Voice-over-internet works by mixing your voice messages with internet data. This means that you can use the internet to talk to your friends, relatives and colleagues and browse the Web at the same time, providing they also have the necessary hardware and software.

Discuss favourite Web pages, explain to friends how to use the web, or just talk to new people over the internet - the choice is yours, but the ability to mix speech with internet images is going to be one of the most important developments in communications. It won't replace your normal telephone yet - but it will change the way you think of the internet.

You will need...

 A modern multimedia PC with soundcard. We recommend you use at least a Pentium 133Mhz with 12 Megabytes of RAM - or better. It should use a release copy of Windows 95 or Windows 98 software (Windows 3.1 and earlier (Beta) versions of Windows 98 cannot be used)
 A fast modem (28.8 K or faster)
 Speakers and a microphone - or a headset.
 Voice-over-internet software (Microsoft NetMeeting - can be downloaded)

Try it! Follow these steps...

 Download the software
 Install the software on your machine
 Adjust the sound sensitivity
 Talk away !!

Download the Software
BT's Voice-over-internet uses Microsoft's NetMeeting software. You may already have this loaded on to your PC, but if you don't have the latest version then click here to download the software free. The software should take around 15 minutes to download.

When downloading the software, select 'save this program to disk' rather than 'Run file from its current location.' It is important to remember the directory in which you save the download - you may find it easiest to use the Temp directory.

Install the Software
Step 1. Double click on the downloaded file from within the directory to which it was saved. NetMeeting will then start and a dialog box will prompt you for an area on your computer where NetMeeting will be saved.

Tip: If you are using Internet Explorer 4 or above, when the download is complete, you can immediately open the file by clicking on the "Open" button.

On your screen there will be a box that looks like this...

Tip: Use the default area to save NetMeeting as shown above. It is possible to use other directories, but if you have any problems later then we will find it easier to help you if you have followed the normal procedures.

Step 2. Double click on the conf.exe program in the directory that you specified in Step 1. (The default directory is C:\Program Files\NetMeeting). This will begin the initial setup. The first screen is simply a NetMeeting information page. - Click Next.

Step 3. The next screen asks you if you wish to log on to a directory server each time NetMeeting starts. The correct directory has been entered in the BT version of NetMeeting. If you are using another version of the software then this should be set to ils.btinternet.com. The screen should look like this...

Make sure the "log on to directory server when NetMeeting starts" check-box is ticked before you click Next.

Step 5. The next screen is for you to enter your personal information. This information will be visible to others logged on to the directory server and allows people to identify you if they want to call you or receive your calls. Fill in the information as you want it to appear and click Next.

Tip: The email address field must be filled in before you can continue.

Step 6. You are now offered a choice as to how your personal information will be categorised: either personal, business or adult only. Select the appropriate button and click Next.

Step 7. You are now asked for the speed of your modem connection. Click the appropriate button (typically 28.8k modem) and click Next.

Adjust the Sound Sensitivity
The program now needs to adjust for the sensitivity of your speakers (or headphones) and microphone. You will see this screen - click Next.

Tip: NetMeeting requires sole access to your Sound Card, so you must close all other programs that might play or record sound whilst this check is in progress.

Make sure your speakers (or headphones) and microphone are plugged in correctly. The instructions with your equipment will explain how to do this.

Step 8. The first test is a headphone test. It tests that you can hear a pre-recorded sound in your headset. Press start and adjust the level of the sound using the slider bar until you can hear it comfortably. Click Next.

Step 9. This is a recording test. Speak into the microphone for approximately 10 seconds or until the level indicator steadies. Alternatively you can set the recording level by adjusting the slider bar. Click Next.

Tip: Most microphones in our tests needed the sensitivity pushed right over to maximum - try starting there.

Tip: NetMeeting can also transmit video images but we recommend you only use the audio features at present. Video complicates the set-up and is poor quality using most normal equipment.

Step 10. Thats it! The last screen just tells you that the the audio setting have been successfully tuned. Click Finish. NetMeeting will start automatically.

Using Voice-over-internet
When NetMeeting is running, the most useful screen to start in is Directory. This will present you with a list of people logged on to the BT directory server. To call some one, simply double click on the entry for that person or highlight their entry and goto 'Call' on the menu bar. Once the person has successfully been found, their PC will ring like a telephone. They will also be presented with a screen in the bottom right hand corner of the monitor asking them if they would like to accept or reject the call. If they accept the call then you will be connected in a second or two after they click the accept button - otherwise you will be informed after a short period that the call was not accepted.

Voice-over-internet adds another dimension to your internet use. However, you will find the quality is not as good as your normal telephone - the sound quality is not quite as clear and there is a delay between you speaking and the other person hearing you. These are normal features of Voice-over-internet.

Tip: Contact your friends and relatives by email (or even normal telephone) - get them to download the software and join in. Arrange a time when you will be logged on, and tell them what your details are.

During the call you will still be able to download web pages - though there may be some interference in voice quality and delay. NetMeeting also has text-chat and "white-board" features. Either person can start these features by clicking on the icon. Both can be useful; to spell out your name or a URL, try text-chat; to draw a diagram try the white-board.

When you have finished the call then either person in the call can hang up. This ends the call for both people and leaves you logged on to the directory to make or receive other calls. The Hang-up button is near the top left hand corner of the main screen.

Tip: When you first start there may not be anyone you know logged on. There may also be others in the same situation - please allow others to talk to you to test the service - you can always hang up when you have had enough of the conversation.