Running Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

To start NetMeeting, open the Start menu and choose Programs, Accessories, Communications, NetMeeting. The first time you run NetMeeting, a wizard greets you and introduces you to the program. Among other things, you'll be asked to supply your name, e-mail address, location, and comments. You need to give NetMeeting your first name, last name, and e-mail address. The other fields are optional.

TIP

Then the wizard asks whether you want to log on to a directory server whenever you start NetMeeting. If you answer in the affirmative, you'll be asked to select a directory server.

A directory server, also known as an Internet location server (ILS), provides a listing of people available for NetMeeting calls. If you log on to such a server, you make it easy for others to reach you via NetMeeting. The server keeps track of your whereabouts (your current IP address, if you're connected to the Internet), and, while you're logged on, someone who wants to call you can simply find your name on the server and click it. A directory server can also show whether or not you have sound and video equipment, shows your physical location (city, state, and country), and provides a comments field where you can let people know a little more about you. Your e-mail address is displayed so people can contact you by e-mail if they can't reach you with NetMeeting.

You have the option of logging on to one of the public directory servers but not listing yourself there. If you do that, the directory server can still help a caller find you. But the caller will need to know your e-mail address to do this.

On the next page, the wizard asks how you plan to make NetMeeting calls: via 14,400 bps modem; 28,800 bps or faster modem; cable, xDSL, or ISDN; or local area network. And, after determining where you want NetMeeting shortcuts, this particular wizard hands you off to another wizard, which tests the volume levels of your microphone and speakers (assuming you have such equipment). Once you get past this second wizard, the program logs you on to the directory server you specified (if you did specify one), and you're ready for your first call.

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