Worldwide Online Collaborative Class of 2.3 / 2.4 Course Notes A0* (an on-going process)
Please login as collaborator at Google Docs, or use Web2PDF Online or Web2Doc for print outs.
Check your barebone computer configuration first...
Metalist and Roadmap
A. General Orientation (History & background, Required & recommended configuration)
B. Course Support http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dg9xxrf5_508kh8ntr
(Website support, Collaborative learning environment support, Skype chat & Academy chat room support)
C. Course Delivery http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dg9xxrf5_510g9zkh8
(Online event schedule, Week 1-6: Skills, resources, screencasts, event agenda, event notes, workshop agenda, workshop notes, assignments)
D. Course Outlook http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dg9xxrf5_523dhsxjk
(Worldbridges, Ustream.tv, Second Life, uBroadcast.com, Babelgum, Livecasting, Twitter, Weblin, XING, Twine, Mashups, Moodle, SLoodle etc.)
E. Course Graduation (RSS feed / GMT webcast calendar, basic program, criteria rubric, portfolio assessment, James O'Reilly, Jane Jiang)F. Internet Resources http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dg9xxrf5_527fw6fh6
Introduction Video: Google Docs in Simple English http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRqUE6IHTEA
YouTube Lockergnome What is Google Docs? <<< This guy really streams live remote IT consulting <<<< 8-] he is a knockout
Have you received an initial invitation to this Google Docs workshop template? (as a collaborator or viewer)
Yes, as collaborator perform the following steps; No..., then just request one james.oreilly@web.de.
1. Register first to Google Docs http://documents.google.com/ (using your indicated invitation e-mail, and remember your password that you assign!)
2. Verify your registration
3. Login to Google Docs (online chatting is available under the functions for spreadsheets and presentations)
4. Click on Docs Home (a properly-linked collaboration document should then appear on your Google Docs main account list)
5. This collaborative template sheet is for workshop status, modification, and for reference purposes etc.
6. Don't forget to inform this metalist of changes you make as a collaborator via a Google Docs share email (e.g. updates).
| Collaborators |
James O'Reilly Freshman of 2.3. Sophomore of 2.4 (Southern Germany, 2 x 2006 Pentium IV Single-Core Desktops XP, 2007 Pentium IV Dual-Core Laptop XP) Audio Introduction Jane Jiang Freshman of 2.3, Sophomore of 2.4 (PR China, 2002 Pentium IV Single-Core Desktop XP, 2007 Pentium IV Dual-Core Desktop Vista) Audio Introduction |
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| Viewers |
Course application http://www.webcastacademy.net/application Ines Schmelzer (SC, USA), Carl Booth (Germany, Australia), Helmke Hartig (Germany), Gisela Mayer-Braig (Germany), Jürgen Keller (Germany), Markus Markquard (Germany), Birgit Böttger (Germany), Andreas Klöckner (Germany), Wolfgang Bretz (Germany), Frank Steiner (Germany), Dominik Blöchl (Germany), Gail Holmes (Greensboro, USA), Lorna Costantini (Mac-user, USA), |
- The Basic Program for Windows XP and Vista users -
(Mac & Linux users are invited to make their amendments)
For digital audio/video streaming applications: online seminars, e-learning, virtual workshops, webinar, conferences, tele-conferences, meetings, events, webcasts, screencasts, Skypecasts, digital audio & video programs, remote services (medicine, engineering, maintenance, education - parent/teacher events -, multimedia translation, communication, massive social networking, marketing, media etc.), voicethreads, broadcasting of sporting events, concerts and live Shows, live DJ/night club appearances, private parties, or record & stream audio from any music system that does not support internet streaming, to make information accessible to people with disabilities (remote video interpretation services), audio (via podcast) and video (via webcast) resumes, interviews, audio and video podcasts, audio-video-webcam-API mashups
For future Advanced User Modules that extend into other applications:
For Second Life virtual 3D/audio/video applications: collaboration, research & concept testing, simulation & prototyping, events, brand promotion, philanthropy & fundraising , political organization, education & training, communication
For advanced virtual mashups combining into Internet hybrids, like Webcasting together with Ustream.tv, WizIQ, Moodle + Second Life via SLoodle
And for other unspeakable whatnot to come 8-] http://www.webcastacademy.net/tools
Check your knowledge, skills, experiences, and barebone computer configuration first...
The Real Barebone Basic Requirements for Webcasting Novices & Newbies
1. Your Internet speed test (more below): http://www.speedtest.net/
2. Preliminary knowledge, skills, and computer status required:
- Computer Literacy: Overview http://www.dlgi.org/uploads/media/ECDL_Syllabus_4.0engl.pdf <<< Check this list for basic terms and knowledge gaps!
How Computers Work http://computer.howstuffworks.com/
How PCs work http://computer.howstuffworks.com/pc.htm
YouTube Lockergnome How to Learn Computers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBdcKxKmUyo
YouTube Lockergnome Top 5 Tips for Novice Computer Users http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiBsLegCyok
European Computer Driving License http://www.ecdl.com/publisher/index.jsp
International Computer Driving License (ICDL) http://www.ecdl.com/icdlap/sitemap.jsp <<< Check this resource for other languages!
(presence in approximately 150 countries and translated in over 40 languages)
- Hardware requirements (pending summary based on presently deployed course software, Ustream.tv & Second Life capability are the benchmark requirements)
- Updated version of Windows XP SP2 or higher (Including the actual security updates. Activate the automatic firewall & updating system), and its use to install and use software (licensed version)
Help with Windows http://www.helpwithwindows.com/
Relevant processes: Windows Explorer, Create Directories, Drag and Drop, etc. (the computer literacy overview has more)
YouTube Lockergnome The Virtual Clipboard Inside your Computer Cut Strg-X, Copy Strg-C, and Paste Strg-V
YouTube Lockergnome Task Switching Multitasking Alt-Tab
Free Windows Vista Tutorial http://www.learnthat.com/computers/learn.asp?id=2224&index=0
How Windows Vista Works http://computer.howstuffworks.com/windows-vista.htm
YouTube Lockergnome Do You Have a Data Backup Crash Plan? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYDf0ulPnKs
First look at streaming with Vista http://screencast.com/t/RJNv62a11YouTube Lockergnome There's Nothing Wrong with Windows Vista
YouTube Lockergnome The Choice is Windows XP over Windows Vista
YouTube Lockergnome Windows Vista - Promises Delivered?
YouTube Lockergnome Making the Case for Windows
YouTube Lockergnome Get Better Vista Performance on a Laptop Computer
YouTube Lockergnome Windows Vista Stories
YouTube Lockergnome Vista Rants
YouTube Lockergnome Windows XP SP3 vs Windows Vista SP1
YouTube Lockergnome Top 5 Tips for Migrating from Windows to Linux
YouTube Lockergnome Mac vs Windows vs Linux: Every OS Sucks!
YouTube Lockergnome How is OS X Different than Windows?
- Basic Internet and actual browser know-how: Internet Explorer, and Firefox, as well as basic surfing-the-web knowledge and respective handling operations
What's in Internet Explorer http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ie7.htm
How Firefox Works http://computer.howstuffworks.com/firefox.htm
YouTube Lockergnome How to Change Website Language Settings http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTZulBDVKt8
YouTube Lockergnome Top Five Google Search Tips
- The transfer of files into restricted environments requires Zip file compression, as well as Pando & Skype file transfer support
How file compression works http://computer.howstuffworks.com/filecompression.htm
YouTube Lockergnome What is a Zip file
1. 7-Zip http://www.7-zip.org/ Open source, freeware (840 kB) (7-Zip also accommodates WinZip files, which is not for free at this point)
7-Zip Portable http://portableapps.com/apps/utilities/7-zip_portable
2. Pando http://www.pando.com/ is also below (for big file transfers up to 1 GB), freeware (4.3 MB/3.5 MB zipped)
3. Skype Western version is below (the newest version is needed, presently Skype version 3.6.0.244 western)
Skype-portable-German http://portableapps.com/node/10021
- User Manuals & Manufacturer's Links (for updating software drivers, troubleshooting etc.)
- Prepare this material for quick access
- PC Security & Maintenance
- PC Security: Updated version of virus and spyware software (free downloads from Google Pack http://pack.google.com/ are available - Norton, Spyware Doctor (as updated versions); this resource also includes Google Downloader, StarOffice (cost-free open source competitor to MS Office), Skype, RealPlayer, and Adobe Reader, and Picassa2 (for pictures)). ThreatFire http://www.snapfiles.com/goto.php?id=110170&t=62519997&d=7123053&gourl=/features/802-489104-cyberhawk.html is a new preemptive protection software against hacker threats and "virus-typical behaviors" in advance (this software has very good ratings).
How spyware works http://computer.howstuffworks.com/spyware.htm
YouTube Lockergnome Top 5 Tips to Avoid Viruses and Spyware http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPyGikZ1UzE
YouTube Lockergnome Anti-Spyware http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugI08Skh3q0
- PC Maintenance: TuneUp Utilities http://www.tune-up.com/products/tuneup-utilities/ (use the trial version and buy it later)
- Updating and Scanning: Please perform and complete all PC Protection (Threatfire, Spyware, as well as Norton or your respective anti-virus software) and PC Maintenance (TuneUp Utilities) updating and scanning steps before continuing further! This is a milestone task!
software, and for TuneUp at the latest) possibly as a night scan, and follow up on the reports the next morning!
