Linux Videoconferencing

GnomeMeeting allows Linux users to participate in phone conversations and video conferences from any sufficiently equipped PC with an Internet connection. It uses the H.323 voice-over-IP (VoIP) protocol to transmit voice and (if available) webcam video to and from your location. GnomeMeeting will run on dial-up and broadband connections, although the video will be more troublesome on a slow connection.

You need a working full-duplex-capable sound card, a microphone, a webcam, and a video device to take advantage of all GnomeMeeting's capabilities. If you just want to listen in, the sound card is all you need.

The first time you run GnomeMeeting, a wizard appears that will configure your system. Enter your name, email address, and location, and select your connection type. GnomeMeeting should detect your audio and video devices, and away you go.

When you run GnomeMeeting, you must register with an ILS Directory server to make and receive calls. By default, GnomeMeeting uses the server at http://ils.seconix.com; you can configure a different server if you want. This will put you in the user directory and make you accessible to the world. Tell the people you want to connect with using GnomeMeeting to register with the server as well so you can call them.

Tip

The Skype Voice-over-IP (VoIP) service also works with SUSE Linux. Download the SUSE RPM from http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-linux-qt32.