Overview

This webpage is meant to be a guide for those people who want to get virtually-connected with all members of our newly distributed laboratory.  You'll need the following:

• webcam
• microphone (preferably a microphone/earphone headset)
• communication software

In this tutorial, we'll walk through setup and operation of the different software options we have.  Some things to consider before you get started:

• If you are conferencing webcam to webcam:
• NetMeeting is an excellent (and standard) way of video conferencing. It is important to note that both users need static IP addresses for NetMeeting to work properly - this unfortunately excludes most people on the Savannah campus, as well as people using wireless to connect to the net.
• MSN Messenger is a piece of software used for instant messenging; it enables its users to do video conferencing as well.  Since this software tracks users by account info, you will be able to use this software to video conference as long as you are connected to the net.
• Skype is an excellent (and free and independent) way of doing voice over IP (VOIP).  Video chat is now integrated into the software.  There is also a free add-on (Festoon) that can be installed that will allow you to video conference with up to 8 people simultaneously (the only known free way of doing so).  Since Skype tracks users by their account info, you will be able to video conference as long as you are connected to the net.
• GoogleTalk is also an excellent way of doing VOIP for free.  It has an integrated video chat feature.  Also, if you have a gmail account, you already have a GoogleTalk account; all you have to do is download the free software.  Surprisingly, the above mentioned Festoon is also compatible with GoogleTalk, and is cross-compatible with Skype (meaning you can talk to other Skype and GoogleTalk users through Festoon).  Since GoogleTalk tracks users by their account info, you will be able to video conference as long as you are connected to the net.
• If you are conferencing webcam to Polycom (the fancy video-conferencing monstrosity):
• NetMeeting is the only program that will interface with the Polycom units.  It should be noted that the resolution of the NetMeeting broadcast is fairly low, so those watching on the Polycom will be treated to extremely pixelated pictures of you.

It's important to know that, as of this moment, webcam to webcam is the only way in which we can share and edit documents via conferencing since the Polycom units of the GaTech ATL and GaTech Savannah are not entirely compatible.

Software

NetMeeting

NetMeeting is Microsoft's (semi)built-in net-conferencing tool.  It allows you to hold a video conference call, wherein you can share documents, share a "whiteboard", and even share windows on your desktop.  It is the most "official" and reliant tool we have. It is also the only way to connect to the Polycom units.

It's one drawback: it requires calls to be placed via the input of an IP address.  The reason this is a drawback: those who do not have static IP addresses cannot participate in calls.

Installation Steps:

• NetMeeting is actually built into your Windows XP OS. To activate it, simply go to the Start menu, click Run, then enter the word Conf and click Ok
• In the NetMeeting Wizard supply the necessary information, and then select Put a shortcut to NetMeeting on my desktop check box.

Operation Steps:

• Open NetMeeting
• To place a call:
• click on the yellow phone icon on the top-right of the NetMeeting window to place a call
• in the To: text box, enter the IP address of the person you would like to call, and click Call
• To receive a call:
• a small window in the bottom-right of your screen will appear on your desktop informing you that there is an incoming call
• click on the Accept Call button
• once the call is connected, the conference will begin
• To send video:
• click on the play/pause button (start video) in the NetMeeting window
• alternatively you can go to the Tools menu, choose the Video sub-menu, and click on Send
• To receive video (which normally happens automatically):
• go to the Tools menu, choose the Video sub-menu, and click on Receive

Other Features:

• You can choose to skip the need to manually receive/send video by going to the Tools menu, choosing Options, selecting the Video tab, and checking the Automatically send/receive video at the start of each call options
• To see the video you are sending out, click on the Picture-in-Picture button, located next to the play/pause button on the main NetMeeting window.
• NetMeeting offers other features that help with productivity. Check them out!

MSN Messenger

MSN Messenger is a chat program that also does VOIP and video conferencing. This account allows users to chat, talk, and video conference without the need for a static IP - if you have a net connection you can communicate with others!  One drawback of MSN Messenger is that you can only video conference with one person at a time.

Installation Steps:

• Go to the MSN Messenger website and download the latest version
• Once the download is complete, run the installation wizard.
• You'll need a MSN Messenger account. If you have an exisiting hotmail or .net passport account, you can use that.
• Add your username to the SRL List so that other SRL members can add you to their contacts list.

Operation Steps:

• Open MSN Messenger (it is default to open and minimize itself on the Windows taskbar upon startup)
• You need to create a list of contacts to be able to communicate with other people:
• Add a contact by going to Contacts -> Add a Contact (or clicking on the humanoid icon w/ a + sign)
• Select Create a new contact from an email address and click Next
• Enter the email addresss and click Next
• They will have to accept you as a contact before they are added to your list
• To place a video call:
• From the MSN Messenger Window select Actions -> Voice/Video -> Start a Video Conversation
• Alternatively, you can click on the Video icon when you are in a chat window with someone
• An invitation to begin the video call will be sent to your contact; once it is accepted, the video chat will begin
• To receive a video call:
• Once someone places a video call to you, a MSN Messenger chat window will open with an invitation message that will read, " ___ is inviting you to start a Video Conversation. Do you want to accept (Alt + C) or decline (Alt + D) the invitation?"
• Hit Alt+C (or click on the hyperlink) to begin the video call

Other Features:

• MSN Messenger allows you to open a whiteboard, share a file, or swap files.