2.3 Introduction Screencast by Jeff Lebow from New Hampshire
http://webcastacademy.net/screencasts/skypechat-2-3.swf
2.4 Introduction Screencast by Pam Shoemaker from Michigan
http://revver.com/video/623058/webcast-academy-introduction-to-class-of-24/
(requires Adobe Flash Player 9 http://www.adobe.com/)
| James' (Eurominuteman) Best Stuff |
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Who else is doing this crazy "disruptive technology" stuff? http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dg9xxrf5_763drfxs4fn |
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audio & video engineering and case user stuff I add, meanwhile)
DELL users have other contingencies at times,
so please refer to the Academy search or ask a Course Facilitator,
if things do not behave as described here
| Date | Topic | Link | Author/Blogs/ Pictures etc. | Notes | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | History and Background |
How Stuff Works http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ How conferencing works http://communication.howstuffworks.com/how-conferencing-works.htm How tele-conferencing works http://communication.howstuffworks.com/teleconferencing.htm How web seminars work http://communication.howstuffworks.com/how-web-seminars-work.htm How streaming video and audio work http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/streaming-video-and-audio.htm How Internet TV works http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/internet-tv.htm How podcasting works http://computer.howstuffworks.com/podcasting.htm How to podcast http://computer.howstuffworks.com/how-to-podcast.htm How e-Learning works http://communication.howstuffworks.com/elearning.htm How a virtual office works http://communication.howstuffworks.com/virtual-office.htm What is a Skypecast http://www.skype.com/intl/en/allfeatures/skypecasts/ How Second Life works http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/second-life2.htm |
conference tele-conference webinar web seminar streaming video audio tv podcast skypecast second life audio podcast video podcast |
https://www.gotowebinar.com/ Minimum 3 characters needed for searching | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-10-08 |
Wiki Worldbridges |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worldbridges |
worldbridges Jeff Lebow |
Worldbridges is as a company founded by Jeff Lebow that supports a network of homegrown webcasting. It is in the early stages of development and its immediate goals are to experiment with webcasting possibilities and support those interested in doing the same. Worldbridges webcasts are currently hosted in English, but efforts are made to attract an international audience of listeners and participants. | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-10-09 Up |
Worldbridges: The Potential of Live, Interactive Webcasting |
http://tesl-ej.org/ej37/int.html http://worldbridges.net/ http://ustream.tv/channel/worldbridges-video |
webcast | Article | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-10-09 |
Yahoo Groups |
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/webcastacademy/ | yahoo |
'The Webcast Academy' is a hands on, collaborative training center for people interested in learning how to produce and host live, interactive webcasts. | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-10-09 |
About the Webcast Academy |
http://www.webcastacademy.net/About_Webcast_Academy | webcast academy | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-10-11 |
Application |
http://www.webcastacademy.net/application | application | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-10-09 |
How do I get started? |
http://www.webcastacademy.net/node/698 |
start first steps |
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| 2007-10-09 |
The Book of Webcasting |
http://www.webcastacademy.net/Book_of_Webcasting |
Wiki Wikipedia |
Wiki style literature | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up Up |
Required & Recommended Configuration |
Starting Point: Get your desktop configuration going first. Laptop use ranks second behind desktop use! More below, and look in Academy blog reports: http://www.webcastacademy.net/search/node/laptop "Doing the course" is the lowest configuration mix, but this is not the end of things. Further-going configuration mixes need to be aligned to the final application intended. 2007-12-01: As further applications unfold, also differing requirements for desktops, laptops, and their configurations result. Things are still being discovered. In this sense, Class of 2.3 served as an orientation phase to gain more clarity about final application intentions, which still appear to be on-going, but yet paint a better picture of the roadmap at this stage. YouTube Lockergnome Five Tips for Video Streaming 2007-02-15: Advanced User Modules are now emerging in Class of 2.4, which consolidate many of the things discovered. |
configuration hardware software telecommunication requirement requirements desktop laptop |
Minimum configuration management for course participation (hardware, software, telecommunication). Check your final application intentions! James' application intentions: Indoor via desktop - Creation of a video resume (this was my initial barebone intention) - How to structure and process multimedia translation contracts - Extend support and PR processes to the translation domain - Create home-based online seminars - Implement remote services - Implement e-learning as a designer, author, and tutor - Explore Second Life applications fitting to the above - Explore mashup applications fitting to the above - ?? Outdoor via desktop, later via laptop - Stream and record live on-site music events, workshops, and meetings - Explore Second Life applications fitting to the above - Explore mashup applications fitting to the above - ?? Jane's application intentions: Indoor (via laptop) - Creation of a video resume - Implement remote services - Audio and video podcasting - Explore Second Life applications fitting to the above - ?? Outdoor (via laptop) - Perform interviews - Perform and host PR and other events in China - Explore Second Life applications fitting to the above - ?? | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-10-11 |
Webcaster Kit |
http://www.webcastacademy.net/webcaster-kit |
kit webcaster FAQ |
Use the software manual or "?" within the software, and the online HELP or FAQ (frequently asked questions) for installing and learning the according software. Perhaps contact the SUPPORT team on the website. | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-10-11 |
Send big files |
File transfer up to 100MB (web-based)/ 2GB (fee-based): http://www.yousendit.com/ Other service providers in order to send big e-mail attachments http://email.about.com/od/sendbigfilesviaemail/tp/send_big_files.htm |
file transfer peer -to-peer |
How peer-to-peer file sharing works http://computer.howstuffworks.com/bittorrent1.htm | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Pando For big file transfer |
http://www.pando.com/ |
Up to 1 GB file transfer (software-based). Equally delicious on Windows and Mac. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up | WinZip For file compression |
ZIP download winzip110.exe (7.3 MB)
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WinZip is a file archiver and compressor for Microsoft Windows. WinZip has a 45-day free evaluation period. However, in some older versions it continues to work even after this period of time. Good for big file transfers, like for TuneUp Utilities or Skype, and into restricted environments. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up | 7-Zip For file compression 7-Zip Portable For portable file compression to be used in flash memories |
http://www.7-zip.org/ ZIP download 7z456.zip (824 kB)  http://portableapps.com/apps/utilities/7-zip_portable ZIP download 7-Zip_Portable_4.42_R2.paf.zip (1.0 MB)  7-Zip was the winner of the SourceForge.net 2007 community choice awards for "Technical Design" and for "Best Project". |
file compression |
7-Zip is an open source file archiver designed originally for the Microsoft Windows operating system, and later made available to other systems. In the form of p7zip, 7-Zip has been ported for use on Unix-like systems such as Linux, FreeBSD, Mac OS X. It is also compatible with DOS via either a DOS port, or by using the HX-DOS extender to run the Windows command-line version. Amongst Non-Unix, Non-Windows OSs there should be also mentioned AmigaOS port of 7-Zip. 7-Zip operates primarily with the 7z archive format, as well as being able to read several other archive formats. In operation a user can use the command line (all systems), graphical user interface ("Windows" only) or seamless Windows shell environment methods of control. In contrast to the market-leading programs WinZip and WinRAR, which remain as proprietary competitors, 7-Zip is distributed under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL) (with the RAR license restrictions), with the AES code under the revised BSD license, and as such is free software. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Internet Explorer 7 For Internet browsing Silverlight For delivery of media experiences and rich interactive applications for the Web that incorporate video, animation, interactivity, and stunning user interfaces. |
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/ie/default.mspx IE Add-ons for language dictionaries ZIP download IE7-WindowsXP-x86-enu.exe (14.7 MB)  http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/default_ns.aspx ZIP download Silverlight.1.0.exe (1.3 MB)  Seamless, fast installation for users, thanks to a small, on-demand, easy-to-install plug-in that is under 2 megabytes (MB) in size and works with all leading browsers. Consistent experiences between Windows-based and Macintosh computers without any additional installation requirements. This software should be downloaded and installed by interview guests in order to enable the speed-up of Internet streaming on their part. |
Version IE 7 is not stabile so consider using Firefox as substitute.
Silverlight: Compelling Cross-Platform User ExperiencesCreate richer, more compelling Web experiences that take greater advantage of the client for increased performance.Stunning vector-based graphics, media, text, animation, and overlays that enable seamless integration of graphics and effects into any existing Web application. Enhance existing standards/AJAX-based applications (Web 2.0) with richer graphics and media, and improve their performance and capabilities by using Silverlight. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Firefox 2.x For Internet browsing |
http://www.firefox.com/ ZIP download Firefox Setup 2.0.0.8.zip (5.6 MB)
Firefox version 2.0.12 and version 3 Beta 3 have been released meanwhile! Help > Click for Updates... YouTube Lockergnome What's new in Firefox 3? |
Firefox Add-ons https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/ Search, install, and use the Firefox language add-on dictionaries for different languages, like Chinese etc. FoxMarks (online bookmark backup provider) http://www.foxmarks.com/ Recovery of lost bookmarks http://kb.mozillazine.org/Lost_Bookmarks#Finding_your_bookmarks | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Required & Recommended Tele- communication For high-end users: |
Webcast Academy recommends: In order to webcast, you need a stable internet connection that provides at least 100 kbps upload bandwidth (which means dial-up connections will not work). If you plan to have more than one or two people in a Skype call, you will probably need a bit more than that. [For bare-bone start-up beginners this seems to fit, but desires outgrow this recommendation at the latter part of the course, as prices for high-speed bandwidth drop and availability increases] Skype says: To make High Quality Video calls you need a Logitech High Quality Video webcam and the latest version of Skype - Skype 3.6 for Windows. You will also need a computer with a dual core processor and a high-bandwidth internet connection (Skype recommends 380 kbps upload and above). What internet connection speed do I need to stream on Ustream.tv? You will need a high speed internet connection (either LAN, WIFI, or Cellular). Ustream.tv recommends a minimum 320 kbps upload in order to upload a quality video stream. 400 kbps upload is preferred. Second Life is not compatible with dial-up internet, satellite internet, and some wireless internet services. YouTube Lockergnome Free Communication Tools |
Internet connection speed hotspot LAN WIFI cell |
How Public Wi-Fi Hotspots work http://computer.howstuffworks.com/wireless-network.htm Wi-Fi Hotspot Finder Tools http://www.jiwire.com/jiwire-downloads.htm How To Guides http://www.jiwire.com/features.htm | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-10-11 | Internet Speed Test | http://www.speedtest.net/ Even nice for checking the Internet speed to China http://www.auditmypc.com/internet-speed-test.asp http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/ Course begin: My tested speed for DSL2000 flat rate Euro 24.90 Download: 1,955.0 kbps Upload: 197.5 kbps (oops, I guess I need DSL16000) Transition: The forecasted speed for DSL16000 flat rate Euro 24.90 Download: 16,000.0 kbps pending (@ March 2008) Upload: 800.0 kbps pending | Internet Speed Test for Broadband, Cable, Satellite and DSL Modems that helps determine your true bandwidth. Just click on START. Wi-Fi Entertainment http://www.jiwire.com/wi-fi-entertainment-guide.htm Mobile Broadband http://www.jiwire.com/mobile-broadband.htm | |||||||||||||||||||
| Monitoring Tools This software should be downloaded and installed by interview guests in order to enable the speed-up of Internet streaming on their part. | NetMeter http://www.metal-machine.de/readerror/ For displaying real-time Internet downstream and upstream in a graph. Freeware. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Up Up |
WiFi Hotspots JiWire Hotspot Finder for Skype For finding Wi-Fi hotspots |
High-speed Hotspots http://www.jiwire.com/skypebot-download.htm ZIP download BOTSetupBeta.zip (2.2 MB)  Website service for finding Wi-Fi hotspots http://jiwire.com/search-hotspot-locations.htm Illustr. 1: JiWire Hotspot Finder via Skype YouTube Lockergnome Five Tips for Wireless Routers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfKifUHK51g |
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Hotspot performance standards- 802.11g Wi-FiIn 2002 and 2003, WLAN products supporting a newer standard called 802.11g emerged on the market. 802.11g attempts to combine the best of both 802.11a and 802.11b. 802.11g supports bandwidth up to 54 Mbps, and it uses the 2.4 Ghz frequency for greater range. 802.11g is backwards compatible with 802.11b, meaning that 802.11g access points will work with 802.11b wireless network adapters and vice versa.
- 802.11n Wi-FiThe newest IEEE standard in the Wi-Fi category is 802.11n. It was designed to improve on 802.11g in the amount of bandwidth supported by utilizing multiple wireless signals and antennas (called MIMO technology) instead of one.
