Conferencing: Virtual Meetings: Page 2

FIND IT FAST Learn the Net The Web HOW TO Use the Site Master the Basics Surf the Web Harness E-mail Find Information Download Files Socialize Conference Music, Video & Photos Web Publishing Do E-Business Find the Right Job Protect Yourself ONLINE SHOPPING How It Works Top Ten Tips Discount Coupons RESOURCES Animated Internet Glossary Free Weekly Newsletter COMPANY INFO About Us Partner Programs Write Us Privacy Policy

Other Forms of Conferencing Conferencing without audio or video can be accomplished on the Web with various document management, multimedia conferencing, or screen-sharing packages. Microsoft Internet Explorer (version 4.0 to 6.0) has a built-in conferencing program, called NetMeeting. IE 7.0 doesn't include the program, but NetMeeting is part of the Windows XP operating system. Access NetMeeting by selecting Start, then All Programs, Accessories, Communications, NetMeeting. For first time users, a wizard will walk you through setting up the program. TRY THIS... Visit the Microsoft's NetMeeting page to download the most recent version of the software (it's free). Document conferencing software enables people in remote locations to collaborate on projects via the Web, without the need for broadband connections. With some programs, participants can make basic annotations to documents; others let participants jointly use a word processor or spreadsheet. Software programs for multimedia conferencing and screen-sharing provide basic tools for connecting work groups and in-depth collaboration tools that enable users to control and synchronize applications and presentation of text, graphics, images, sound, and video. Whiteboard applications feature real time sketching, viewing, and annotation of documents. Performance and features depends upon the hardware and software used by the participants. Web Chat You can also use more traditional chat conferencing or bulletin board systems (BBSs) with real time capabilities. (Note that during chat sessions, participants actually type messages to each other.) This type of software can be used with your web browser to conduct online chat sessions with other users and can accommodate between 50 and 1,000 users simultaneously. Some companies employ this feature on their websites to facilitate communication with customers or as an information-based, value-added feature. One of the most popular chat programs is ICQ. You can download the software for free from the ICQ website. ICQ allows registered users to set up both public and private chat sessions, send written and voice messages and files. A useful feature is the ability to save the text generated by chat sessions. The ICQ website contains a comprehensive set of tutorials that explains how this sophisticated software works. Back Last update: Nov 27, 2007 Related Article: Instant Messaging Explore More: Search the Web Learn the Net (www.learnthenet.com) is Copyright 1996-2009. Michael Lerner Productions. All Rights Reserved.