Skype (and Festoon)

Skype is an independent (although it was recently bought by ebay) and free VOIP and chat software.  It is exactly like any other messenger service (AOL, Yahoo, MSN, Google), and requires that you create an account with their service.  This account allows users to chat, talk, and video conference without the need for a static IP - if you have a net connection you can communicate wither others!  One great feature of Festoon is that multiple people can video chat at once!

Installation Steps:

• Go to the Skype website and download the latest version
• Once the download is complete, run the installation wizard. Be sure to take note of your username and password.
• Add your username to the SRL List so that other SRL members can add you to their contacts list.
• Go to the Festoon website and download the latest version if you want to conference with more than one person at a time
  
• Once the download is complete, run the installation wizard.  You will need to give Festoon permission to access Skype's API at the appropriate dialog box. 
• Once Festoon is successfully installed, you will see a new yellow circle with a white V inlaid into it at the top right corner of the Skype window.
• You can verify that your camera and microphone are properly configured by right-clicking on the Festoon icon in your taskbar (white square w/ a yellow smiley face) and choosing Make a Test Call

Operation Steps:

• Open Skype (it is default to open and minimize itself on the Windows taskbar upon startup)
• You need to create a list of contacts to be able to communicate with other people:
• Add a contact (the green circle with a + sign in it, upper left of Skype window)
• Enter their username (from the list)
• They will have to accept you as a contact before they are added to your list
• To place a video call through Skype:
• Open Skype. Click on the blue video camera icon next to the name of the person you want to talk to.  If the person does not have this icon, then they are not configured to receive video chats.
• To place a video call through Festoon:
  
• Either open Skype and click on the yellow circle (with the white V), or double click on the Festoon icon in your taskbar (a white box with a yellow smiley face)
• Select the check boxes next to the name of the people you want to include in the video conference, and click Start Call
• A seperate window should open and the video conferencing can begin.
• To receive a video call through Festoon:
• Once someone places a video call to you, a Skype chat window will open with an invitation message.
• Select the hyperlink below the phrase "I have Festoon on this computer:"
• Note, all video calls are received automatically if placed directly through Skype.
  

Other Festoon Features:

• Festoon allows you to share any open window on your desktop and transfer files.
• It also has a bunch of silly video effects that can help liven up any boring meeting.

GoogleTalk

GoogleTalk is Google's own IM program.  If you have a gmail account, you have access to GoogleTalk's instant-messaging capabilities through your gmail inbox.  If you want to access it's VOIP and videochat features, then you need to download the stand-alone version of the program.  It should be noted that Festoon is also compatible with GoogleTalk. Follow the Festoon directions listed above (under the Skype section) to learn how to use it.  Festoon not only allows you to video conference with multiple people, but it also allows you to chat with anyone who has Skype or GoogleTalk accounts (with the Festoon plug-in installed)

Installation Steps:

• Go to the GoogleTalk website and download the latest version
• Once the download is complete, run the installation wizard.
• Your username and password are identical to that of your gmail account. Add your username to the SRL List so that other SRL members can add you to their contacts list.
• Once the download is complete, run the installation wizard.
  
• GoogleTalk will be installed in your taskbar; it appears as a white quotation bubble (if you have unread mail in your gmail inbox, a large, red "M" will be inside the quotation bubble).

• Open Skype (it is default to open and minimize itself on the Windows taskbar upon startup)
• Your list of contacts is automatically created by using the people you have sent emails to in the past.  To add additional people:
  
• Click on the "Add+" button in the lower left corner of the window
• Enter their gmail address
  
• They will have to accept you as a contact before they are added to your list
• To place a video call through GoogleTalk
• Open GoogleTalk. Mouse over the person you want to talk to. Choose "Video Chat" from the list of options
  

Summary

In summary, you have four software options to choose from:

• NetMeeting is the video conferencing standard.  It is the only way we can communicate with the Polycom units. It only works, however, if both users have static IPs.
• MSN Messenger is a messenging service that has a video chat feature. Since it's backed by Microsoft, it may be more reliable than its competitors; however, since it's made by Microsoft, it's bogged down with other useless features. Anyone with a net connection can use this software to video chat with other people using the same software. Unfortunately, only it does not allow multiple people to video chat at once.
• Skype is a messenging service that has video chat add-on.  While it is a very lightweight piece of software, it is not as reliable (yet) since it is in its beta phase of development. Anyone with a net connection can use this software to video chat with other people using the same software.  Festoon can be added-on in order to video chat with multiple people at the same time.
• GoogleTalk is a lightweight piece of free software from the folks at Google.  It is integrated with your Gmail account, which is extremely convenient.  Highly recommended.
  

As a lab, we should soon choose a standard video conferencing / messenging software.  Right now, I am personally leaning towards using Google.