When this standard is finalized, 802.11n connections should support data rates of over 100 Mbps. 802.11n also offers somewhat better range over earlier Wi-Fi standards due to its increased signal intensity. 802.11n equipment will be backward compatible with 802.11g gear.
http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wireless80211/g/bldef_80211n.htm | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-10-12 Up |
TuneUp Utilities For computer maintenance tasks |
http://www.tune-up.com/support/ ZIP download TU2007TrialEN.zip (9.6 MB)
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maintenance |
TuneUp Utilities 2007 optimizes the performance of your computer, solves problems and helps you to customize your system to suit your needs. Use the 30 day free trial for immediate results. Available in several languages. Bandwidth settings within Windows are optimized to fit to your service provider More about computer maintenance http://www.wise-women.org/tutorials/tuneup/ | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-10-12 Up |
Google Web Accelerator This software should be downloaded and installed by interview guests in order to enable the speed-up of Internet streaming on their part. |
http://webaccelerator.google.com/ ZIP download GoogleWebAcceleratorSetup.zip (1.0 MB)  |
accelerator |
Google Web Accelerator works with your browser to help web pages show up in a snap. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Required & Recommended Hardware Configuration For high-end users: |
Webcast Academy recommends: Webcasting with anything less than 512kb RAM or the equivalent of a Pentium 4 would probably be pretty difficult. Pentium 5 is the minimum choice. [For bare-bone start-up beginners this seems to fit, but desires outgrow this recommendation at the latter part of the course] Maybe upgrade or buy a new computer. YouTube Lockergnome Top 5 Tips on Buying Technology: Hardware and Software Hardware Requirements (pending summary based on deployed course software) |
hardware requirement |
Customer Support, Products Repair, Manuals & Troubleshooting on Any Product http://www.fixya.com/ | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-10-12 Up Up Up Up Up 2007-12-08 Up |
Everest Home Edition 2.2 For hardware assessment |
http://download.chip.eu/en/EVEREST-Home-Edition-2.20_108194.html ZIP download everesthome220.zip (3.9 MB) YouTube Lockergnome Top 5 Tips on Repairing Your own Computer: PC and Mac - Check your RAM module (random access memory) sizes, clock speed, and types for upgrading How RAM works (video: how to install RAM) http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ram.htm Illustr. 2: RAM Memory Modules Memory Advisor Tool http://www.crucial.com/ For automatic online assessment of the RAM module type. http://www.pricewatch.com/memory/ YouTube Lockergnome 4GB Ram in Windows (oops, works only for 64bit Windows) YouTube Lockergnome How to Set up a RAM Disk for Free (great) Use the report and the memory advisor tool to see if you have additional motherboard slots open for additional or greater-sized RAM modules, and what kind of modules. Your PC shop will appreciate seeing the report to make some recommendations, although they will try to sell you a new computer. Older RAM modules are usually more expensive because they are not built any more and are thus scarce. I usually fill up a new computer to maximum RAM capacity at the beginning. Illustr. 3: Structure of PC Data Flow - Check your CPU (central processing unit) clock speed How motherboards work http://computer.howstuffworks.com/motherboard.htm - Check your harddrive sizes for software program installations on partition C:/. Data should be stored separately on other partitions, e.g. D:/, and on external media as backup and archive. YouTube Lockergnome Free Disk Partition Tool YouTube Lockergnome Do You Have a Data Backup Crash Plan? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYDf0ulPnKs FoxMarks (online bookmark backup provider)
http://www.foxmarks.com/ Recovery of lost FireFox bookmarks http://kb.mozillazine.org/Lost_Bookmarks#Finding_your_bookmarks How hard disks work http://computer.howstuffworks.com/hard-disk.htm How Removeable Storage works http://computer.howstuffworks.com/removable-storage.htm Buy an external USB harddrive (e.g. 500GB) as data backup and mass archive system! And indeed backup/save your existing data on this device!! How Flash Memory works http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/flash-memory.htm USB Flash Drives (e.g. 8 GB is cool hehe) Illustr. 5: USB Flash Drive from Inside Pricewatch for USB flash drives I use several of these USB flash drives to save downloaded softwares (this enables quick installation of software to other computers), and to separately backup data and templates. Ultimate Memory Guide in 8 languages - Computer recommendations: http://kb.iu.edu/data/antk.html - Buying a computer: http://kb.iu.edu/data/antk.html Buying a laptop for this course: At this stage of learning, it does not appear favorable to buy a laptop that can cope with extended requirements, because a laptop does not supply the number of card slots that may be needed in future unfolding requirements. A further external and better sound card, as well as further external USB hubs, and external firewire hubs for camcorder use must be expected. Thus, this flexibility is simply not given. YouTube Lockergnome Over 28 Laptop Related Videos with Tips For simple barebone purposes, the course can be performed using a laptop under additional purchasing costs in comparison to a desktop. Yet, this appears not to be an economical and efficient choice. Please refer to Webcast Academy's blog messages for more reports about implementing a laptop in this course: http://www.webcastacademy.net/search/node/laptop The reports about using a laptop are not convincing, and show several drawbacks: Audio Help Pleeeeeeeeease http://www.webcastacademy.net/node/1171
Few tips for laptop and WI-FI users http://www.webcastacademy.net/node/24 and more... |
RAM memory pentium desktop driver document cluster CPU flash card motherboard SD card harddrive storage backup archive USB flash drive buy a computer Blogs about: laptop |
This free EVEREST Home Edition allows you to find out how well your PC is performing. With EVEREST Home Edition, it is possible to gather system information, view system diagnostics and monitor hardware. EVEREST Home Edition also provides the user with free hints and tips to optimize your PC's performance. Several language versions are available... Now it comes... Your Hardware Status Report Use this report in order to actually identify what sound card TYPE and what graphic card TYPE are installed. Illustr. 6: Everst Hardware Status Report Desktop XP 1 http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dg9xxrf5_406c24mcf Desktop XP 2 http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dg9xxrf5_429fvtr4q Laptop XP http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dg9xxrf5_430c42pq9 Desktop Vista ?? You should also make a configuration list of devices below. This list is helpful if the need arises to update software drivers for certain devices (e.g. sound card or video card) due to PC upgrading or an upgrade to Vista, as OEM manufacturers are presently adapting to this operating system now. DO NOT install software drivers without knowing your device specifications first!! Use http://clusty.com/ to search for background infos first!! Anyway, keep your old computer online as a backup and redundant system for enabling emails, chats, Internet surfing, and downloads. Illustr. 8: Flash Card Storage I prefer to buy devices that accommodate SD cards (the third one from the left) so that I have one card format for cameras, cellphones, PDAs etc. YouTube Lockergnome Eye-Fi Wireless SD Card Review Illustr. 9: USB Archive for Software PortableApps Suite for flash memory: Now you can carry your favorite computer programs along with all of your bookmarks, settings, email and more with you. Use them on any Windows computer. PortableApps.com provides a truly open platform that works with any hardware you like (USB flash drive, iPod, portable hard drive, etc). It's free open source built around an open format. PortableApps Suite http://portableapps.com/ More portable stuff http://portableapps.com/apps A mobile office on your stick.YouTube Lockergnome Top 5 Tips to Decrease Computer Case Noise | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-10-12 |
Further Components | http://www.webcastacademy.net/webcaster-kit I consider this to be outdated. |
device | My Device Configuration List below: | ||||||||||||||||||
| 1. Sound card | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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1.1 Sound Card Basics (full-duplex) Sound card blog at Webcast Academy |
How sound cards work http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/sound-card.htm The most basic sound card is a printed circuit board that uses four components to translate analog and digital information:
PCI Audio CODEC: Instead of separate ADCs and DACs, some sound cards use a coder/decoder chip, also called a CODEC, which performs both functions. One of the newest advances in sound card technology is X-Fi, or Xtreme Fidelity, from SoundBlaster manufacturer Creative. X-Fi features:
Input and Output Connections: Most sound cards have, at the very minimum, connections for a microphone and speakers. Some include so many input and output connections that they have a breakout box, which often mounts in one of the drive bays, to house them. These connections include:
Sorting out the complexity of these diverse input and ouput connections in connection with the deployed audio software and audio/streaming task will be the main backbreaking challenge below. Sound card manager softwares help, but help find a decent one! Illustr. 11: Sound Card Connection Types |
sound card external sound card converter analogue digital connection PCI microphone speaker codec X-Fi Realtek 16 bit 24 bit Realtek 16 bit surround midi firewire Realtek 16 bit Sound Blaster 24 bit 5.1 Creative Audigy US$180 X-Fi 7.1 US$300 setting X-Fi driver Vista |
Drivers & APIs: Like a graphics card, a sound card uses software to help it communicate with applications and with the rest of the computer. This software includes the card's drivers, which allow the card to communicate with the operating system. It also includes application program interfaces (APIs), which are sets of rules or standards that make it easier for software to communicate with the card. The most common APIs include:
Essential and New Drivers http://drivers.softpedia.com/ DO NOT install software drivers without knowing your device specifications first!! New Technology: X-Fi Audio Processor One of the newest advances in sound card technology is X-Fi, Illustr. 12: More Sound Card Connections
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| Up | 1.1.1 Integrated Motherboard Sound Card | Not every computer has a sound card. Some motherboards feature integrated audio support instead. A motherboard that has its own DSP can process multiple data streams. It may also support 3-D positional and Dolby surround sound. However, in spite of these features, most reviewers [as stated in the above article] agree that separate sound cards provide better audio quality. Report 2 / 24/96 bit from Lee below restates this again. |
Motherboard Audio | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up | 1.1.2 Laptop Sound Card |
Laptops usually have integrated sound capabilities on their motherboards or small sound cards. However, space and temperature control considerations make top-of-the-line internal cards impractical. So, laptop users can purchase external sound controllers, which use USB or FireWire connections. These external modules can significantly improve laptop sound quality. |
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| 1.1.3 Microsoft Background Information on Sound Cards | DO NOT install software drivers
without knowing your device specifications first!! Use Everest to determine what sound card hardware you have! Then use the Microsoft Search Engine for more background information http://search.microsoft.com/ or the Advanced Search Engine http://search.microsoft.com/AdvancedSearch.aspx | <<< Your special hardware configuration case needs to be knowledgeable | Extend the search profiles below to focus on your sound card type! | |||||||||||||||||||
| Windows XP | Search results for sound AND card AND XP Search results for sound AND card AND XP AND Realtek Search results for sound AND card AND XP AND Blaster | Here is more detail information about XP. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Windows Vista | Search results for sound AND card AND Vista Search results for sound AND card AND Vista AND Realtek Search results for sound AND card AND Vista AND Blaster Tips for fixing common Vista sound problems Vista & Sound Cards: Frequently Asked Questions | Here is more detail information about Vista. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Update of the Sound Card Driver Realtek Creative Sound Blaster | How to update a sound card driver in Windows Vista and in Windows XP Realtech Software: Drivers and Utilities (XP, Vista, Linux) Sound Blaster Software: Drivers and Utilities (XP, Vista) | <<< Important step | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Up | 1.1.4 Assessment of Existing Sound Card Hardware | 16 bit sound cards - Maybe these are too lowly for webcasting in the end... Check the 24 bit report list below! |
realtek sound card sound card evaluation sound card assessment sound card setting |
There are not enough blog entries surrounding this issue of 16/24 bit sound cards, which may be the reason for many problem reports using 16 bit sound cards. More evaluation reports are needed in this area. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Realtek 16 bit (Integrated Motherboard) |
2006 Desktop XP 1 (James): |
User Manual |
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| Up | Realtek 16 bit (Laptop) | 2007 Laptop XP: |
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| Up | 1.1.5 Assessment of Existing Sound Card Support Software |
Realtek |
