may be be listed in their
listing, but it will only be temporary and last only as long as you execute
NetMeeting. In prior versions of NetMeeting the directory servers were referred
to as ILS (Internet Locator Servers) servers.) 
To place a call simply enter the Internet machine.domain computer address of the person to whom you wish to connect and depress the dial button. They must currently be online using NetMeeting. (You can also look up other Netizens who are currently online by selecting the Call menu Directory and doing a find on a specific person.)
When someone attempts to connect with you
NetMeeting will display a Incoming Call dialog box.
Attempt to connect with someone else in the lab who is at this point in the tutorial if you wish. Since the CS lab machines lack microphones, from the Tools menu , select the Chat option. Enter a message in the Message: area and depress Enter or the Send button in the Chat window. After sending and receiving chat messages proceed with the tutorial. (You may wish to leave the connection open for the Shared Whiteboard part of the tutorial.)
Always be aware that when NetMeeting is active your
contact information is entered in the directory server. Users from around the globe can attempt to
contact you.
Suggested Optional Activities
Further Study / Resources
MS NetMeeting Links
Netscape Conference Links
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