How do I connect to others with the NetMeeting program in Windows?

How do I connect to others with the NetMeeting program in Windows?
- David

This question was answered on June 11, 2001. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

NetMeeting is Microsoft’s utility that allows for audio or video teleconferencing via the Internet In addition to teleconferencing, you can chat, swap files, share applications, use a shared whiteboard and even remotely operate another computer.

If NetMeeting is currently installed in your system, you can access it by clicking on Start/Programs/Accessories/Internet Tools If not, you can download the latest version at <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/windows/netmeeting" target="_blank"><font color="#003399">www.microsoft.com/windows/netmeeting</font></a>

The basic requirements for using NetMeeting are a microphone, an Internet connection and knowledge of what your IP (Internet Protocol) address is when you are connected to the Internet If you want to add the video capabilities, both parties will need web cams.

The initial setup will help you test and set the levels for your microphone Once you have opened the program, you will need to connect to the Internet The faster your connection is, the better the audio and video will be, but it will work with virtually any connection.

In order to make a connection to a specific individual, you will need to know their IP address Most high-speed users will have a fixed IP address meaning that it will be the same every time they connect Most dial-up users will have a dynamic IP address meaning it will be different every time they connect.

In either case, you will need to determine the IP address of the party that will be receiving the call To determine what a machines IP address is, first connect to the Internet then run the Windows utility “winipcfg” (click on Start/Run and type winipcfg).

If the machine connects to the Internet via dial-up (modem) be sure to select the “Dial-up Adapter” from the pull down menu at the top of the IP Configuration window If the machine connects via a high-speed connection or is part of a corporate network, be sure to choose the Ethernet adapter (the exact name will vary) from the menu.

If the IP address reads “0.0.0.0”, you have not selected the proper adapter entry Once you have determined the IP address, give it to the person that wants to connect to you using NetMeeting.

Once the calling party has the proper IP address, they would press the telephone icon at the top of the NetMeeting box and put the IP address of the machine they want to call in the To: section, then press the “Call” button (The receiving party must be connected to the Internet with NetMeeting running.)

If you are on a corporate network, you are likely behind a “firewall” which protects the network from outside intrusions The firewall will cause NetMeeting not to work with anyone outside of the local network, until you specifically configure it to work with the firewall The details of firewall configuration can be found by <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/NetMeeting/Corp/ResKit/Chapter4/default.asp" target="_blank"><font color="#003399">clicking here</font></a>.