Re:Instant Messaging on Linux

[Adam Williams <adam@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

 From          : klug>klug-request
 To            : adam
 Date          : 10/19/99 13:56


>2
>There are other nice features about MS netmeeting (I am not trying to
>promote MS so read on) that I had in mind.  Not just video.  Forget that
>because of the bandwidth.  But with this package you can transmit (like
>pcanywhere but only display) a screen dump of what you are doing.  Yes an
>ACTIVE screen dump!  This does not require alot of bandwidth and actually is
>better than being there in person.  As you get 10 people around a monitor it
>gets hard to see the screen and see what someone is demonstrating.  Is there
>something like this for Linux?  Can we send an active screen display over
>the web to multiple clients?

Yes,  it's called VNC (Virtual Network Computing).  Servers and clients~
are available for Linux, Win32, Win16, MS-DOS, and Mac.  Works great use~
it all the time.

>Audio would be nice and there are real audio streamers that can compress and
>require as little as 6k.  This would leave 22k for other things with a
>standard dialup that is more than 3000ft from a switch. (I don't know about
>you but I seldom ever get over 28.8)  I know the drawback to this is at
>least a 3 sec lag in voice transmition.

I'd prefer something more generic like an sfspeaker or gphone that uses~
basic RTP and GSM.  My conversations usually eat only about 4-5k and are~
two-way.

>I know that being there is nice and preferred, but for us that live 3+hours
>away.  It is not a choice of better or best but of nothing or something.


I'm also thinking about the possibility of some "purely" virual workshops.~

>p.s. I just read a new message about bandwidth.
>I own an ISP and I might be willing to setup a box or two at my site.  The
>drawback for you is that the site is in Flint, MI.  Let me know if this is
>needed.

I don't think location (physical) is that important,  I'm in GR and use Iserv~
and klug.armintl.com is eleven (that 11!) hops beyond my firewall,  out to~
the backbone and back into PSI Net (where armintl is).