Those of you who have been around Windows for a while may remember NetMeeting, a really handy utility that lets PC users communicate over the Internet using live text, webcam and ‘whiteboard’. Sadly it fell into disuse it was a swine to configure on a dial-up connection and when Windows XP came along it had apparently disappeared. It’s well worth getting to know once again, especially if you have a webcam and broadband. You and a webcam-equipped friend can set up a private one-to-one link simply by inputting each other’s IP addresses (and if you want to find out what your IP address is click here).
NetMeeting is included with Windows XP but it has been hidden away. To install it simply go to Run on the Start menu and type ‘conf’ (without the quotes), then follow the prompts. Set up your webcam first, (Tools > Options > Video) and when you can see yourself in the video screen (click the Start Video button) you can link up to your friend by clicking Call > New Call and enter their IP address in the To box. Your friend should do the same (they enter your IP address) and all being well the two-way video link should be established.

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