NetMeeting: Bridging the Communication Gap of the Past

Microsoft's NetMeeting offers a nostalgic glimpse into early online conferencing tools, but its outdated features and lack of modern integrations hinder its usability for today's needs.
NetMeeting is a video conferencing software developed by Microsoft, which enables users to remotely connect, communicate, and collaborate with others online.
The software offers a range of features such as live video and audio transmissions, desktop sharing, file transfer, instant messaging, and whiteboard. These tools make it easy for users to hold virtual meetings, webinars, training sessions or provide technical support remotely.
Users can connect through a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), or via the internet. NetMeeting uses internet-based protocols such as Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to establish connections with other users.
This software was first released in 1996 and became popular worldwide in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Following the release of Windows Vista, which did not include NetMeeting, the product was discontinued by Microsoft in 2013.
NetMeeting was an innovative product that allowed people to connect over long distances and enabled remote collaboration. It paved the way for the development of more advanced web conferencing software such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
Overview
NetMeeting is a Shareware software in the category Miscellaneous developed by Microsoft.
The users of our client application UpdateStar have checked NetMeeting for updates 31 times during the last month.
The latest version of NetMeeting is 3.0.2.0100, released on 06/04/2008. It was initially added to our database on 10/29/2007.
NetMeeting runs on the following operating systems: Windows. The download file has a size of 2.5MB.
NetMeeting has not been rated by our users yet.
Pros
- Easy to use for video conferencing and communication over the internet
- Integrated with Microsoft Office applications for seamless collaboration
- Supports desktop sharing for better communication
- Allows users to send files and chat during meetings
- Free for Windows users
Cons
- Outdated and not officially supported by Microsoft in newer Windows versions
- Limited features compared to modern video conferencing tools
- Security vulnerabilities due to lack of updates and patches
- Compatibility issues on newer operating systems
FAQ
What is NetMeeting?
NetMeeting is a videoconferencing and online collaboration tool developed by Microsoft.
What are the system requirements for NetMeeting?
Windows 95 or later Internet Explorer 3.0 or later Sound card, microphone, and speakers Webcam (optional)
Can I use NetMeeting on a Mac?
No, NetMeeting is only available for Windows-based computers.
How do I start a video conference in NetMeeting?
Open NetMeeting Select "Call" from the menu bar Enter the IP address or computer name of the person you want to call Click "Video"
Is NetMeeting free?
Yes, NetMeeting was a free tool included with the Windows operating system.
Can I share my screen in NetMeeting?
Yes, NetMeeting includes screen sharing capabilities.
What is the maximum number of participants in a NetMeeting video conference?
NetMeeting supports up to four participants in a video conference.
Is NetMeeting still available?
No, NetMeeting was discontinued by Microsoft in 2014 and is no longer available for download. It has been replaced by other online collaboration tools such as Skype and Microsoft Teams.
Can I use NetMeeting without an internet connection?
No, NetMeeting requires an internet or network connection to function.

Peter Salakani
I'm Peter, a software reviews author at UpdateStar and content specialist with a keen focus on usability and performance. With a background in both software development and content creation, I bring a unique perspective to evaluating and discussing general software topics. When I'm not reviewing software, I enjoy staying updated on the latest tech trends, experimenting with new applications, and finding innovative solutions to everyday tech challenges.
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