Desktop conferencing is video conferencing done on a personal computer, often used by businesses and schools to schedule meetings with off-site employees. It requires basic hardware and software, such as a webcam and microphone, and can range from free to expensive programs. Web conferencing allows for audio and video contact with people in different locations, but technical issues can interrupt the flow. A webcam is usually used for video conferencing, and all participants should have the same software.
Desktop conferencing refers to video conferencing performed from a personal computer (PC). Video conferencing refers to communicating with another person using audio and video feeds that allow conference participants to see and hear other participants. This technology is used in government departments, schools and private companies to make it easier to schedule meetings with people who would not be able to physically attend. Desktop conferencing can involve a group of people holding a conference using desktop computers to communicate with off-site employees, or it can be as small as a conference between two associates, each on a separate PC. The hardware and software a user needs to start desktop conferencing is basic and usually only requires a webcam, microphone, and free or inexpensive video conferencing program.
The act of holding a video conference over the Internet is called a web conferencing, which can refer to desktop conferencing or Internet video conferencing in a conference room. Available desktop conferencing software ranges from basic free programs to more expensive video conferencing programs designed specifically for businesses. Business video conferencing programs often use higher-end video and audio hardware than free webcam video conferencing software. Software programs that can be used for desktop conferencing include Skype®, WebEX®, iVisit® and Google Voice and Video chat®.
Web conferencing can be convenient because it allows people in very different geographic locations to make audio and video contact with one another. One benefit of desktop conferencing is that it gives a PC user an affordable way to have a face-to-face conversation with friends, family, or co-workers, which can be more personal than the phone. Desktop conferencing also allows for the use of visual aids and gestures to communicate. One disadvantage of desktop video conferencing is that technical issues, including Internet connection problems and computer problems, can interrupt the flow of video conferencing. Using a wired Internet connection instead of a wireless connection can help alleviate some of the connection issues associated with video conferencing.
Video conferencing on a PC usually centers around the use of a webcam. A webcam is a video camera that connects to a computer, usually via a USB plug. Webcams often come with built-in microphones, but some users find a camera-attached microphone too restrictive on movement and sound quality. A desktop conferencing user also needs to have a connection to the video conferencing service they want to use. In most cases, all web conferencing participants should have the same video conferencing software as the rest of the group.
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