Necessary Audio Conferencing Equipment
For a web-based audio conference, you will need a computer with an Internet connection, a way to hear and be heard, a video camera for being seen; and the software chosen by the conference moderator.
Your Web browser must be Java-equipped, and your Internet connection must be 56 kbps or faster. Any cable or DSL hookup is good (never use dial-up for web conferencing.)
Audio Conferencing Phones
For your audio linkup, you can either use an Internet-based technology called VoIP, or a telephone, depending on the software your conference is using. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol.
It is like a telephone, but instead of being sent analogically through the phone lines, audio is sent digitally via the Internet, at a cost much lower than traditional long distance. In either case, it is recommended that you utilize a comfortable headset with earphones and a microphone.
That way, your hands will be free, you will be more comfortable, and your face will be seen by the web cam.
Audio Conferencing Cameras
To be seen by the other users in the web conference, you will need a web cam. Test out the angle and lighting in advance to make sure you are showing up well. Be sure to wear a suit, just as you would in the real world. Relax and smile.
Audio Conferencing Software
Your software can be any of a number of audio conferencing programs. Every user must have the same program or "interface" in order for it to work.
Microsoft NetMeeting and GnomeMeeting are two such programs.
Audio Conferencing the Old Fashioned Way
The other way to do audio conferencing is in a group situation. There is a television, a speakerphone or some other communication device, and perhaps some collaborative software. As personal and office computers become more and more powerful, and now that employees or group members have access to such gadgets as web cameras and headsets, audio conferencing will continue to shift to this more economical way of conferencing..
Do I Need a DSL or Cable Connection?
If you spend most of your time on the internet waiting for large files to download or if you are a webmaster that uploads tens of thousands of files onto your web sites each day, a DSL or cable connection might be the answer.
Taking into consideration the speeds of Dial-Up, DSL, and Cable connections, a DSL connection averages around ten times faster than a Dial-Up connection and Cable is around three times faster than DSL. The differences may or may not sound very spectacular. But, as the sizes of the files you are downloading increase, the more noticeable it will be.
Here are some calculators you can use to test the download times of various file sizes on Dial-Up, DSL, and Cable connections..
Dsl > Do I Need a DSL or Cable Connection?
Connecting On The Road
Are you one of those travelers who simply cannot stand to be apart from your internet connection? And are you wondering how you can still have get email or surf the web while on the road? Not to worry because technology is here to help!First, let's talk about your actual computer equipment. The kind of equipment you're taking with you and determining how you will both store and use it is important. If you have a laptop, you have the freedom to pretty much sit wherever you like inside your RV ? from the couch to your driving recliner to the dinette or even outside. Storage consists of putting the laptop in its storage case, and stowing it away in a safe place. (Remember, laptops can handle a little toss now and then, but it's best to secure them as you would any other valuable, breakable item.)If you have a desktop with a PC and monitor, you'll need to be a little more creative.
First, decide if you'll be leaving your PC and monitor out while you travel. For your PC, consider putting...
Connecting On The Road
Dsl > Connecting On The Road
Freedom Phone Services Offers DSL, Broadband, Cell Phone, VoIP and Pays Commissions to Consumers
Wakefield, NH (ContentDesk) April 26, 2006 -- High-tech communications services are in high demand, and savvy Internet shoppers now have one added discount to bring them the lowest possible price on high speed Internet access, VoIP, cellular phones, and long-distance. Many companies offer existing customers a bonus for referring a friend who signs up for service, but now Freedom Phone Services has taken that promotion to a higher level commissions to consumers for signing themselves up. Word of mouth has long been acknowledged as the best form of advertising, so we decided to pay the normal sales commission to consumers instead of to a salesperson, explained David M. Bresnahan, president of Freedom Phone Services.There is an automated online sign-up process for marketing representatives at http://FreedomPhoneServices.com/info.php. Consumers simply sign up, at no cost of course, to become a sales rep for our company....
Freedom Phone Services Offers DSL, Broadband, Cell Phone, VoIP and Pays Commissions to Consumers
Dsl > Freedom Phone Services Offers DSL, Broadband, Cell Phone, VoIP and Pays Commissions to Consumers
Is VoIP Good For The Home?
There is no doubt that you have heard about VoIP by now. It's made headlines and is plastered everywhere both in online and TV advertisements. Just in case you haven't caught on to the hype yet, VoIP is the abbreviated term for Voice over Internet Protocol. Voice over Internet Protocol is basically the ability to communicate on a phone over your Internet connection.With VoIP, the promise is the ability to make local and global long distance calls at a significantly lower rate than over a plain old telephone line through your local carrier. The VoIP trend has caught on and large enterprises all over the globe are adopting this new technology to reduce their cost of business communications which may include fax, conference calling, along with streaming video applications.
VoIP has been around for some time, but it has only been until recently that it has finally matured to the stage worthy of replacing everyday phone use.At the household level, it is certain by now that you are...
Is VoIP Good For The Home?
Dsl > Is VoIP Good For The Home?