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Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager A management software for performing settings on Windows audio from the desktop. Assessment: - This software is part of the 2006 desktop PC package I purchased. - The 2007 laptop has an even more inferior software, yet a newer integrated motherboard sound card. But now I gather that integrated motherboard sound cards are not the best quality anyway. So, why use 16 bit, if better 24 bit cards are available? An external 24 bit one links you flexibly and mobile to 5.1 home theater interfaces and the according audio capability too. Realtek blog at Webcast Academy |
Illustr. 13: 10 Band Equalizer 23 environment settings: Generic, Padded Cell, Room, Bathroom, Living Room, Stone Room, Auditorium, Concert Hall, Cave, Arena, Hangar, Carpeted Hallway, Hallway, Stone Corridor, Alley, Forest, City, Mountains, Quarry, Plain, Parking Lot, Sewer Pipe, Under Water 9 Presets: Rock, Bass, Treble, Vocal, Powerful, Dance, Soft, Party, Classical Illustr. 14: Sound Card Adjustments and Connections
Illustr. 15: Pictures of Realtek Software for 5.1 Speakers |
2008-02-15 <<< not bad <<< not bad either An unexpected return to this software after 4 months of evalutaion. |
A desktop software included with the above integrated motherboard of Desktop XP 1 and Desktop XP 2. http://www.realtek.com.tw/ Illustr. 16: Realtek Software Information Available in 8 languages including Chinese. Realtek is a Taiwan company. Download version R1.80 for XP and Vista Zip version does not install?? Assessment: see Illustr. 13: Jack Plug-in Color Code
Input and Output Connections: Most sound cards have, at the very minimum, connections for a microphone and speakers. Some include so many input and output connections that they have a breakout box, which often mounts in one of the drive bays, to house them. This Realtek software only manages audio connections that include:
This only fulfills a limited scope of multimedia possibilities and user cases targeted within this course This Realtek software does not manage audio connections that include:
Sorting out the complexity of these diverse input and ouput connections in connection with the deployed audio software and audio/streaming user case will be the main backbreaking challenge below. Virtual Audio Cable VAC thus unfolds to be the enabling software. This piece of Realtek software is not actually a must for updating, neither on my desktop nor on my laptop. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | 1.2 Sound Card Hardware |
For high-end users - 24 bit sound cards - No-must requirement, up to now! But as new evaluation reports emerge, it may unfold to be a Must requirement because 16 bit sound cards have a significant number of problem reports when it comes to making the settings. Report 1: 24 bit, X-Fi: Dave Baron Recording Two-Way Skype Callhttp://www.webcastacademy.net/node/1069Report 2: 24/96 bit: 2008-01-07, Lee says: I
have an Aardvark Direct Pro 24/96 [bit] which is a sound card and break-out
box for pro recording and acts as an interface to a DAW (digital audio
workstation). I know that when working with pro audio recording the
dedicated sound card or sound card not integrated on the motherboard is
a must. The control on the card I have is through the interface offered
on screen offering many options for routing sound in and out of the
computer via the soundcard. The beauty in this particular card and box
are the mic preamps on the box. A good mic pre is worth its weight in
gold. I will look over the RoMac interface. I am sure the options for
routing are versatile. If you would like to see the one I have for my
DAW see this older article. This product is no longer being made but it
still works great for me. http://www.synthman.com/aardvark/100110.html The thing I like about these types of interfaces (or today's soundcard options) are the ability to plug in any line level input. This lets you go from any instrument or vocal directly into the computer with good 24 bit fidelity. The ability have auto settings for each or your your programs sound convenient. I will be interested to look at the details. Perhaps there is a software available out there to do a similar thing for any card one assigns to it. Interesting. If I find any info of interest I will post it back here and on the wca site. |
creative sound card sound card evaluation sound card assessment sound card setting 16 bit 24 bit 96 bit X-Fi |
There are not enough blog entries surrounding this issue of 16/24 bit
sound cards, which may be the reason for many problem reports using 16
bit sound cards. More evaluation reports are needed in this area. As well as in combination with the RoMac Sound Manager software! 2008-01-13 I think the difference results from deploying a 24 bit sound card plus the 24 bit sound card support software. This configuration mix appears to reduce problem reports, thus the frustration of 16 bit sound cards. Inferior support software for the 16 bit sound card may be the actual cause for problem reports. | ||||||||||||||||||
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1.2.1 Sound Blaster Live 24 bit External |
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Sound Blaster | |||||||||||||||||||
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1.2.2 Sound Blaster 7.1 24 bit X-Fi Elite Pro Cooooool |
Sound Blaster 7.1 24 bit X-Fi Elite Pro (Internal Sound Card & External Console & Remote Control) Illustr. 18: Sound Blaster 7.1 24 bit X-Fi Elite Pro
Pricewatch for high-end 7.1 24 bit X-Fi technology,
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Audio Creation Mode Gaming Mode Entertainment Mode Highest quality, most feature-rich recording available in its class! Advanced Audio Conversion Engine. Lowest Latency ASIO Recording. Advanced Features and Effects for Music and Audio Creation. X-Fi 24-bit Crystalizer enhances MP3s & Movies to sound better than they do on their original CD or DVD. X-Fi CMSS-3D allows user to upgrade their MP3 music & stereo movies into surround sound over headphones or multichannel speakers. SuperRip allows you to rip your CDs in Xtreme Fidelity. Enjoy the latest cinematic technologies for the ultimate PC movie experience!
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| Up Up |
1.2.3 Sound Blaster 3D 24 bit X-Fi Xtreme Audio Notebook This one is on my purchasing list... |
Sound Blaster 3D 24 bit X-Fi Xtreme Audio Notebook (PCMIA Sound Card) Illustr. 19: Sound Blaster 3D 24 bit X-Fi Xtreme Audio Notebook |
Listen in virtual surround over headphones or stereo speakers or add the Surround Sound Upgrade kit (sold separately) to connect to your 5.1/7.1 speakers. The Speaker Docking Module for the ExpressCard Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio sound card adds connections for 5.1 or 7.1 speakers so you can enjoy Xtreme Fidelity sound in rich, full surround. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up | 1.3 Sound Card Support Software |
SourceForge.net open source freeware: for Sound Card for Streaming |
51 freewares of all sorts around the sound card for evaluation. 400 freewares of all sorts around streaming for evaluation. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up | 1.3.1 Sound Blaster Software |
The following softwares were included on a CD in the purchase of Creative's Sound Blaster Live 24 bit External Sound Card (Illustr.: 16) Assessment: The software functions* are linked and configured to the installation and plug-in of this purchased device. |
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| Up Up Up |
Creative Diagnostics* |
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Creative Diagnostics is a simple but useful program for diagnosing and fixing any problems that you may have with your audio hardware. The diagnostic tests will check that the audio hardware is detected, the audio drivers are working, and the mixer settings are correct. A speaker test is also provided to let you test the physical connections from the audio hardware to the speakers. If the tests detect problems, Creative Diagnostics will provide solutions. Use Creative Diagnostics to help you have a trouble-free audio experience. How to use Creative Diagnostics Useful to pre-check all hardware connections and functions. The headset test is useful for checking physical connections to the headset prior to production. Hardly useful during production. Hardly useful after production. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Creative Graphic Equalizer* |
Illustr. 22: 7 Band Creative Graphic Equalizer |
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Creative Graphic Equalizer (EQ)* is designed to improve and fine-tune the audio quality of your playback. Just select any one of the factory presets, or adjust the boost or cut amount (up to 12 dB) for multiple preselected frequency bands. You can also save the settings as a custom preset once you are satisfied with the adjustments. How to use Creative Graphic Equalizer No use prior to production! | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Creative MiniDisc Center |
Illustr. 23: Creative MiniDisc Center |
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?? How to use Creative MiniDisc Center Prior to production? During the production? After the production? | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up Up |
Creative Smart Recorder* |
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Creative Smart Recorder is designed to help manage and perform all your recording tasks easily. Using Creative Smart Recorder, you can:
How to use Creative Smart Recorder Event scheduling prior to production. Looks like a mixture of Audacity and The Levelator... Plus the possibility to set the optimum recording level using the automatic source level analysis feature during production! And audio cleanup technology after production! | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Creative Speaker Settings* |
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Creative Speaker Settings allows you to adjust your speaker configuration from one place. You can use it to select your type of speaker system, and to adjust the volume and cutoff frequency for your subwoofer. How to use Creative Speaker Settings Useful to control headset prior to production. Useful control panel during the production. Useful during playback after the production. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Creative Surround Mixer* |
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Creative Surround Mixer integrates all of your audio inputs to allow you to create the perfect listening environment. You can adjust volume levels, select input sources and even balance your speakers. How to use Creative Surround Mixer Prior to production? During production? Useful after the production for playback. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Creative WaveStudio |
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WaveStudio is a Windows-based application that allows you to perform the following sound editing functions easily:
How to use WaveStudio Prior to production? During production? Audacity is used. Maybe for higher quality 24 bit depth. Useful next to Audacity after the production for additional software functions. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Device Control* |
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Creative Device Control is a utility that allows you to control the SPDIF input and output sampling rates, and the audio mixing quality of your audio device. Double-click the Device Control icon in the Control Panel window to open this applet. How to use Creative Device Control Useful prior to production, yes Useful during production? Useful after the production? | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | EAX Console* |
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EAX Console offers dramatically increased 3D audio performance and functionality, delivering superior audio fidelity and rich environment effects for an unsurpassed digital entertainment experience. How to use EAX Console Useful prior to production? Useful during the production? Useful after the production for playback. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | SoundFont Bank Manager* |
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With SoundFont® Bank Manager (SFBM), you can:
How to use SoundFont Bank Manager nice to play with for the moment Very useful prior to production! Very useful during production! Very useful after production! | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | 1.3.2 Sound Card Managers | The lesson-learned was that there must be software available that manages the complexity of the sound card, thus easing the complexity of performing Windows audio settings. Indeed, there are: (Yet, the functions must be tested and evaluated), and more are to be found. |
Windows audio setting | Clusty Meta Search for: sound card management sound card setting | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up Up |
RoMac Sound Card Management | http://www.romacsoftware.com/SoundManagement.htm Freeware / Donation Download http://www.romacsoftware.com/Download/SoundManagerDownload.htm Zip download SoundManager.zip (2.7 MB) 
Illustr. 31: RoMac Sound Card Management |
RoMac Sound Card Management allows you you set up each of your programs that use a sound with its own individual levels for a sound card, and then launch the program. When you quit the selected program, the RoMac Sound Card Management utility will return all the sound card levels back to normal. Also for Windows Vista. How to use Sound Card Management: ?? | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up |
QuickMix |
http://www.ptpart.co.uk/quickmix/ Freeware Download http://www.msaxon.com/quickmix/QuickMixIn.EXE Zip download QuickMixIn.exe (383.9 kB)  Illustr. 32: QuickMix |
Are you fed up with carefully setting the audio mixer on your Windows computer only to have the settings changed by another application or when you reboot? Do you need to store and recall different sets of mixer settings quickly and easily? Then QuickMix is for you. Yet, not for Windows Vista... How to use QuickMix ?? | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up | 1.4 Mixing Console For combining (also called "mixing"), routing, and changing the level, tonality and/or dynamics of audio signals No-Must requirement! |
