Greetings,
Webconferencing is an Internet service that allows you to hold live meetings via mobile device, laptop or desktop computer with other participants. While you can conduct webconference sessions at 768Kbps Internet speeds, a better experience will occur if you have a 1.5Mbps connection available. It is highly suggested that you shut down all non-critical device/computer applications during meetings that use your Internet connection, unless you have a robust Internet connection.
Most Webconferencing services allow you to conduct meetings and listen via telephone or computer speakers and microphone. You can either use your devices/computer’s internal microphone or the webcams built-in microphone. If you plan to participate from a location that has a lot of background noise, having either earbud or headphone speakers will greatly enhance your experience. It is highly recommended that participants in large meetings mute their microphones until they want to speak to cut down on excess noise.
Other program participants will see your video signal via an internal or external USB webcamera. A web camera that transmits 720P (Logitech C270) is quite sufficient for most video conference needs and also has a built in microphone. You will see other participants on your device/computer display and 10 to 25 participants will be displayed at the same time depending upon which program display option you receive.
You can also share computer displays/computer applications with all participants, but this requires a fairly robust Internet connection above and beyond the basic audio & video signal.
In the event that you are using a smartphone/mobile device, or have a lower Internet connection, you can always turn off your local video and listen/hear other participants while watching their video signal.
There are two basic types of Webconferencing systems available for use. The first is the personal account type where you have to create an account and share your account name with others to connect. Skype is a good example (www.Skype.com). The biggest pro of these systems is that the service is free and will allow up to 25 participants at a time for an unlimited duration. The biggest con is that you have to setup an account that uses an email address (Microsoft for Skype meetings) and share that with participants.
The second is an invitation account where one person sets up the date/time for the meeting, and then shares a link with all participants to login. The participants click on the link and are connected to the conference, you cannot connect without the link. Zoom Video Communications is a good example (www.zoom.us). The biggest pro is that the free account will allow up to 50 participants to meet for 40 minutes at a time. The biggest con is that large meetings require 3 Mbps or greater to receive all the associated video and audio signals.
There is a software application download required for either system, however Invitation based systems to not require as large of an update a account systems do.
While either type of webconference system has the same basic functionality, an invitation based system currently allows for more control, while not sharing as much personal information about users. The administrator controls give the ability to screen participants prior to their connection, as well as allowing them to disconnect users who are not invitees.
An important point about connecting to a webconference is that you can only have one webconference system running at a time. The first webconferencing application running will be assigned to your camera, microphone and speakers. While you can switch software/hardware assignments from within the webconference system software, it is easier to only have one webconference program running at a time.
The next post will be Zoom Video Communications basic operation information. Best and feel free to ask for clarification on any of the above.
"My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it." - Clarence Buddinton Kelland
GregB0 2 years, 8 months ago.
