Page 191 - DCAP609_CLOUD_COMPUTING

Cloud Computing

Notes Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
7. WebEx supports multiple ………………. streams.
8. Tinychat is a simple service that allows you to stream up to 12 ……………………..
simultaneously.
9. GoToMeeting has a strong focus on …………………. and ……………… sharing.
10. ………………….. offers a variety of packages ranging from basic and free accounts to
enterprise level accounts with tiered pricing.

12.3 What Do Online Conferencing Tools Do?

The basic function of online conferencing tools is to provide an online “meeting room”. Typically,
a moderator creates the “room,” and participants enter via a particular Web address.

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Caution An important thing to consider is that some tools require participants to download
a small application if it is being used for the first time and if many different people of
different technical skill levels will be participating.

Following are the several functions of online conferencing tools:
Desktop Sharing: This basic feature lets participants see exactly what’s on the presenter’s
screen. Presenters can share anything from simple documents to PowerPoint presentations
and software demonstrations.

Notes A number of conferencing tools can only show the desktop of Windows computers,
or only those using internet explorer browsers if you’ll need to show desktops for Mac,
Linux or Firefox users, look for a tool that supports that.
Desktop remote control: A step beyond desktop sharing, some applications let you grant
control of your desktop to someone else, allowing them to open and work with the
applications on your computer for example, to provide you with technical support via
your machine.

Website co-browsing: This specialized functionality lets your actions in an internet browser
control your participants’ browsers as well. If your conferencing needs are limited to
showing or sharing a Website, this method is likely to create a better view for the
participants, and require less bandwidth, than desktop sharing.

Text chat: Another basic feature, this lets participants and presenters “talk” to each other
via typed text chat during presentations. Some tools let all participants see such messages,
while others allow for private one-on-one messaging. Some more advanced tools even
provide for “breakout rooms” where multiple participants can chat privately.
Share slides or other documents: While desktop sharing lets you show slides or documents
from your computer, you still need to toggle between your desktop and the meeting
room. Some tools let you upload documents into the online conference to avoid this
hassle.

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