Illustr. 33: Yamaha 2403 Audio Mixing Console |
In professional audio, a mixing console, digital mixing console, mixing desk (Brit.), or audio mixer, also called a sound board or soundboard, is an electronic device for combining (also called "mixing"), routing, and changing the level, tonality and/or dynamics of audio signals. A mixer can mix analog or digital signals, depending on the type of mixer. The modified signals (voltages or digital samples) are summed to produce the combined output signals. Mixing consoles are used in many applications, including recording studios, public address systems, sound reinforcement systems, broadcasting, television, and film post-production. An example of a simple application would be to enable the signals that originated from two separate microphones (each being used by vocalists singing a duet, perhaps) to be heard through one set of speakers simultaneously. When used for live performances, the signal produced by the mixer will usually be sent directly to an amplifier, unless that particular mixer is “powered” or it is being connected to powered speakers. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up | 1.5 Audio Amplifier No-Must requirement! |
Audio Amplifier Selection - Basic Requirements http://www.national.com/appinfo/audio/ |
An audio amplifier is an electronic amplifier that amplifies low-power audio signals (signals composed primarily of frequencies between 20 hertz to 20,000 hertz, the human range of hearing) to a level suitable for driving loudspeakers and is the final stage in a typical audio playback chain. The preceding stages in such a chain are low power audio amplifiers which perform tasks like pre-amplification, equalization, tone control, mixing/effects, or audio sources like record players, CD players, and cassette players. Most audio amplifiers require these low-level inputs to adhere to line levels. While the input signal to an audio amplifier may measure only a few hundred microwatts, its output may be tens, hundreds, or thousands of watts. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up Up |
2. Speakers (full-duplex) Pricewatch for speakers Pricewatch for home audio theater |
How speakers work http://www.howstuffworks.com/speaker.htm How surround sound works http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/surround-sound.htm How home theater works http://www.howstuffworks.com/home-theater.htm Illustr. 34: Creative 5.1 SBS 580 Speaker System Illustr. 35: Creative 2.1 SBS 380 Speaker System |
speaker surround 7.1 5.1 2.1 3D mobile speaker home theater Creative |
2. Speakers: 5.1 SBS 580 speaker system with rear break-out jack plug-in for 2006 desktop XP1 from Creative (works great) 2.1 SBS 380 speaker system with front panel jack plug-in for 2006 destop XP2 from Creative (works great) Portable dual-cassette deck with stereo speakers and jack plug-in for 2007 laptop (a cheap deal from a flea market) Mobile stereo speakers and jack plug-in for 2007 laptop (to be purchased, I haven't found the right thing) New Technology: 7.1 home theater system | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | 3. Headphone Pricewatch for headphones |
How headphones work http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/noise-canceling-headphone.htm Illustr. 36: Thomson WHP550A Wireless Stereo Headphone |
headphone Thomson wireless stereo |
3. Headphone: Thomson WHP550A wireless stereo headphone with base station and jack plug-in Battery charging needs to be performed after 8 hours. The receiver drops out sometimes, and sometimes external sources are picked up. New Technology: Noise-canceling headphone | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | 4. Headset Pricewatch for headset |
Headset styles http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/noise-canceling-headphone2.htm http://www.conversationsnetwork.org/levelator YouTube Lockergnome Top 5 Tips for Buying an Audio Mic and USB Headset Earbuds are expensive... |
headset | 4. Headset: Headset with microphone and jack plug-ins (old plastic ones) New Technology: Noise-canceling headset | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | 5. Bluetooth Headset | How Bluetooth works http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/bluetooth.htm How Bluetooth creates a connection http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/bluetooth1.htm Illustr. 37: External USB Bluetooth 2.0 Transmitter |
Bluetooth wireless AnyCom Plantronic USB pairing connection transmitter |
5. Bluetooth Headphone: External USB 2.0 Bluetooth transmitter in both 2006 desktops Internal USB 2.0 Bluetooth transmitter in the 2007 laptop Ultimate Goal: - ANYCOM BSH-100 Stereo-Headphone with Bluetooth wireless technology and microphone - Plantronics Voyager™ 510 Bluetooth® Headset with microphone New Technology: Wibree http://computer.howstuffworks.com/wibree.htm | ||||||||||||||||||
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6. Microphone Pricewatch for microphones |
How do microphones work http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/question309.htm Recommendations from Webcast Academy:
Based on our experience thus far, it is necessary to use either a desktop USB mic like this..., or USB Headsets like these which have two separate inputs for the mic and ear piece. Models that have been confirmed to work include: Altec Lansing AHs320 (which is not available any more), and Illustr. 39: Logitech Premium Notebook Headset USB headsets that do NOT have the two separate inputs for mic and ear piece will not work and may cause severe anxiety for webcasters attempting to use them! Illustr. 40: Separate interface inputs for Mic and Earpieces So what is The Levelator? It's software that runs on Windows, OS X (universal binary), or Linux (Ubuntu) that adjusts the audio levels within your podcast or other audio file for variations from one speaker to the next, for example. It's not a compressor, normalizer or limiter although it contains all three. It's much more than those tools, and it's much simpler to use. The UI is dirt-simple: Drag-and-drop any WAV or AIFF file onto The Leveler's application window, and a few moments later you'll find a new version which just sounds better. Have you ever recorded an interview in which you and your guest ended upat different volumes? How about a panel discussion where some people were close to microphones and others were not? http://www.conversationsnetwork.org/levelator AUDio MEasurement System AUDio MEasurement System - system for audio measurement through sound card in the PC. Incorporates Generator, Oscilloscope, FFT, Sweep frequency characteristic. Now it works under MSWindows but I want to add ALSA support to compile under Linux. http://sourceforge.net/projects/audmes/ Book of Internet Audio http://www.newmediaguides.com/audio |
microphone Logitech AnyCom Plantronics Sony Thomson headset ear wireless karaoke USB microphone webcam microphone Bluetooth microphone |
6. My tested microphones: Internal laptop microphones are not convincing.
Illustr. 41: Dynamique Thomson M140 - Unidirectionnel
(cheap purchase, but not so convincing, background noise in the 24 bit sound card) Illustr. 42: Sony ECM-ZS90 Switchable Stereo Microphone with Super Directional Mode (the electric button-type battery is unfavorable) Illustr. 43: Logitech Quickcam Pro 5000 Webcam Microphone
(USB webcam mic works fine for Skype. The mic flopped for Audacity recording quality with Jane, but was OK for Lorna) Illustr. 44: AnyCom Bluetooth BSH-100
with Bluetooth Stereo Headphone and Microphone (my supreme choice, but yet to be assessed) New Technology: USB Bluetooth microphone | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | 7. USB Hub | How USB ports work http://www.howstuffworks.com/usb.htm How do I add another USB hub to my computer http://computer.howstuffworks.com/question361.htm Illustr. 46: USB Hub with 4 USB Ports (for live streaming using multiple camcorders - video + audio) |
USB hub port firewire |
7. USB Hub: 6 Internal USB 2.0 ports in both 2006 desktops 4 Internal USB 2.0 ports in the 2007 laptop Various USB hubs for both desktops and laptop New Technology: USB 3.0
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| Up Up |
8. Plugging in your Audio Equipment | Plugging in your Audio Equipment http://www.skype.com/help/guides/soundsetupguide/ Skype Sound Setup Guide (Windows audio settings) http://www.skype.com/help/guides/soundsetup.html
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plug color jack color |
8. Interface Specifications: Jack plug-ins, see the color codes USB 2.0 Bluetooth New Technology: USB 3.0, Bluetooth | ||||||||||||||||||
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9. Video Pricewatch for webcams Pricewatch for camcorder |
1. How a Webcam Works http://computer.howstuffworks.com/webcam.htm http://www.webcastacademy.net/webcams Logitech USB webcams optimised for High Quality Video are Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks, the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 and the Logitech QuickCam Sphere AF (Logitech QuickCam Orbit AF in the U.S.). Illustr. 50: Logitech Quickcam Pro 90002. How a Camcorder Works http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/camcorder.htm How to stream video from a camcorderCamcorder Image Gallery 132 pictures http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/enlarge-image.htm?terms=camcorders&page=0 Illustr. 53: Inside a Camcorder Illustr. 54: Firewire Desktop Card YouTube Lockergnome FireWire Target Disk Mode for File Transfers
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cam USB Logitech camcorder video podcast |
9. Video: 2 x USB 2.0 Logitech Pro 5000 webcams with built-in microphone for both desktops 1 x USB 2.0 Logitech mobile webcam with a built-in microphone for the laptop New Technology: High-Quality Video Skype & Logitech Logitech 120 Headset included
Logitech 120 Headset included
Service Providers for Video Streaming | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up 2007-11-29 Up Up Up Up |
10. Graphic Card (target your configuration for 2 computer display screens per computer) Pricewatch for graphic cards |
How graphic cards work (with video: how to install a video card) http://computer.howstuffworks.com/graphics-card.htm Illustr. 57: Graphic Card for 2 Display Screens with DVI (white) and VGA (blue) connections (notice here: 2 different display screens with according different connections are to be purchased, some screens have VGA and DVI, others have VGA or DVI) and 1 Video-in/Video-out (middle) connection YouTube Lockergnome External Video Cards How do VGA and DVI connections work <--- Important to read! http://computer.howstuffworks.com/monitor3.htm Illustr. 58: VGA Connection
Illustr. 59: Single Link DVI Connection
Illustr. 60: Dual Link DVI Connection Some graphic cards have connections for:
Some cards also incorporate TV tuners (more below). The companies ATI and nVidia produce the vast majority of graphic cards (GPU) on the market, and both companies have developed their own enhancements for GPU performance. To improve image quality, the processors use:
DirectX and Open GL are application programming interfaces, or APIs. An API helps hardware and software communicate more efficiently by providing instructions for complex tasks, like 3-D rendering. Developers optimize graphics-intensive games for specific APIs. This is why the newest games often require updated versions of DirectX or Open GL to work correctly. APIs are different from drivers, which are programs that allow hardware to communicate with a computer's operating system. But as with updated APIs, updated device drivers can help programs run correctly. A top-of-the-line graphics card is easy to spot. It has lots of memory (e.g. 512 MB or more) and a fast processor. But a high-end card provides more power than most people really need. People who use their computers primarily for e-mail, word processing or Web surfing can find all the necessary graphics support on a motherboard with integrated graphics. A mid-range card is sufficient for most casual gamers. People who need the power of a high-end card include gaming enthusiasts and people who do lots of 3-D graphic work, e.g. like Second Life. |
graphic card VGA DVI ViVo ATI nVidia GPU FSAA AF 3-D 3D 2-D 2D Firewire API DirectX Open GL |
10. Graphic Card: details extracted from the Hardware Report above James' Single Core Desktop1 ---> compatible for use in Second Life Video Adapter NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GS (512 MB)James' Single-Core Desktop2 ---> compatiible for use in Second Life Video Adapter NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GS (512 MB)James' Dual-Core Laptop ---> compatible for use in Second Life Video Adapter NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 (512 MB) Second Life recommends: Video/Graphics Card1. Video/Graphics Card for XP/2000* nVidia GeForce 2, GeForce 4 MX or better OR ATI Radeon 8500, 9250 or better OR 945 chipset 2. Video/Graphics Card for Vista (requires latest drivers)* nVidia GeForce 6600 or better OR ATI Radeon 9500 or better OR 945 chipset 3. Operating System: XP or Vista* Nvidia Graphics cards (6000 series: 6700, 6800; 7000 series: 7600, 7800, 7900; 8000 series: 8400, 8500, 8600, 8800; GeForce Go: 7400, 7600, 7800, 7900) ATI Graphics Cards (X800, X900; X1400, X1500, X1600, X1700, X1800, X1900) * Second Life may not run on graphics/video cards other than the ones listed above. Unfortunately, if your graphics card includes any of the following words, it's NOT compatible with Second Life:
* The following cards have not been tested with Second Life, and compatibility is not certain:
VirtualDub is a video capture and linear video editing tool for MS Windows http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VirtualDub | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up Up |
11. Computer Display Screens Two monitors > Can-Have Requirement! Pricewatch for monitors |
