Microsoft Windows NetMeeting
by Susan Delap

NetMeeting is software that allows one PC to broadcast what is on its screen to other PCs. It's great for web meetings. This software comes already installed on Windows 2000 and XP operating systems. For MS Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT 4.0, click here to download FREE from Microsoft's website.

Before starting your NetMeeting, you should configure your computer monitor's screen resolution to match the resolution of the broadcasting computer. Your NetMeeting Host should have sent you the suggested resolution in an email. If not, contact them ahead of time and ask them what the resolution should be.

How to Change your Monitor's Resolution (PC instructions)

On your desktop, right click with your mouse. A window will pop up. Do the following:

1. Select Properties
2. The Display Properties dialog box pops up.
3. Select the Settings Tab
4. On the middle left of the window, slide the bar for the desired resolution.
5. Click OK to accept the changes.
6. Adjust your external monitor settings if necessary (Usually there are buttons on your monitor for doing this.)

Where Is NetMeeting?
Here are instructions to help you find NetMeeting depending on your operating system. Then when you run it for the first time, a Wizard starts up that will walk you through the easy setup. Here are my suggestions for some of the options while running the Wizard:

• Don't list your name in the directory unless you want a bunch of people calling you.
• DO put a shortcut on your Desktop.
• DON'T put a shortcut in your Quick Launch Bar.

Windows 2000

• Click Start
• Point to Programs
• Point to Accessories
• Point to Communications
• Click NetMeeting
• Proceed with the NetMeeting Wizard for setting up for the first time.

Windows XP

• Click Start
• Click Run
• Type in conf
• Click OK
• Proceed with the NetMeeting Wizard.

How to Use It? (For Callers)
When the NetMeeting Wizard is finished, NetMeeting starts and a dialog box pops up. You can either use the icons or the menu bar.

To Place a Call

• Press the telephone button (or click Call, New Call from the menu)
• In the To: box, enter in the IP address of the PC you are calling.
• Leave the Using: box set to automatic.
• Click the Call button
• If you are prompted for a password, type it in.

To Hang Up
Press the button below the telephone button (or click Call, Hang Up from the menu)

To See/Send Messages From/To other Attendees
Click the button with the balloon on it (or click Tools, Chat from the menu)

There's lots more you can do with this, but this will get you started as a Caller. To learn more, click Help on the menu.

How to Use It? (For Hosts)
Before you can host a meeting, check to see if you have a firewall enabled, and if so, turn it off. Otherwise, you won't be able to get NetMeeting to work. At least I wasn't able to.

How to Disable Firewall in Win XP

• Open the Control Panel
• Double-click Network Connections
• Double-click the network connection you are using,
• Click Properties
• Click Advanced
• Uncheck the Internet Firewall box

How to Configure NetMeeting to Host a Web Conference

• Open NetMeeting
• Click Call -> Host Meeting
• Type in a descriptive name for the Meeting Name
• Type in a password
• Click OK
• Click Call
• Click "Automatically Accept Calls"

To Control What Your Attendees See

• Open the programs you want attendees to see, eg. PowerPoint, Internet Explorer
• Return to the NetMeeting Window
• Click Tools
• Click Sharing
• Click a program you want attendees to see
• Click Share
• Repeat the last 2 steps for other programs you want attendees to see

To Chat with Attendees

• Click Tools
• Click Chat
• Type message and Click balloon button to post

Give Attendees Information Ahead of Time

Ask Susan Delap for a sample email that you can send attendees ahead of time so they will know how to use NetMeeting and how to connect to your conference.