the bits and bobs.
You'll need a computer, broadband, webcam and, to meet us in a video conference, some video chat software. Text and voice chat software remains the most widely used as while broadband is now common it still struggles with the bandwidth demanded by video.
ComputerAlmost any Windows based PC with attached speakers or an Apple is enough. Broadband
If you haven't got it yet do so. If you have you know you're glad you did. DialUp-ers will struggle with much more than text chat but if that's all you've got you can still join in. If Broadband isn't available in your area as is the case in most of Tuscany condsider moving home.
Webcam
Get a webcam with a built in microphone. In my opinion headsets just don't look cool although they work very well. A Skype compatible USB phone must be worth investing in if there's one available for your computer. Welcome to the world of Voip.
Logitech sells a variety of quality webcams at reasonable prices. Apple users who haven't got a built in camera ought to invest in the delightful iSight. It's worth remembering that it's your image you're projecting. A word of caution - ask an expert or someone in the shop if it's compatible with your system before you buy. Known and trusted examples -
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Logitech® QuickCam |
Apple® iSight |
Video conferencing, messenger and text chat software
This market is exciting and it's growing rapidly. MSN and Yahoo Messenger don't work too well for me, it could because I have an Apple, but new applications are changing the game. Skype's the run away winner right now and with KanTalkers using it this combination looks set to stay in pole position for a while to come. Take time to check these out though. To my mind iChat AV is unbeatable but only works with Apples (got one yet?). The others are cross platform and they're all good and getting better. Best of all they're all free!
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NativeEnglishOnline on Skype |
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Getting started is generally easy enough but can be troublesome for some. We're happy to offer the benefit of our experience if you are having difficulty.