How computer monitors work (with video: adding a monitor to your laptop) http://computer.howstuffworks.com/monitor.htm Illustr. 61: 19 Inch Computer Flat Screen YouTube Lockergnome Tips for Buying a Monitor YouTube Lockergnome Dual Monitor Setup on Mac OS X Lockgnome uses two 30 inch monster screens. Report shows how a 30 inch screen offers measurable productivity and efficiency gains |
11. Computer Display Screens: James' Desktop1 BenQ FP71G [17" LCD] (15342018) James' Desktop 2 New Technology: always changing | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up Up Up |
12. Data Storage Must-Have Requirement! Pricewatch for harddrives |
1. How hard disks work http://computer.howstuffworks.com/hard-disk.htm Illustr. 63: External 2000 GB Firewire Hard Drive 2. How Removeable Storage works http://computer.howstuffworks.com/removable-storage.htmCompletely external, portable hard drives are quickly becoming popular, due in a great part to USB technology. These units, like the ones inside a typical PC, have the drive mechanism and the media all in one sealed case. The drive connects to the PC via USB cable and, after the driver software is installed the first time, is automatically listed by Windows as an available drive. 3. How Flash Memory works http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/flash-memory.htm Ultimate Memory Guide in 8 languages4. How CD-R / CD-RW burning works http://computer.howstuffworks.com/removable-storage8.htm |
12. Data Storage: James' mass storage: - Internal HD 500 GB, 250 GB - External HD USB 2.0 80 GB - USB 2.0 sticks, 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB - SD Flash cards with USB 2.0 card readers, 1 GB, 2 GB I tend not to store data on the computer any more. I basically use partition C: only for the installation of programs. Program backups go to a big USB stick for easy installation to other computers. Data may be stored for a time on partition D:, or on bigger SD flash cards or USB sticks. Some data is burned on a RW-CD. But then, I prefer to backup data on an external harddrive. In the future with very high-speed bandwidth, I will backup more and more data to my email provider in the Internet as a premium member, who offers unlimited storage capacity within the membership. Janes's mass storage: - Internal HD 1,000 GB - External HD - USB 2.0 sticks, 1 GB, 4 GB - SD Flash cards New Technology: always changing A video recorder consumes about 9 gigabytes (GB) of disk space every hour, so a 60-GB hard disk holds about seven hours of video. Thus, this 2 Terabyte one has the capacity of 222 hours of video. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up | 13. Multimedia Keyboard & Mouse Pricewatch for keyboards Pricewatch for mice | How computer keyboards work (see the keyboards image gallery - many very interesting human-machine interfaces) http://computer.howstuffworks.com/keyboard.htm How a computer mouse works http://computer.howstuffworks.com/mouse9.htm Ilustr. 64: USB Wireless Multimedia Logitech Keyboard with Wireless Mouse | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Up Up Up Up |
14. New Device Technology Requirements No-Must Requirements! Pricewatch for game controller Pricewatch for TV tuner |
1. Wireless Gamepad How a gamepad controller works http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/playstation3.htm How to control your PC and mouse with a gamepad or joystick |
gamepad |
14. New Device Technology Requirements: This all unfolds the consideration to purchase an external USB 3.0 sound controller with new X-Fi technology and 7.1 speaker break-out for use on desktp and laptop as a next step, if available. Video Recorder One of the most interesting parts of the accessDTV software is the Personal Video Recording, or digital video recorder, that comes with it. You can program the recorder to record any channel, and the card will stream an entire 19.39-Mbps channel to your hard disk. Because it is the entire channel, this means that all sub-channels and any data streams within the channel are all recorded, and the card can later play them back as though it were receiving the broadcast signal. The video recorder consumes about 9 gigabytes (GB) of disk space every hour, so an inexpensive 60-GB hard disk holds about seven hours of video. Product Specifications
How media center PCs work http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/media-center-pc.htm Multiple TV tuners If you have two TV tuners, you can watch one pre-recorded show off the hard drive while recording two live ones. If you have three tuners, you can watch one pre-recorded show while recording three live ones. If you have, say, three tuners and two displays, you can watch two live shows at the same time while recording a third. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Required & Recommended Software Configuration |
Webcast Academy recommends: Information about software used to webcast can be found in the Webcaster Kit. Trial versions of commercial programs are available, but as far as unavoidable long-term costs, Mac users will eventually need to purchase Nicecast, Windows users will need to purchase Virtual Audio Cables. [I consider this to be mostly outdated] |
Be sure to archive these softwares externally (USB stick and mass storage), next to their installation on partition C:/programs/...! | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up | For Week 1 |
Basic Software Set - VoIP, Audio Recording, Webcasting http://www.webcastacademy.net/webcaster-kit Assignment Structure & Process Template (Audio Introduction) http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dg9xxrf5_670g6dps8f6 |
PC Security & Maintenance Checklist | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Adobe Reader For the viewing and printing of PDF files (a must-have requirement) |
ZIP download AdbeRdr80_en_US.zip (20 MB)
YouTube Lockergnome What is a PDF? |
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Adobe Reader (formerly called Acrobat Reader) is available as a no-charge download from Adobe's web site, and allows the viewing and printing of PDF files. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up Up |
Skype For making telephony calls and more (a must-have requirement for Week 1 and Yugma Skype Edition, and be sure to enter your Skype name into your Academy profile) |
http://www.skype.com/intl/en/download/skype/windows/ YouTube Lockergnome Skype on Vista Skype 3.6 for High-Quality Video has been Released What is High Quality Video? <<< No-Must RequirementHigh Quality Video is video calling with improved image quality. It’s our best video quality yet and offers clearer, crisper and sharper video images.To make High Quality Video calls you need a Logitech High Quality Video webcam and the latest version of Skype - Skype 3.6 for Windows. You will also need a computer with a dual core processor and a high-bandwidth internet connection (Skype recommends 380kbps and above). You will also need the latest High Quality video webcam software. Skype portable German http://portableapps.com/node/10021
Plugging in your Audio Equipment Skype Sound Setup Guide (Windows audio settings) http://www.skype.com/help/guides/soundsetup.html
- SkypeCasts |
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Skype allows users to make telephone calls from their computer to other Skype users free of charge, or to landlines and cell phones for a fee. Additional features include instant messaging, file transfer, short message service, video conferencing and its ability to circumvent firewalls. Since late September 2005, users in China trying to download the Skype software are redirected to the TOM site from which a modified Chinese version can be downloaded. Activists in China are warning about the possibility that TOM's versions have or will have more trojan capability. Sound Card Management RoMac Sound Card Management http://www.romacsoftware.com/SoundManagement.htm QuickMix http://www.ptpart.co.uk/quickmix/ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up Up |
Sound Card Manager | http://www.romacsoftware.com/SoundManagement.htm Freeware / Donation Download http://www.romacsoftware.com/Download/SoundManagerDownload.htm Zip download SoundManager.zip (2.7 MB) Illustr. 68: RoMac Sound Card Management |
RoMac Sound Card Management allows you you set up each of your programs that use a sound with its own individual levels for a sound card, and then launch the program. When you quit the selected program, the RoMac Sound Card Management utility will return all the sound card levels back to normal. Also for Windows Vista. How to use Sound Card Management: ?? | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up |
QuickMix |
http://www.ptpart.co.uk/quickmix/ Freeware Download http://www.msaxon.com/quickmix/QuickMixIn.EXE Zip download QuickMixIn.exe (383.9 kB) Illustr. 69: QuickMix |
Are you fed up with carefully setting the audio mixer on your Windows computer only to have the settings changed by another application or when you reboot? Do you need to store and recall different sets of mixer settings quickly and easily? Then QuickMix is for you. Yet, not for Windows Vista... How to use QuickMix | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Yugma Skype Edition For real-time collaboration to conduct virtual meetings or sharing desktops spontaneously |
https://www.yugma.com/index.php https://extras.skype.com/1463/view Check the new version January 2008 |
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Yugma lets you connect with up to 10 other people for free. You can upgrade any time to host meetings with up to 500 other people. Training screencast for the website version https://www.yugma.com/demo/yugma-demo.php | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Adobe Flash Player For bi-directional streaming of audio and video (a must-have requirement for the use of Jing and Mind42) |
ZIP download flashplayer.zip (1 MB) install file only, version 9 |
Adobe Flash, or simply Flash, refers to both the Adobe Flash Player, and to the Adobe Flash Professional multimedia authoring program. It features support for vector and raster graphics, a scripting language called ActionScript and bi-directional streaming of audio and video. How Flash works http://computer.howstuffworks.com/web-animation5.htm | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up | .NET Framework 3 (a must-have requirement for the installation of Jing) |
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 Redistributable PackageZip download dotnetfx3setup.exe (2.8 MB) The .NET Framework 3.0 is included as part of the Windows Vista™ operating system; you can install it or uninstall it using Windows Features Control Panel. This redistributable package is for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. |
The Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 is the new managed code programming model for Windows®. It combines the power of the .NET Framework version 2.0 with new technologies for building applications that have visually compelling user experiences, seamless communication across technology boundaries, and the ability to support a wide range of business processes. These new technologies are Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Communication Foundation, Windows Workflow Foundation, and Windows CardSpace. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Snapshot For capturing quick screen pictures in .jpg (a must/ should-have requirement) |
SnapShot training screencasts (James O'Reilly) ZIP download snapShot.zip (231 kB)
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If Jing does not work, Snapshot is a good backup solution | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Jing For the video screen capture of screencasts from your computer in audio and video. It creates *.swf Flash videos (a must-have requirement for communicating screencasts within Webcast Academy) .NET Framework 3 |
http://jingproject.com/ http://www.jingproject.com/faq.asp 1. Jing Training Video (a must to get started!) http://blog.jingproject.com/assets-jing/gettingstarted/ 2. How to use Jing in connection with Screencast.com via Desktop Uploader http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dg9xxrf5_380f2tnx6 ZIP download jing_setup.zip (3.5 MB)  The Microsoft .NET Framework 3 is a software component that can be added to or is included with Microsoft Windows operating system. YouTube Lockergnome Free Windows Screen Shot Software |
The concept of Jing is the always-ready program that instantly captures and shares images and video…from your computer to anywhere. User address: xxx (e-mail) Password:: xxx | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Screencast.com Desktop Uploader For uploading screencast files to Screencast.com (The background service provider who stores media files in connection with Jing) |
http://screencast.com/ The Desktop Uploader may be downloaded upon registration to the service provider, or by using this source. ZIP download ScreencastDesktopUploader_Setup.zip (0.5 MB)
Look at the list of training screencasts: Great tips on how to do it! Adobe Flash Player is required. Mark a training, 2 small symbols then appear on the left. Click on the top one. The training screencast is subsequently loaded, then start it by pressing >. |
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The Webcast Academy provides 100MB of space for interns free of charge. The Jing project provides 200MB of space on Screencast.com (also run on Techsmith, creators of the Jing Project) for free and additional space can be purchased. Term: A screencast is a digital recording of computer screen output, also known as a video screen capture, often containing audio narration. Screencast.com: Share video, share anything. Documents, images, presentations and more. For the academic and business professional. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | 1. Total Video Converter 3.11 For video file conversion to many other video formats (e.g. *.swf to *.avi) 2. Total Video Player For audio & video offline playback of *.swf Flash files and many other formats (a must-have requirement for offline playback) |
http://www.effectmatrix.com/total-video-converter/index.htm ZIP download tvc.zip (5.1 MB)
