In addition to the various email and group disucssion fora, it is also possible to set up discussions (and multimedia exchanges) in 1-on-1 or multiparty conferencing exchanges via either or both of a pair of technologies which at least some participants either already have in hand or will chose to acquire and implement for these purposes. Both Mirabilis's ICQ and Microsoft's Netmeeting, offer potentially useful multilevel interfaces with a fast and loose, user-to-chose combination of audio, video, chat, file exchange and whiteboarding links. They are not identical, by any means, so you will want to have a careful look at their specs in both cases.
(Note: This is kind of special stuff, but for those prepared for it, it can be an effective, low cost means of dynamic conferencing. On the other hand, those with slower modems are advised to abstain. Those with sound cards and mikes will find the audio function a great help. Those with slow lines and poor cameras can have the sort of videoconferencing exchange that only a mother could love. That said, we make daily use of these utilities when the conditions are appropriate and will be pleased to link to you if you wish to give them a try as well. Nothing like using this stuff for actual hands-on work to see what they're worth. For further information and indications of how to get the needed software and instructions for either/both of these systems at no cost, kindly contact either the suppliers via the above links or postmaster@ecoplan.org)
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Software/Compatability
Before we get to the more elaborate communications stuff, first a word on the common software needed for the group work. It has been decided that we will standardize to the Microsoft package for reasons of convenience. This includes use of Internet Explorer as our common browser -- something which is desirable to permit us to optimize speed and the look and feel of the site as a whole.
For comments on materials that appear on the site that appear in Word or Excel, we propose that we all use the "Track Changes" tools in both cases. These turn out to be very handy in allowing the author to focus attention on the specific cages and not the text as a whole. Thank you.
Back to top Videoconferencing
We swear by it. Since 1993 we have been confirmed, daily users of ISDN based videoconferencing. Once you start using it, and on the assumption that you have a decent rig and quality of service, it's hard to look back. So much of what we have to communicate to each other is non-verbal. We find it particularly important when there are complicated or difficult things to thrash out. It can also be excllent for brainstorming over a cup of coffee.
Today we have two videoconferencing systems in serve. The first requires a pair of ISDN lines, and we can be reached on it at any point in the working day at +331.4441.5340. The second uses a Polycom rig on the Internet and has the advantage of costing nothing (other than access time). If that interests you please get in touch and we will give you the necessary access information.
Both systems permit whiteboarding and chatting, which can come in very handy.
ICQ ("I Seek You")
ICQ can be a very handy tool during the heat of a project where team members are spread out in different sites and time zones and need to be in one click contact with each other. On the other hand, we counsel that you keep it off your desktop otherwise, since in non-peak work situations the interruptions can be unwanted.
You can incidentally reach us immediately by ICQ# 81823940, page us through: http://wwp.mirabilis.com/81823940 or send E-mail Express directly to our main computer via mailto:81823940@pager.mirabilis.com. But let's be sparing in our use of this very hot link and save it for when we really need it, and the need is reciprocal!
JFAX
Another useful tool if you travel frequently is JFAX, a nifty piece of software that gives you a unique, private phone/fax number in any city on their global network, where all your voice mail and faxes are received and channeled instantly to your email. Voice mail plays on your computer's speakers, and faxes display on screen. It costs US$12.50 a month, but if you have to travel and work, we find it's worth looking into. There are other firms that offer this service, maybe better, but this is the one that we currently use.
Our JFAX number for viocemail and fax messages is +331.5301.2896
NetMeeting
Microsoft NetMeeting offers a package Internet conferencing solution for Windows users with multi-point data conferencing, text chat, whiteboard, file transfer as well as point-to-point audio and video.
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