NetMeeting is a collaboration and conferencing tool from Microsoft that offers the following features: online conferencing, whiteboards, file transfer, chatting, and optional audio/visual connections.

You will need to download and install NetMeeting software from Microsoft. Currently, Netmeeting works on Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT machines only.

If you choose to use the audio and video conference features, you will also need a sound card, microphone and speakers (for audio) and a camera (for video). Please also note that various NetMeeting features may not work behind a firewall or proxy server.

The first time you use you NetMeeting you will be prompted to set up your NetMeeting options. During setup, you will be asked if you wish to log on to a directory server when NetMeeting starts. Make sure the box is checked so this will occur. Then type in the directory server you wish to log on to at startup. MSU has a dedicated NetMeeting server. Enter the address by typing ils.msu.edu in the box provided. Click Next to continue with setup after each step you complete.

You then will be prompted to enter your name and e-mail address. We recommend you add your first and last names and full pilot e-mail address ex. John Doe doe123@msu.edu. Under comments, you may wish to enter the name of your course or MSU CAD.

You will next choose if you will be using NetMeeting for business or personal reasons. We recommend selecting the business category, which is a smaller listing, and usually attracts a more professional group on the list (thus, fewer interruptions from curious outsiders).
Next, choose your connection speed.

If you have a microphone and sound card on your computer, or a video camera, the system will test your audio (and/or video) settings next. You can use your microphone or camera to talk to one person you connect with at a time. (Note: You may notice a slight delay in communicating this way.) You will hear audio via your computer speakers.

When you complete setup, click on the Finish button.

Directions: NetMeeting Usage Tips

NetMeeting is a software program that is separate from your web browser. Launch your program from your Windows menus or find the conf.exe file and double-click it. After the program starts, you should be logged on to the ils.msu.edu server.

Once you are connected to a server, you can select one or several persons to work with. (Remember that you can use your microphone or video camera only with one other person you connect with, and that they need that equipment also for you to see or hear them.)

In the Directory listing, find the person with whom you wish to work. Double-click on their e-mail address. This will place a call to another person. Once they accept your call, you join a conference and can work with others in that conference.

Share application allows you to start or stop sharing an application with others whom you select.

Start collaborating is a feature that allows many persons to work on one or more files. Clicking on the mouse gives a user control over inputting data. A remote user can also choose collaborate and then access your file and make changes. The system will list all open files on the collaboration machine.