https://www.regsoft.net/regsoft/vieworderpage.php3?productid=74266 #1 Total Video Converter 3.11: Total Video Converter is a total solution for video conversion which supports reading, playing lots of video and audio formats and converting them to popular video formats. Total Video Converter includes a powerful media conversion engine internally so that you can convert media files with very fast speed. #2 Total Video Player: Total Video Converter offers new features: An integrated and powerful media player Total Video Player. |
Multimedia conversion & playback software for full length movies to any other format. Two softwares are included within one installation (the full package #1 and #2 is treated as a 15 day trial shareware, but #2 is treated like freeware making it possible to view Jing files *.swf offline on your computer cost-free for an unlimited time). | |||||||||||||||||||
| Revver For screencasts and their free archive | http://revver.com/ .. the viral video network that pays. We connect video makers and sharers with sponsors in a free and open marketplace that rewards them for doing what they do best. .. committed to the artist. You have something to say and we built our network to empower you to say it. | Revver is.... a video-sharing platform built the way the internet really works. We support the free and unlimited sharing of media. Our unique technology tracks and monetizes videos as they spread virally across the web, so no matter where your creativity travels, you benefit. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Up Up Up |
Audacity For recording and editing of sounds (a must-have requirement for Week 1) Audacity Portable For portable recording and editing of sounds from your USB flash memory stick (can-have) LAME For audio file conversion, especially to MP3 (a must-have requirement for Week 2) winLAME For audio file conversion, especially to MP3 (a must-have requirement) |
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/ More about sound card settings if using Audacity and Vista: Audacity Wiki http://audacityteam.org/wiki/index.php ZIP download audacity-win-1.2.6.zip (3 MB) ZIP download audacity-win-unicode-1.3.3.zip (2.6 MB) Beta
Version 1.3.4 has been released Troubleshooting Audacity settings http://www.slideshare.net/lee/webcastacademytroubleshooaudacitysettings/ Audacity Portable 1.2.6 http://portableapps.com/apps/music_video/audacity_portable
Other cool portable applications A. Internal version of LAME (to be embedded into Audacity for audio file conversion to MP3): Because of software patents, we cannot distribute MP3 encoding software ourselves. Follow these instructions to use the free LAME encoder to export MP3 files with Audacity: 1. Go to the LAME download page. http://lame.buanzo.com.ar/2. Under "For Audacity 1.2.6 and 1.3.3 on Windows", left-click on the link "libmp3lame-win-3.97.zip" and save the zip file to anywhere on your computer. Create an extra Lame directory at this point.Zip download libmp3lame-win-3.97.zip (152.3 kB) 3. When you have finished downloading the ZIP folder, unzip it and save the file lame_enc.dll that it contains to anywhere on your computer.4. The first time you use the "Export as MP3" command, Audacity will ask you where lame_enc.dll is saved. This where you select the file in order to embed the LAME file into Audacity by completing the box.5. In case of difficulties, please view our more detailed instructions at the Audacity Wiki:http://audacityteam.org/wiki/index.php?title=Lame_Installation B. External version of LAME (outside of Audacity as a separate program) winLAME website http://winlame.sourceforge.net/ Zip download winLAME-prerelease4.zip (1.4 MB)  Just process through the wizard (Next >>) like this in order to get to the Bitrate setting box: Input files > Output settings (click on LAME mp3 Encoder) > Presets (click on Custom settings) > LAME Settings (Bitrate ...) |
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Audacity is a free, open source software for recording and editing sounds. Software manual and training tutorials are available in many languages. The language list is at the bottom of the HELP website, even traditional and simplified Chinese is offered. Academy recommends version 1.3.3 beta. It appears to be more stabile. How MP3 Files Work http://computer.howstuffworks.com/mp3.htm Audacity Portable is the popular Audacity audio editor packaged as a portable app, so you can take your audio files along with everything you need to edit and record on the go. You can place it on your USB flash drive, iPod, portable hard drive or a CD and use it on any computer, without leaving any personal information behind. Audio File Conversion Capability: A. Academy audio quality requirements unfold the need to install LAME into Audacity internally for audio file conversion to MP3. MP3 delivers better audio quality (Yet, my desktop installation works automatically, so no problems. But, the laptop needs this process). Wikipedia says to this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LAME For Windows, the Audacity website says to this: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/faq?s=install&item=lame-mp3Anyway, by the end of week 2, we were all lame, indeed!! A screencast would be helpful here, unfortunately my desktop did not display these problems, thus no images were available to create a screencast. My laptop does, though, hmmm. B. Nonetheless, I also found the external version called winLAME, just in case. So get this one too, hehehe. winLAME is the external stand-alone version of LAME, which is
usually inserted into Audacity in order to enable MP3 file conversion
to Academy's requirements. Some people have trouble building LAME into
Audacity. No sweat now, use winLAME: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Java For interactivity to the Internet (a must-have requirement for using the Webcast Academy Chat Room and Second Life) |
http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp Only online installation possible. Corporations also use Java applets for intranet applications and other e-business solutions. Also for real-time graphics to television, instant imaging to cameras, and multi-player games to mobile phones and desktop PCs. |
Java allows you to play online games, chat with people around the world, calculate your mortgage interest, and view images in 3D. These applications, written in the Java programming language and access from your browse, are called "applets". | |||||||||||||||||||
| Podomatic | https://www.podomatic.com/ https://www.podomatic.com/path/signup Free Service Storage: 500 MB, Bandwidth: 15 GB per month So it unfolds that a free Podomatic account for podcasting offers more features and capacity without any special procedures, if you are only focussed on simple sandbox use at this stage of the course. | My Podomatic Profile http://www.podomatic.com/people/index/eurominuteman RSS Feed of my alternative sandbox http://eurominuteman.podOmatic.com/rss2.xml | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Up | WinAmp For audio and video media playing (a must-have requirement for using the Academy Chat Room) |
http://www.winamp.com/player/faq ZIP download winamp55_full_emusic-7plus_en-us.zip (8 MB) |
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Winamp is a proprietary media player written by Nullsoft, now a subsidiary of Time Warner. It is skinnable, multi-format freeware / shareware. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Realplayer For audio and video media playing (an can-have option to WinAmp) |
http://www.real.com/ http://guide.real.com/ ZIP download RealPlayer11BETA.zip (12 MB)  |
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RealPlayer, briefly known also as RealOne Player, is a cross-platform media player by RealNetworks that plays a number of multimedia formats including MP3, MPEG-4, QuickTime, Windows Media and multiple versions of proprietary RealAudio and RealVideo formats. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | World Time | http://www.breitling.com/en/misc/bwt/ |
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| Up | Volumouse 1.53 |
http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/Volumouse/1098366250/1 Volumouse provides you a quick and easy way to control the sound volume on your system - simply by rolling the wheel of your wheel mouse. | It allows you to define a set of rules for determining when the
wheel will be used for changing the sound volume. When the conditions that you define are not satisfied, your mouse wheel will be used for the regular scrolling tasks exactly as before. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up | ZVolume Home 2006 4.0This software should be downloaded and installed by interview guests in order to enable the monitoring of mute functions on their part. |
http://www.zvolume.com/plugins/ ZVolume Home 2006 is a nice, powerful replacement to the standard Windows volume control. It can be vastly customized, including changing its look using skins. It supports hotkeys and command-line parameters as well as all other functions the standard Windows volume control supports. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Up | NetMeter This software should be downloaded and installed by interview guests in order to enable the monitoring of Internet streaming on their part. | http://www.metal-machine.de/readerror/ Actual Internet performance?For displaying real-time Internet downstream and upstream in a graph. Freeware. Target Internet performance? Actual: 25 kbps refers to the download consumption level of the Week 1 Class of 2.4 on 2007-01-20. My present DSL2000 offers about 2000 kbps download capacity and 200 kbps upload capacity. Target: 350-400 kbps upload capacity is needed for real-time streaming using Ustream.tv and Second Life later in the course. Forecasted speed for DSL16000 Download: 16,000 kbps Upload: 800-1200 kbps | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Up | RightMark Audio Analyzer 6.0.6 |
http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/RightMark_Audio_Analyzer/1047588738/1 RightMark Audio Analyzer is an independent audio measurements
open-source project. The test suite performs various tests of
electroacoustical performance of sound cards and other real-time audio
devices. Testing is accomplished by playing test signals and recording them after they pass through the testing chain. In total, 30 data sets are possible for variously x specified test waves... Tests are performed for Quality Objective | For advance dry-dock signal testing and determination of a target profile. 9 diagrams are created for assessment - Frequency response (multitone) - Noise level - Dynamic range - Total harmonic distortion (THD) - Intermod distortion (IMD + Noise - Stereo crosstalk - IMD + Noice (swept frequency) - Frequency response (swept sine) - Total harmonic distortion (set of tones) Finally, a Spectrum Analysis is also created for specified test waves. Frequency response distortions resulting from: - the deployed microphone/hardware and Skype/software technology - noise timbre of the background environment - your voice style Targeted on: - your desired type of preset...speech, vocal | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up Up | AUdio MEasurement System | http://sourceforge.net/projects/audmes/ - Oscilloscope > Start Actual wave behavior Target wave behavior? Needs to be assessed - Log-Scale Spectrum Analyzer > Start To be used in connection with a 7 or 10 band Equalizer, which boosts or reduces sound energy levels +/- 12 dB within audio band intervals, for the purpose of audio quality improvement. Actual spectrum behavior? Target spectrum behavior? Wiki: Spectrum Analyzer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectrum_analyzer Needs to be assessed The frequency response function unfortunately has a bug in this software upon pressing Start. | Audio Measurement System AudMeS | Log-Scale Spectrum Analyzer | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up Up | WebEQ | WebEQ Lite 2.6http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/WebEQ_Lite/1125645014/2WebEQ XP full versionhttp://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/WebEQ/1125645014/1WebEQ XP is a real-time 3/5/7/10 band graphic equalizer for your computer, it
optimizes your PC's sound system so that your computer's audio can
achieve the highest quality sound. It's inexpensive, easy to use, and,
with the right speakers or headphones, delivers fidelity comparable to
your car or home stereo. You choose Bass Boost or Equalizer, or apply
three, five, seven, or ten full bands of equalization. It works in
Real-time while your computer plays (and streams during production?).
Select the exact qualities you
want for different types of music and then put them on one of the 6
Preset buttons. A simple click is all you'll need and the sound is
automatically adjusted so the quality of streaming audio remains
perfect.
A full graphic display shows you how much energy there is in each band, so you can tell if you need to adjust the sliders. WebEQ XP is easy to install, easy to use, and can save you hundreds over a new stereo system or external hardware equalizer. ...now try performing Audio Recording in connection with a Spectrum Analyzer... Wiki: Graphic Equalizer
| - The freeware lite version does not install properly :-( - The shareware full version installs, but it took 3 days to get the required installation key sent, thus losing 3 days of the 14 day trial time. Graphic Equalizer Scales (10 band) X-Axis: 31 Hz, 62 Hz, 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 4 kHz, 8 kHz, 16 kHz discrete value scale Y-Axis: +/- 10 dB normal scale Graphic Equalizer Scales (7 band) X-Axis: 31 Hz, 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 2 kHz, 4 kHz, 8 kHz discrete value scale Y-Axis: +/- 10 dB normal scale Presets (types of music) are: Classical, Dance, Opera, Rock, Speech, Techno 10 band Graphic Equalizer | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Tubeamp This software should be downloaded and installed by interview guests in order to enable the monitoring of microphone audio quality on their part. | http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/programs/Brackenbury/ Florida Music's Brackenbury Amplifier is based on The Brackenbury-1 Tube Amplifier designed by former Thomas Organs and Wersi designer Chris Brackenbury in the early 90's.
