First-time Webconference? Practical Considerations and Required Equipment

A webconference is similar to a phone conference, but is run over the web and includes video. To participate, you will need 1) to know how to use email and browse the web (no further computer skills are needed); and 2) to have access to a computer with broadband internet connection, webcam, and headset.  The software required for the course is free. 

Below are suggested webcams and headsets. Headsets should be USB type as this allows for better audio without the distortion and feedback that can sometime happen from an non-USB headset.

I have provided links to Amazon.com for the headsets and webcams I recommend (Amazon usually has the best prices), but other good stores are newegg.com, tigerdirect.com, and buy.com. Most other headsets from Sennheiser and Logitech are good (as long as they are USB) as are other webcams from Logitech (but I would avoid the very cheapest ones).

	Suggested Headsets
	Logitech Premium USB Headset 350 ( 980374-0403 )
	Sennheiser PC145 Behind The Neck PC Gaming Headset with USB Connection
	Suggested Webcams
	Logitech Quickcam Fusion (961403-0403) - this is the webcam that I use personally, so I know it works well, but I'm pretty sure the cheaper one's below also would work.
	Logitech Quickcam for Notebooks Pro - This one is similar, but more portable and particularly good for people who plan on using a notebook.
	Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 WebCam - this one is a little cheaper and should work fine.
	Logitech 961400-0403 Quickcam for Notebooks Deluxe- I haven't used this one myself, but if you want to try it and let me know how it works, I'll update this post based on your experience.