Installing NetMeeting at U.Va.

This web page is an overview of the installation procedure for Microsoft NetMeeting version 3.01 with attention to details specific to the University of Virginia network. There is also a troubleshooting section. The Microsoft Netmeeting web site is easy to navigate and very comprehensive, however, due to its popularity, accessing it or downloading files from it during some parts of the day may be very slow. You might want to plan to access it early in the day or late in the evening.

IMPORTANT NOTE for Windows 2000 and XP users: NetMeeting is already installed! To use NetMeeting on Windows 2000, click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to Communications, and click NetMeeting. On XP the program may not be on the Start menu, but you can make an entry for it yourself. The name of the program is conf.exe.

  1. If you don't have Windows 2000 or XP, the first step is to download the software from the web site: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/netmeeting
  2. After downloading, execute the installation file:
    Graphic: Run downloaded file
  3. When you begin the installation, you will be asked to accept a license agreement. You cannot continue the installation unless you accept the license terms.
  4. After accepting the license agreement, you will be asked to confirm the directory into which NetMeeting will be installed.
    Graphic: Confirm Directory
  5. After that, the installation finishes very quickly!

The first time that NetMeeting is started, it automatically requests the information that it needs in order to function. Recommended settings for the U.Va. environment follow.

  1. NetMeeting insists on having a first and last name and an email address entered. Those fields cannot be left blank.
    Graphic: NetMeeting Customization
  2. The next setting to change is whether to log onto a directory server. A directory server lists active NetMeeting sessions. It enables other NetMeeting users to request that you communicate with them via NetMeeting.
    Graphic: Directory Server
    It is unfortunate, but allowing yourself to be listed on a public directory server invites nuisance contacts. In particular, a listing which appears to belong to a female will receive unwanted NetMeeting calls and sometimes offensive email (since your email address is also listed). It is not necessary to be listed on a directory server in order to use NetMeeting, so the best choice is to simply not log on to a public one.
  3. PCs in university offices, labs, and dorm rooms should be configured to use the "Local Area Network"
    Graphic: Network Connection
  4. The shortcut choices are purely a matter of personal preference. An entry for Netmeeting will be added to your Start menu in any case.
    Graphic: Shortcut Choices
  5. You will now be asked to tune your audio settings for both recording (the mic) and playback (the headphones, speaker, etc.).
    Graphic: Audio Wizard 1
    Be sure to turn down the volume on your headsets or speakers before clicking the Test button. The sound that plays is both loud and annoying.
    Graphic: Audio Wizard 2
    You can say anything to set the record volume -- just be sure the mic is where you want it, and that you speak in a normal tone of voice. The volume setting will probably wind up at maximum.
    Graphic: Audio Wizard 3

After configuration is complete, the NetMeeting application starts (finally!).

  • The top window will display incoming video. The lower window displays the name(s) of the videoconference participants.The middle row of buttons activate/pause your video, enable/disable the picture-in-picture display, and mute the sound.The bottom row of buttons launch application sharing, text chat, whiteboard, and file transfer. The buttons down the right side launch a call, hang up, and access the directory server.
    Graphic: NetMeeting Main View

This concludes the overview of setting up NetMeeting for use at the University of Virginia.

Microsoft has a page called "Features" on their NetMeeting site that provides (naturally) an overview of features.

Troubleshooting Your NetMeeting Installation

Let's face it -- adding a new card to your PC or installing software doesn't always go smoothly. Fortunately, some problems that look like "big trouble" are actually pretty easy to fix. The following problems and fixes are the ones that have "bit" us while we were testing new products. Maybe your problem, and its solution, are listed here:

 

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