FMA Monday Night NetMeeting

WHERE: ils.structurex.net WHEN: Every Monday Night 9:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Eastern Standard Time) What Is FMA Monday Night NetMeeting All About? Recent technologies allow PC users to communicate with each other using "real-time" voice and video capabilities. Standard (keyboard input) chat is also supported. The FMA (Freelance Musicians' Association) is coordinating an effort to bring musicians together in new ways to talk about their careers, gigs, equipment, the AFM, or anything else they find mutually interesting.

What Is Required To Participate?

The following are the minimum system requirements to install and run Microsoft NetMeeting.
90 megahertz (MHz) Pentium processor / 16 megabytes (MB) of RAM for Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98 / Microsoft Internet Explorer version 4.01 or later / 28,800 bps or faster modem, integrated services digital network (ISDN), or local area network (LAN) connection (a fast Internet connection works best). 4 MB of free hard disk space (an additional 10 MB is needed during installation only to accommodate the initial setup files). Sound card with microphone and speakers (required for audio support).

To use the data, audio, and video features of NetMeeting, your computer must meet the following hardware requirements:

For Windows 95, a Pentium 90 processor with 16 MB of RAM (a Pentium 133 processor or better with at least 16 MB of RAM is recommended). 4 MB of free hard disk space (an additional 10 MB is needed during installation only to accommodate the initial setup files). 56,000 bps or faster modem, ISDN, or LAN connection. Sound card with microphone and speakers (sound card required for both audio and video support). Video capture card or camera that provides a Video for Windows capture driver (required for video support).

Wanna join us for an FMA Monday Night NetMeeting? Just follow the easy steps below.

(1) Make sure you meet at least the minimum system requirements listed above. If you require a microphone for use with your sound card, they can be purchased at most computer stores. (Cost= $10.00 and up.)

(2) If you have Internet Explorer version 4.01 or later installed on your system; please proceed to step #3. If you require this FREE software; please click on the button (below) to download and install the latest version (5.0) directly from the Microsoft Website.

(3) Download and install the latest version (3.01) of Windows NetMeeting software directly from the Microsoft NetMeeting Website by clicking on the button below. Please note: Internet Explorer 5.0 includes an earlier version of NetMeeting. We strongly recommend that you upgrade to the latest version.

FMA CONFIGURATION NOTES FOR WINDOWS NETMEETING:

The following configuration notes will identify you as a participant in the FMA Monday Night NetMeetings and will allow you to log on to the proper host ils server where. (ils.structurex.net)

You can view this screen by selecting TOOLS / OPTIONS from the main Windows NetMeeting Screen. You will configure these settings while installing the Windows NetMeeting software. They can be edited at any time should you want to change your info. We recommend that you enter your AFM Local number and its City and State/Province in the "Location" area.

We recommend that you enter something in the "Comments" area that will clearly identify you as a participant of the meeting. The example shown contains "FMA Monday Night NetMeeting". Some suggested alternatives might be "AFM/FMA" or "Bass Player". It's your choice!

VERY IMPORTANT: You must enter "ils.structurex.net" in the "Directory" area as shown in the example. This is the host ils (Internet Locator Server) where we will meet each Monday night. (We don't want you to get lost on some other server) Checking the box beside "Log on to a directory server when NetMeeting starts" will log you on to the default server automatically each time you open the Windows NetMeeting software.

A LITTLE HELP TO GET YOU STARTED:

The following screen shot is from a recent NetMeeting session between fellow FMA members Paul Harwood (Local 406 Montreal, PQ) and Paul Sharpe (Local 279 London, ON). In this example, member Harwood has a microphone AND a camera while member Sharpe has a microphone only.

(1) The main Windows NetMeeting screen will appear after you launch the program. If you have configured the "General Tab" properties correctly as previously discussed, Netmeeting will automatically log on to the correct server. (ils.structurex.net) (2) Click on the icon that has a picture of a book on it. (Right hand side of screen, third one down) This will bring up a "Directory" screen that will show all current users logged on to the ils.structurex.net server. (3) Locate someone from the list you wish to speak with and "double click" on their listing. This action will prompt the intended recipient to "accept your call". When the call has been "accepted" the two parties may begin their conversation.

NOTE: It's possible to participate in the FMA Monday Night NetMeetings even if you do not have voice (microphone) or video (camera) capabilities. In this case, you would follow the same procedure described in #3 above with one exception. After your call has been "accepted" by the other participant, click on the "chat icon". (Second from the left in the lower section of the screen) This action will open the chat screen enabling the users to communicate by typing their comments into the appropriate area.

We recommend that participants limit the length of their conversations (5-10 min) so that they might initiate or receive as many calls as possible in the allotted time. Although the FMA Monday Night NetMeetings are scheduled for 9-10:30 pm (Eastern Standard Time), participants may stay connected to the server as long as they wish. Once you've made initial contact with a Windows NetMeeting user, you can re-establish contact with them at a time and date of your choosing.

See you at the next meeting!

RESOURCES:

The following sites are loaded with very helpful information about Windows NetMeeting software.

Official Microsoft Windows NetMeeting Site

The NetMeeting Zone

Meeting By Wire

The FMA will attempt to answer your NetMeeting questions or assist you in testing your configuration. Please forward your questions or request via e-mail. FMA members Paul Sharpe and Paul Harwood will make every possible effort to participate in all Monday Night NetMeetings. Please feel free to call them during a meeting if you require on-line help or testing of your set-up.