NECC is just around the corner!

I have included a few last minute notes regarding the Skype workshop.

Earlier I told participants that the conference would supply the headsets with microphones. It looks like the conference will have 15 headsets available. So, if you live near the DC area and have a headset that you can bring it will help. We can make it work regardless.

I look forward to meeting you on Sunday.

Welcome To NECC 2009 "Skype Me!"

Hi NECC Skype Participants,

I am looking forward to meeting each of you at NECC 2009 as we Skype together.

NECC will provide headsets with microphones for our Skype workshop. I do not know whether they are USB or a standard mini sound jack. If you have a laptop with a built-in webcam, you likely have the needed hardware. If you have access to a webcam, plan on bringing it along. It will provide you a richer Skype experience.

I am sure some of you are wondering what hardware requirements are needed to run Skype. Here are some basic recommendations to share with your IT staff as they help you verify that your laptop is tuned up and ready to go.

Laptop requirements:

• At least a 1 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, 256 kbps broadband, and a low end webcam (i.e. 1.2 megapixel video) with a built-in microphone. Don't use a high-end webcam with a low-end laptop! Verify that your laptop at least meets the minimum requirements for the webcam.


• Recommend 2 GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, 384 kbps broadband for HQ video, webcam (i.e. 2.0 megapixel video) with a built-in microphone. Verify that your laptop at least meets the minimum requirements for the webcam.


• Wireless network card

Operating System Updates

• Update your Operating System (i.e. Windows)
  
• Verify you have Windows (2000, XP, Vista) with Directx 9.0
  

Laptop Updates (get these from you laptop manufacturer)

• Audio


• Video


• Chipset

Software Updates

• Update your webcam driver (significant download)


• Download the Skype 4.1 beta software

I am happy to troubleshoot technical issues with you, but our time for this will be very limited.

If you are eager to get started, you can download Skype 4.1 beta from: http://www.skype.com/download/skype/windows/
Links for Mac OS X and Linux are along the right side. I do not usually recommend a beta version, but I believe Skype released the 4.0 version a little premature. I have been using the beta version for some time without any significant issues. It has a couple of features that make it all worthwhile. If it doesn't work well for you, it is easy to revert back to version 4.0.

I will take time at the workshop to help you install Skype and set up a Skype account. I recommend that you protect your privacy by choosing a Skype name that does not reveal too much about who you are.

Sorry about all of the technical details. I am just hoping to make the workshop go as smoothly as possible for you.

I will make all presentation materials available in an electronic format at the workshop and on the web.

Once again, I look forward to meeting you.