How to Use Microsoft NetMeeting

Desktop conferencing software offers a convenient method for conducting a virtual meeting with colleagues or prospective clients when travel is too expensive or otherwise impractical. Users and organizations that have been reluctant to upgrade from Windows XP have access to a free conferencing application on their computers: Microsoft NetMeeting. Although NetMeeting is not included in subsequent versions of Windows, it provides XP users with an option for meeting online with other XP users running the software. Like its successor Windows Meeting Space, NetMeeting allows users to communicate via Voice-over-Internet Protocol and text messaging. It gives users the ability to incorporate video, share files and desktop-based applications, and to collaborate using an interactive whiteboard.

Getting Started

• 1

  Install an external webcam and microphone according to the manufacturer's instructions. Windows XP Hardware Wizard can be helpful with this step.

• 2

  To start Microsoft NetMeeting, click on the "Start" menu, select "Run" and type "conf.exe." Alternatively, locate the "Program Files" directory on your C: drive, open the NetMeeting folder inside and double-click on the icon labeled "conf."

• 3

  When the setup wizard starts, enter your contact information and select your network connection speed when prompted. The wizard will also give you the option to create a shortcut on the desktop or as a Quick Launch button. Do this if you plan to use NetMeeting regularly. NetMeeting will then configure and test your computer's video and audio settings.

Conducting a NetMeeting Session

• 1

  Enter the IP address of each remote participant's computer. Press "Enter" or click on the "Place Call" icon. Alternatively, select "New Call" from the "Call" menu at the top of the NetMeeting window and enter the IP address.

• 2

  Click on the "Start Video" icon to send your camera video to the meeting's other participants. If you need to adjust your audio settings, click on the "Adjust Audio Volume" button. Toggling this button again displays a list of meeting participants. Other settings options are available in the "View" and "Tools" menus along the top of the NetMeeting window.

• 3

  Select "Chat" from the "Tools" menu, or click on the "Chat" icon to open a text chat window. Like most instant messaging clients, you can follow the entire conversation in one field and specify the recipients of your message.

• 4

  Select "Whiteboard" from the "Tools" menu, or click on the "Whiteboard" icon to open the whiteboard window. The whiteboard is similar in appearance to the Paint application in Windows XP, except the NetMeeting whiteboard is collaborative. Using the tools provided, participants can enter text, draw or paint in different colors or add images. Participants can save the whiteboard contents by selecting "Save" or "Save As" from the "File" menu.

• 5

  To share files with other meeting participants, select "File Transfer" from the "Tools" menu, or click on the "Transfer Files" icon to open the file sharing window. Choose "Add Files..." from the "File" menu, select the files to be shared and specify the intended recipients from the drop-down menu. Click on the "Send All" icon, or choose "Send All" or "Send A File" from the "File" menu.

• 6

  To exit or end the NetMeeting session, click on the "End Call" icon or select "Hang Up" from the "Call" menu.