The use of a computer to send sound and video images from one computer to another in real time.

To videoconference you need:

• A computer with a large memory and a fast processor which can handle the large amount of data that video pictures contain;
• A digital video camera to capture the video pictures at your end of the link;
• A microphone or telephone hand-set to capture the sound that goes with your pictures;
• Access to an ISDN telephone line. This is because ordinary telephone lines weren’t designed to cope with the large amount of data that needs to be sent along them for videoconferencing;
• Special videoconferencing software.

Advantages of videoconferencing

• You can communicate with other people over long distances and see them as well as hear them;
• Videoconferencing is more personal than just a telephone call;
• Businesses can use videoconferencing to hold meetings which many people can be involved in;
• There is less need for people to travel

Disadvantages of videoconferencing

• The hardware and software needed can be expensive;
• Not many people have videoconferencing systems;
• ISDN lines are needed;T
• here is no substitute for a face-to-face meeting.