Today almost anyone with a computer and a connection to the Internet can videoconference. There is AOL Instant Messenger, Camfrog, Ekiga, iChat AV, ICU, inSors, Interactive Networks Inc., Marratech, Mirial, Microsoft NetMeeting, MSN Messenger, Paltalk, SeeNx, Session, Sightspeed, Skype, Virtual Room Videoconferencing System (VRVS), Yahoo Messenger, and more. Many of the above come free with either your IP service itself or free with the browser.

The three primary types of videoconferencing are person-to-person, group conferences, and broadcasting. There are streaming applications that broadly distribute one-way, live or stored presentations as well as desktop collaborating applications for the workplace. Streaming applications make it possible to reach a virtually unlimited audience. For instance, the MPEG - 2 / IP Streamerâ„¢ that is a real time, single or dual channel, MPEG-2 Encoder for delivering live content to a single destination via a dedicated IP (LAN) wired or wireless connection. Most office computers are already connected to a dedicated IP connection and from the home; your connection to your own Internet Provider service is a connection to at least a dedicated server. The term dedicated means “reserved for a specific use”. A dedicated server is a single computer in a network reserved for serving the needs of the network. For example, some networks require that one computer be set aside to manage communications between all the other computers.

With this understanding of IP systems regarding videoconferencing, all you need is the proper computer set-up in order to join. Since today’s desktop computers provide most of the hardware components needed for videoconferencing, a good camera and video capture card, may be all the upgrading you need. Desktop videoconferencing collaboration applications also need a combination of document management capabilities, such as file sharing, white board, and snapshot tools, which allow users to capture whole windows or parts of windows for cutting and pasting to the whiteboard. Standard e-mail applications can be used for administrative purposes, such as setting up time for point-to-point conferencing when additional help is required.

A run through the basics of desktop system hardware requirements shows a desktop or laptop computer that supports multimedia, a digital camera for face view, a microphone, speakers or headphones (a noise-canceling headset works best), sound card, video card, and video capture card. Sounds like a lot but as noted before, most of this hardware is already built into your computer. The digital camera, headphones, and microphone should be your only major expense. You will of course need an IP service and at least a 56K dial-up connection with DSL or cable an even better connection. The slower the Internet connection the more chance for disruptions, breaks (especially when streaming) and interference by net congestion. High speed Internet connectivity has become more widely available at a reasonable cost and broadband Internet connectivity have become affordable for the general public As noted before, the availability of free software (often as part of chat programs} has made software based videoconferencing conveniently accessible.

Once you know the correct hardware is installed, how do you videoconference through Your IP service? To use Yahoo’s Messenger as an example, you would first install the Yahoo! Messenger and almost any Yahoo! Internet page will give you this option. Once you click the download button a software wizard will run from the site and walk you through the installation process. When the wizard shows you the install options screen, select Custom. This lets you control which components Yahoo! places on your system. For videoconferencing only Yahoo! Messenger needs to be installed. You must remain connected to the internet while all this is in process.

When installation is complete you will need to create a user account for anyone you want to videoconference with. The first screen on Yahoo! Messenger is the main login screen Click on the Get a Yahoo! ID icon. This will open an account-creation form. You may already have an account with Yahoo!, as well as many who will be in the conference, in this case move straight to login and from the Tools menu, select Start My Webcam. This will launch a Webcam session and all you have to do is choose to broadcast images during an instant-message session. Videoconferencing through your IP Service is just that simple.

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