System Requirements for iLinc Web Conferencing

Computer

• PC running Microsoft Windows 9x, Me, NT, 2000, XP, and Vista. (Mac users can use iLinc only if they're running Virtual PC software.)
• Internet connection (56K phone modem or faster)
• Web browser (Internet Explorer (5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 7.0), Netscape, and Mozilla Firefox)
• iLinc client (downloads automatically when you join a session)

To test the compatibility of your system with iLinc, go to http://nwcphp.ilinc.com/systest and complete the pre-session configuration test.

Monitor Resolution Settings

Viewing slides during an iLinc presentation is most effective if your computer monitor resolution is set to 1024 x 768 pixels. The presentation slides will be too large for the screen at lower resolutions (e.g., 800 x 600). The presentations slides will be too small and not fill the entire screen at higher resolutions (e.g., 1280 x 1024).

Audio

There are two methods to integrate audio into an iLinc session, telephone conferencing and Voice over IP (VoIP).

Telephone Conferencing

Using a phone bridge or teleconferencing service is an easy and popular way to verbally communicate during an iLinc session. When creating an iLinc session, you can enter a teleconferencing phone number and passcode that the users of iLinc will be given upon logging into a session.

There are several things to keep in mind when choosing this option.

• We highly recommend that presenters purchase a quality telephone headset in order to increase the audio quality of your voice during a session. Doing so will allow you to focus on your keyboard and computer, and not on your handset or speakerphone.
• Encourage all participants to keep their phones muted when not directly participating in the iLinc conversation in order to minimize feedback and unnecessary noise. Some teleconferencing services also allow the presenter to mute the phones of all participants.
• If you want to record your iLinc session, an extra piece of technology is needed to integrate the telephone audio with the online session (see the Recording Guide).

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)

VoIP is another method of audio communication with other users during an iLinc session. Participants need headsets (headphones plus microphone) that can be attached to the computer's audio hardware. There are several advantages and disadvantages to this method:

Advantages

• VoIP is free with iLinc's service.
• Headsets for computers are typically cheaper and slightly easier to set up than are similar units for telephones.
• Because participants cannot speak to the entire group unless selected as the presenter, it can make facilitating meetings slightly easier.
• Audio can be recorded easily through the iLinc recorder without the additional hardware needed to capture telephone audio.

Disadvantages

• There is a slight (approximately one second) audio delay between the speaker and the listeners, so it is important to pause before transferring to a new speaker.
• On a slow network or dialup network connection, audio could have even more delay or not get through at all.
• Not all public health staffs have computers with sound cards, speakers, and microphones so you will need to verify this in advance of using VoIP.