Web Conferencing EquipmentWeb conferencing is the latest breakthrough product in Information Technology. In its basest sense, it refers to a discussion between groups of individuals on a computer-simulated environment, allowing them to exchange ideas, share files, and discuss options. In the early days of the Internet, the term “web conferencing” was relegated to posted text messages hosted on a web server. Later on, with advances of software application and the emergence of hybrids, the term began to encompass conferencing using multiple media conducted entirely in real time. Web conferencing no longer meant posted text messages as the latter became simply known now as “forums”, “message boards”, or “bulletins.” There are many ways by which web conferencing is conducted. The equipment needed vary greatly, depending on what type of web conferencing tool you are using and how many people are participating in your virtual meeting. Basically though, web conferencing equipment you need obviously include hardware, software, peripherals, and network connection. In this article, you will learn more about web conferencing equipment and exactly what tools fall under the major categories. Web Conferencing Equipment: Hardware Hardware capacity is an important aspect of any application. One of the most important web equipment you need is a computer, preferably a Pentium 3 or 4 Processor or its equivalent with 800 MHz minimum. The minimum requirement for web conferencing equipment is 256 MB. More is better. Web Conferencing Equipment: Software When it comes to web conferencing equipment, the software platform is not that important. Most web conferencing applications work in all kinds of OS anyway although some are exclusive to a specific platform. However, the platform version should be taken into account as some web conferencing equipment may not work on the earlier OS versions. Let’s take Windows for instance. The minimum should be Windows98. Most web conferencing equipment cannot run on 95. Web Conferencing Equipment: Peripherals By computer definition, peripherals are those devices used to enhance the function of a computer. They are not necessary for the computer to function but they can add extra functions to make the whole computer experience better. Some of the web conferencing equipment peripherals you would most certainly need are web cams and headsets. The web cam is most often used for video conferencing while the headset is used for voice conferencing or VoIP. Web Conferencing Equipment: Network Connection An ideal Internet connection for web conferencing is broadband, such as DSL or Cable. With dial-up, even at 56k, speed and reliability of the connection could be compromised. DSL is much faster compared to dial-up and is a far wiser connection choice budget-wise since you don’t need a secondary phone line. Cable presents the best option for web conferencing since Cable Internet provides instant, all-the-time connection.
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