BBB/Step1

=Local computer hardware and software setup=

Introduction
The idea is to be able to see and hear other participants and also be able to talk to them and have them see you as well. Computers normally have an input for a microphone however webcams usually come with a microphone built-in so you have to decide which microphone you are going to use, the webcam or an attached microphone. In addition computers have an output for speakers/earphones however if you are using a headset then you will have audio out from them as well, so you have to decide if you want to listen to audio from the attached speakers or from the headset/earphones.

Please make sure you only choose one combination of audio input and output.

Therefore your options are one of the following;
 * Audio Out = Attached Microphone / Webcam Microphone
 * Audio In = Headset / Earphones / Attached Speakers
 * Video Out = Attached Webcam
 * Video In = Web Browser

Step 1A - Headset
 (Ask local IT support to help you with this!!) 

 ! Please use a headset with a microphone attached or earphones in combination with the webcam microphone !

This is recommended to remove the possibility of audio echo feedback which results in a "shreeking" shrill noise when the audio volume controls are too high.

Check all playback volume controls of your equipment.

''If you do not want to use a headset, then use earphones and enable the microphone on the webcam. See below for pictures of typical earphones.''

Step 1B - Webcam
 (Ask local IT support to help you with this!!) 

Attach a webcam to your computer. Check that the camera and microphone on the webcam work.

Also please make sure that the camera is not pointed at a window, the glare from the sun distorts the picture. This applies to any bright light source. The light should be shining onto to you from the front, NOT from behind you or beside you. Also please make sure the camera background is clean. We do not want to see your office wallpapers on the wall behind you.

View the webcam setup tips.

Step 2 - Internet

 * For off-campus users please check that you have a fast internet connection. You can check by going to: http://www.speedtest.net.
 * For on-campus users please open your inetkey to install the flash player.

Step 3 - Firefox Web Browser
 (Ask local IT support to help you with this!!) 

Please download and install the latest Firefox web browser.

Microsoft Windows Internet Explorer does not work very well with Adobe Flash.

http://www.firefox.com

Step 4 - Adobe Flash Player
 (Ask local IT support to help you with this!!) 

Please download and install the latest flash player from the web link below. (Use Firefox to do the download !!) http://www.adobe.com/support/flashplayer/downloads.html After installation, check that the flash player is correctly setup by going to: http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about

Back to BBB