NetMeeting enables you to avoid expensive telephone charges by using a technology called Internet telephony to enable voice transmissions between colleagues or friends over the Internet. Instead of speaking into a telephone receiver, you talk into a microphone that`s attached to the sound card in your computer. NetMeeting sends your voice across the Internet to the computers that are attached to yours. Speakers amplify the conversation.

Also included with NetMeeting are Chat, a programme that enables you to programme that works like a chalkboard. In addition, during Net Meeting, an application installed on one computer can be shared by other NetMeeting participants, and files can be transferred between the connected computers.

If you don`t have any audio equipment in your computer, you can still participate in a NetMeeting conference by using these other tools.

One of the NetMeeting`s most dramatic features is its ability to enable video conferencing. Setting up a video conference requires some technical knowledge and fairly expensive, specialised equipment. To use the video features of NetMeeting, you need either a video-capture card and camera or a video camera that connects to your computer`s parallel port. Additionally, transmissions appear in boxes on the NetMeeting screen.

NetMeeting supports meetings of as many as 32 participants. However during your NetMeeting, you can be connected to only one other person with audio or video at a time. No matter how many people are participating in a meeting, only three people at a time can share applications running on their computers.

Configuring NetMeeting

Before you can connect with others with NetMeeting, you need to spend a few minutes setting it up. You can always make changes to the configuration later if you upgrade to a new sound card or a faster modem.

Setting up NetMeeting for the first time

Before use NetMeeting for the first time, you need to provide personal data and specify some sound and communications information so that the programme can take full advantage of your computer equipment. If you performed a full install when you installed Internet Explorer, NetMeeting should already be set up into your computer.
1. In a previous lesson, you set up the NetMeeting icon on your Quick Launch toolbar. Click the NetMeeting icon one time to start NetMeeting.
2. Alternatively, click the Start button on the Windows taskbar and select Program>Internet Explorer>Microsoft NetMeeting. Either way, the Microsoft NetMeeting setup wizard displays a dialogue box that contains information about the program.
3. After you have read the information, click Next.
4. The second dialogue box asks you if you would like to be listed in a directory when you use NetMeeting. A directory server lists the names of all the people who are connected and available for conferencing. Unless you know the name of a specific directory server that you`d like to connect to, accept the default by clicking Next.
5. The third dialogue box asks you for information about you. The information you enter on this screen will appear on the directory listing. The name and e-mail fields are mandatory, but you don`t have to use real information. If you want to remain anonymous, you can type a handle for yourself(I sometimes use my dog`s name in place of my own.) Type your name and e-mail address in the appropriate fields.
6. The remaining fields on the screen are optional. Enter your location information and comment if you wish.
7. Click Next.
8. The fourth dialogue asks if you`d like the information you provided in the last step to be categorised for personal use, for business use, or for adults only. Click an option button next to your choice.
9. Click Next.
10. The Audio Turning Wizard is the next dialogue box that appears. Since in the next few dialogue boxes you`ll be asked to confirm the speed of your internet connection and read aloud into your microphone so NetMeeting can match its settings to the sound equipment installed inside your computer.
11. The sixth dialogue box asks you to confirm the speed of your Internet connection: 14,400 bps modem, 28,800 bps or higher modem, ISDN, or LAN(local area network). Check the option button next to the choice that matches your connection.
12. Click Next.
13. The seventh dialogue box asks you to read aloud into the microphone attached to your computer to verify your audio settings. Click the Start Recording button and record for up to 9 seconds. As you speak, a meter tracks your progress.
14. When you finish recording, click Next.
15. The last dialogue box advises that you`ve successfully set up NetMeeting. Click Finish to end the setup wizard and start NetMeeting.

Tip: If you need to make changes to your sound settings later, select Tools>Audio Tuning Wizard and go through the dialogue boxes again, making the appropriate changes.

INTERNET WITH INTERNET EXPLORER 4: ONE STEP AT A TIME
Comdex Computer Publishing
Price: Rs 395 (with CD-ROM)