We had 10 people out for the November meeting, where we talked about using video cameras for teleconferencing. I brought out 2 computers - a desktop and a laptop - each with their own cheap video camera. These web-cams can be found for under $50 just about anywhere. I connected the 2 computers using a network interface card (NIC), to simulate being on a LAN, or even on the internet.

I then ran Microsoft MetMeeting v3.0 on each machine, and called one from the other. Once the call was answered, we could see the person sitting at the other machine, as well as our own image in a separate window. We did have some problem with the sound since the 2 machines were just a foot apart. We had to lower the volume way down on both machines so as to not get feedback.

We then demonstrated the many capabilities of NetMeeting, which are:

1. Whiteboard - This lets you collaborate in real time with others using graphic information. You can create, cut, copy and paste information from any Windows-based application into the Whiteboard. You can also save the Whiteboard contents for future reference.

2. Chat - You can type text messages in the chat window to communicate with other people during a conference. "Chat" with one person or a group of people across multiple computers. You can save the Chat session for future reference.

3. File Transfer - Lets you send files in the background from your computer to everyone in the conference, or to one or more selected participants. They can then accept or reject the transferred files.

4. Remote Desktop Sharing - Allows you to access a computer at one location from a computer at another location. This can be used to control your work computer from home, or for technical support to remote control your desktop. Once you set up Remote Desktop Sharing, and close NetMeeting, you can access it from any remote location.

5. Program Sharing - Allows meeting participants to view and work on files simultaneously. You can share any program on your PC with other users. Only one person can be in control of a shared program at a time. All meeting participants can share programs during a meeting. The shared programs of each participant appear in separate shared program windows on the other participants' desktops.

6. Security - NetMeeting uses data encryption to encode any data exchanged between shared programs, transferred files, Chat, and Whiteboard. It also has User Authentication and password protection to fully secure your sessions and data.

7. Internet Directory - The Microsoft Internet Directory is a Web site provided by Microsoft to locate people to call on the internet.

The December meeting will be on MP3 music files. The January meeting will be on using Band-in-a-Box, an auto song-making package for only $88. The February meeting will be on using PowerTracks Pro Audio, a MIDI Sequencing and Digital Recording package for only $29. Come join the fun at the Harmon Foundation, 2901 S. Harvard, on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM.

For more information on the Tulsa Computer Society click here