Desktop Videoconferencing Software Packages and Web-based Systems
There are numerous desktop videoconferencing software packages available with more being released on an almost daily basis. Due to the rapid growth and development of this technology, it is virtually impossible to discuss all of the possible choices. The four relatively well-known and stable packages that will be detailed here are: iChat, Skype, Oovoo and Windows Live Messenger. All of these packages are available for free download and use for basic desktop videoconferencing. These applications are continually being upgraded and refined. For the most accurate information on any of the applications listed below, click on the link within each description. Additional features may be available with the purchase of an upgraded package.
In addition to the software packages, two web-based services that offer online videoconferencing web sites, Acrobat.com and MeBeam.com, are also described below.
iChat
This software is part of Apple's "iLife" suite of products and comes pre-installed on all new Macintosh computers. It is easy to use and provides for videoconferencing for up to four sites (including the hosting computer). The primary drawback to iChat is that it only runs on Macintosh computers. It is possible to conference on iChat with PC users who have an AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) account and software installed; however, this option only allows for one-to-one videoconferencing. To use iChat, one must have either an AIM account or a .Mac account, which is a fee based service provided by Apple.
The latest version of iChat has many additional features which make it an appealing application; however, the limitation of one-to-one conferencing between differing platforms should be considered before deciding to use this software.
For information on installation, setup and configuration of this software, visit the iChat page.
Skype
Skype is one of the oldest and most popular desktop videoconferencing software packages. It has the advantage of being able to run on both Macs and PCs, but requires that each user have both a Skype account and the Skype software installed on his or her computer. The major drawback to Skype is that it currently only allows for one-to-one desktop videoconferencing.
One of Skype's major advantages is the large number of helper programs that can be installed to add extra features to go beyond basic videoconferencing.
For information on installation, setup and configuration of this software, visit the Skype page.
Oovoo
Oovoo allows for up to three sites to enter a videoconference and has many of the same tools and capabilities as iChat. Like Skype, Oovoo requires each user to have both an Oovoo account and the free Oovoo software installed on his or her computer. Oovoo allows users to videoconference with others who are not using Oovoo by creating a personalized space on the Oovoo web site. Once the space has been created, the user can send a link to others which allows the receiver to participate in the video conference.
Oovoo is the only one of the four packages discussed here that has cross-platform and multi-site capability. Considering these features, it is likely that any wide-reaching conferencing endeavor will benefit from having Oovoo installed as part of the client base.
For information on installation, setup and configuration of this software, visit the ooVoo page.
Windows Live Messenger
Windows Live Messenger is Microsoft's free software that enables desktop videoconferencing between PCs only. Use of this service requires a Windows Live account. Members can videoconference with other Windows Live members as well as those with a Yahoo Messenger account and software, another free service. Videoconferences have been limited to one-on-one sessions; however, with the latest version users can set up a group videoconference with multiple sites .
The inability to videoconference cross-platform is the major drawback to this service; however, there are many additional features that make this service attractive to those who will only need to communicate with other PC users.
For information on installation, setup and configuration of this software, visit the Windows Live page.
Online services for videoconferencing
Adobe ConnectNow on Acrobat.com
Acrobat.com is the site for Adobe's web-based suite of online services. No additional software is required for this free service, which offers the ability to videoconference from your desktop with up to two additional sites at the same time. To use this service, one must sign up for a free account on Acrobat.com.
This web-based system operates on both PCs and Macs, making it a good choice for cross-platform videoconferencing. This service offers many additional features beyond those offered by iChat, Skype, or Oovoo.
MeBeam.com
MeBeam.com is a videoconferencing web site that works for basic videoconferencing on both PCs and Macs. This service enables the user to create an online chat room where up to 16 people can participate in a videoconference by simply accepting an email invitation.
The lack of any additional features beyond basic videoconferencing is the major downfall to this service; however, it may prove to be useful for setting up a quick videoconference when the participants are not all set up with the same system.
