Virtual Meetings

Conferencing without audio or video can be accomplished on the Web with various document management, multimedia conferencing, or screen-sharing packages.

Microsoft's conferencing software, NetMeeting is included with 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.

Document conferencing software enables people in remote locations to collaborate on projects via the Web. 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.

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.

Last update: Jan 11, 2010