mashiraz

I've ordered a webcam- so that I can convince the parents that'll they really will still be able to see their grandkids grow up. And convince my husband that technology really can help you keep in touch.

Anyone got any hints and tips, or can link with me to test it out. What other methods have people found to communicate with folk back 'home'

Any advise useful.
Cheers
Mash...

shorrock

Hi Mash

I use a web cam from Sydney to see my fokes back home. It works a treat, except unless both sides have highspeed internet don't use speach.

Also get them use to the internet and get them using Microsoft Instant messenger. Using MS IM will make your life easier because you can see when they are online and the connection to the webcam is a lot easier. If your using IM make sure you both have the same Operating system. I've found that using IM on 98 and on XP setting up the webcam connection can be a pain. XP does not use netmeeting to use the webcam.

Also make sure the fokes can use a computer and setup/connect to the internet and webcam. You don't want to be 10,000 miles away trying to set them up. I would get them to surf the web as much as possible. News, Yahoo,, google, Instant messange, ...... the more the better.

Kieron

Juls

Hi Mash,

We have a webcam and are heading to Adelaide once the STNI thing is done and dusted !

If you want to send us a personal email we will gladly test the webcam with you. We are on MSN and Yahoo!

It's good to see and hear family and friends, we too have told our parents that they can keep in touch visually with the webcam (just got to convince them into buying a pc first)!

Get in touch,
Julie & Darren
Adelaide by early 2003

Juls

Win XP works for our friend ?We have Win ME that too works.
Perhaps you have to be on the same software?

Julie
Adelaide by early 2003

weesimbo

Mash you can download msn messanger and netmeeting of the internet just type them on you browsers bar,also you will need a net passport which is basicaly another email address (ie [email protected]) but you don't have to use this you just need it to access the messanger service.I take it you don't have messanger????

If you need any help in getting started just im me

mashiraz

Thanks for all your advice. Can't wait for it to arrive.

I've used Yahoo messenger b4, and folks are fairly IT literate so I'll give it a go.

Mash..

mashiraz

My web cam has arrived! Its set up & working but all I can see is myself! I now have a MSN net Passort, MSN instant messanger and MS Netmeeting all set up.

What now?

Let me know the basics to link up with you to test it out, and how I can identify whether you are online.

Better get a hair cut!

Mash...

shorrock

I can link up with you if you want, show you what it will be like from Sydney Australia back home.

Whats your passport address.

Kieron

Nina

Hi,

We also use Netmeeting and MSN to communicate with our family (in Serbia) and we will be using it when we move to Australia too.
You were wondering how to know if somebody is online?
We have a "code/sign" with our family which is: we call them by phone, wait till it rings twice and the hang, and if they are at home and indeed want to communicate they do the same (ring twice and hang). So without any telephonecosts you then know you can both can go online and start MSN and Netmeeting.

Good luck!
(the faster your PC and internet connection are the better it will be)

Nina

renth

Good thread,

I've installed XP Pro, my dad has XP Home and were going to get it all set up before we go in January. We will use the XP Messenger and .net passport to make it work.

I think the important thing is to have broadband. That way you can keep your PCs on all the time (subject to Service Providers terms) you can also have pictures and sound.

Just make sure the web cam is switched off if you are sitting in front of your computer naked whilst downloading porn.

Broadband also means you can make or receive telephone calls when the PC is connected.

My wife thinks it's sad, as usual. Particularly when I ask the estate agents if the properties in Perth we are looking at have broadband available....

Renth

stay or go ?

currently using webcam + ADSL for other half to speak to her mum & dad (melb to UK). as a postscript, saturday and sunday (in aus) you have a lot of video and/or sound dropoff, as a large number of people are doing the same thing. simple solution - we do the webcam thing on thursdays.

hint: avoid weekends for this kinda thing.

renth

This is one of the most informative threads for ages.

Where are all the spoilers.... "You're just a bunch of dreamers, you think computers will be better in Australia, but take it from me there not. Due to workplace agreements you are only allowed DOS etc...."

stay or go ?

just make sure you wind up the rubber band before you try and connect to the net is about all the advice on aussie comps !!!

Herman

We use an old fashioned device known as a 'telephone'. I'm only 31 and reading this post makes me feel old. I have no idea what people are on about and the idea of my parents being able to do this stuff is beyond laughable. I tried to show my dad how to use a pc once and he picked up the mouse and started waving it in the air. He retired 12 years ago aged 48 and never really got into computers!

springflower

Hi
My mum is 70 next month and we have been chatting via computer since 1998 so you are never too old!
Jan