We are now quite happy to bring this same power and design to the virtual world, through this VST effect unit designed by the same team. Featuring drive, volume, delay and all of the other controls found on regular amplifiers, the Brackenbury Amp also features a unique sweepable EQ system, to create interesting new sounds. The Brackenbury Amp also comes with a collection of great presets, with everything from Seventies acid-rock sounds to clean Jazz guitar. | Guitar Amplifier with Mic Input There are many many other musical instrument based ones to be tested. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Levelator | http://www.conversationsnetwork.org/levelator It's software that runs on Windows, OS X (universal binary), or Linux (Ubuntu) that adjusts the audio levels within your podcast or other audio file for variations from one speaker to the next. Drag-and-drop any WAV or AIFF file onto The Leveler's black application window, and a few moments later you'll find a new version which just sounds better. It's not a compressor, normalizer or limiter although it contains all three. It's much more than those tools, and it's much simpler to use. Have you ever recorded an interview in which you and your guest ended up at different volumes? How about a panel discussion where some people were close to microphones and others were not? | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Mp3tag File Administration Tool | http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/Mp3tag/1056224000/1 Mp3tag can rename files based on the tag information, replace characters or words from tags and filenames, import/export tag information, create playlists, and more. It supports online freedb database lookups for selected files, allowing you to automatically gather proper tag information for select files or CDs. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Up | MediaInfo | http://mediainfo.sourceforge.net/en MediaInfo supplies technical and tag information about a video or audio file. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Up | For Week 2 |
Basic Software Set - VoIP, Audio Recording, Webcasting http://www.webcastacademy.net/webcaster-kit Assignment Structure & Process Template (Recording Both Ends of a Telephony Call) http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dg9xxrf5_670g6dps8f6 |
PC Security & Maintenance Checklist | |||||||||||||||||||
Up |
Virtual Audio Cable VAC For the transfer of audio (wave) streams from one application to another (a must-have requirement for Week 2) 1. You can connect Real Audio Player to Audacity and record any portion of played sound in real time, without a quality loss. 2. Or you can use it to route input and output signals to/from Skype from/to some recording/playback applications. Thus, analogeous to the cabling functions of mixing consoles used by professional musicians and discjockys to mix music. |
http://nrcde.ru/music/software/eng/vac.html Virtual Audio Cable VAC is distributed in two different forms: 1. Free downloadable trial version 4.08 (ZIP file 271 kB)
Caution: Please evaluate the demo version before purchasing the full version in order to ensure that Virtual Audio Cable VAC works properly in your system and satisfies your needs. 2. Full version sold online Buy online the full version 4.08 for Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista Available ordering options (credit card option is the cheapest US$22.50, else US$30.00):
3. The installation includes: 3.1 Cable Control Panel 3.2 Audio Repeater 4. VAC full version 3.11 (133 kB)
|
Internal Stream Handling (Stream Input) Virtual Audio Cable VAC is a Windows WDM multimedia driver allowing you to transfer audio (wave) streams from one application to another. It creates a set of "Virtual Cables" each of them consists of a pair of the waveform input/output devices. If you are new to Virtual Audio Cable VAC, please read the user manual before installation. The user manual file (vac.chm) is a HTML Help format file. If you have troubles viewing vac.chm file, please try the following: - Check if vac.chm file has the "Unlock" item in its context menu (right-click in the Windows Explorer) or the "Unblock" button in its Properties form. If yes, unlock it. - Read http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896358. If it is related to your problem, please follow the instructions. Control Panel is used to ? Audio Repeater is used to ? Check out what professional musicians use... | |||||||||||||||||||
| YouTube For uploading, viewing, and sharing video clips |
http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube Help Center http://www.google.com/support/youtube/?hl=en_US Maximum 10 minutes of video > split bigger videos into playlists What video file formats can you upload? <<< not *.swf files!! http://www.google.com/support/youtube/bin/answer.py?answer=55744&topic=10526 YouTube accepts a wide range of video file formats such as .WMV, .AVI, .MOV, and .MPG transferred from most digital cameras, camcorders, and cell phones. We've found that files converted from .wmv to one of the other formats our webpage accepts generally have a lower playback quality than other file formats. If you have your source video in a format other than a .wmv file, you may want to encode directly to MPEG4 (DivX, Xvid, SVQ3) at 640x480 resolution, with 64k Mono MP3 Audio. If you have a source .wmv in high bitrate and larger resolution you may want to convert to MPEG4 at full resolution and then resizing to 320x240 using a high quality resizing algorithm - this can help reduce the number of artifacts you end up with. |
YouTube |
YouTube is a video sharing website where users can upload, view and share video clips. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Google Video For uploading, viewing, and sharing video clips | http://video.google.com/ | YouTube does not allow you to save a video to your computer. However, Google Video does let you. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| VirtualDub | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VirtualDub http://www.virtualdub.org/virtualdub_docs.html VirtualDub Portable http://portableapps.com/apps/music_video/virtualdub_portable | VirtualDub is a video capture and linear video editing tool for MS Windows | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Up | For Week 3 |
Basic Software Set - VoIP, Audio Recording, Webcasting http://www.webcastacademy.net/webcaster-kit |
PC Security & Maintenance Checklist | |||||||||||||||||||
| Shoutcast For digital audio broadcasting |
http://www.shoutcast.com/download/broadcast.phtml |
Shoutcast |
SHOUTcast is a multiplatform freeware digital audio streaming technology developed by Nullsoft. It allows audio content, primarily in MP3 or HE-AAC format, to be broadcast to and from media player software, enabling hobbyists and professionals to create Internet radio/Web radio networks. | |||||||||||||||||||
| SimpleCast For broadcasting: - Sporting events - Concerts and Live shows - Live DJ/Night Club appearances - Private Parties - Or audio from any music system that does not support internet streaming (a must-have requirement for Week 3) |
http://www.spacialaudio.com/products/simplecast/index.html#downloads http://www.spacialaudio.com/products/simplecast/docs/ ZIP download simplecast.zip (1.6 MB)
|
External Stream Handling (Stream Output) SimpleCast takes audio from your line-in, microphone or even any audio being played over your soundcard and then encodes this audio in real-time to be streamed over the internet to listeners across the world - all with a single click of a button. Further broadcasting applications: Online Seminars, e-Learning, Workshops, Conferences, Tele-Conferences, Meetings, Events, Webcasts, Screencasts, Skypecasts, Digital Audio & Video Programs, Remote Services (medicine, engineering, maintenance, education, translation, communication, social networking, marketing, media etc.), Voicethreads | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Up | For Week 4 |
Basic Software Set - VoIP, Audio Recording, Webcasting http://www.webcastacademy.net/webcaster-kit |
PC Security & Maintenance Checklist | |||||||||||||||||||
| Ustream.tv For digital audio / video broadcasting |
http://www.ustream.tv/ |
Ustream |
Ustream.tv is a platform that provides live interactive video for everyone. Anyone with a camera and an Internet connection can use Ustream to broadcast to a global audience. | |||||||||||||||||||
| WebcamMax For use in conjunction with Ustream.tv | http://www.webcammax.com/ (21.3 MB) US$29.95, 30 day free trial Effects package for WebcamMax, freeware (63.5 MB) http://www.webcammax.com/effects.php http://www.ustream.tv/helpcenter/webcammax How to Stream your Computer Screen / How to Screen CaptureHow to Capture Video that is Playing on Your TelevisionHow to Stream Prerecorded Videos (YouTube, Google Video)How to Stream Mobile | How to Add Graphics and Other Effects to Your StreamYou can improve the quality of your show by using WebCamMax (PC). With this easy to use application, you can quickly and easily add scrolling text, logos, RSS feeds, special guests windows, picture in picture, pre-recorded video and several other video effects. You can even cue up images and pre-recorded videos similar just like on professional broadcasts. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Up | For Week 5 |
Basic Software Set - VoIP, Audio Recording, Webcasting http://www.webcastacademy.net/webcaster-kit |
PC Security & Maintenance Checklist | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-11-29 |
Second Life For 3D audio / video broadcasting: collaboration, research & concept testing, simulation & prototyping, events, brand promotion, philanthropy & fundraising , political organization, education & training, communication (a must-have geek requirement for high-end users) |
http://secondlife.com/ Download & Tutorials http://secondlife.com/community/downloads.php System requirements http://secondlife.com/corporate/sysreqs.php A downloadable client program called the Second Life Viewer (34 MB) enables its users, called "Residents", to interact with each other through motional avatars, providing an advanced level of a social network service combined with general aspects of a metaverse. While Second Life is sometimes referred to as a game, this description does not fit the standard definition. It does not have points, scores, winners or losers, levels, an end-strategy, or most of the other characteristics of games. Second Life has recently become one of the cutting-edge virtual classrooms for major colleges and universities. SLurl Web Address Book For Quick Teleporting in Second Life** How to find the Worldbridges Webcastatorium and other Cool Locations http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dg9xxrf5_591fj32vj2n |
|
Second Life (abbreviated as SL) is an Internet-based virtual world launched in 2003, developed by Linden Research, Inc (commonly referred to as Linden Lab), which came to international attention via mainstream news media in late 2006 and early 2007. The stated goal of Linden Lab is to create a world like the Metaverse, a user-defined world in which people can interact, play, do business, and otherwise communicate. Second Life's virtual currency is the Linden Dollar (Linden, or L$) and is exchangeable for real world currencies in a marketplace consisting of residents, Linden Lab and real life companies. Sweat, Sweat, Sweat | ||||||||||||||||||
| Up | For Week 6 |
Basic Software Set - VoIP, Audio Recording, Webcasting http://www.webcastacademy.net/webcaster-kit |
PC Security & Maintenance Checklist | |||||||||||||||||||
| vRoom As a free small office conference room for max. three people (requires Java) | http://www.elluminate.com/vroom/?s=sas WHAT YOU GET...
Enjoy real-time collaboration with up to three participants
using interactive features such as:
| WHAT YOU CAN DO...
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| WizIQ A free virtual classroom for e-learmimg workshops | http://www.wiziq.com/ Use WiZiQ's free virtual classroom equipped with live audio-video communication, chat, content sharing, and session recording capabilities. No software download is required since it works with any web browser and on any operating system. The online Virtual Classroom on WiZiQ is a free alternative to expensive conferencing tools selling as online teaching/learning software. Distinctively, the prime focus of WiZiQ has been to create a user friendly online teaching and learning platform for the educational community. A minimal but useful feature set always works better to keep things simple. Thus our virtual classroom requires no download or installation and integrates perfectly in Moodle. http://www.wiziq.com/downloads/moodle/ To make the understanding of these steps simple, we presume a Moodle installation at http://www.mymoodle.net/ with its code located at the server in a directory named /home/mymoodle/public_html | Meet other teachers and students interested in same subjects and
topics as you are, make connection with them and communicate either via
e-mail or through WiZiQ's virtual classroom. Share PowerPoint presentations with your students, teachers and friends in a Youtube-like format. You can find content created by other members or upload your own to build your content library. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| authorPoint Lite For converting PowerPoint files into Flash presentations | http://www.authorgen.com/ used in conjunction with WizIQ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Moodle A free open-source e-learning plattform | http://moodle.org/ http://download.moodle.org/windows/ (60.4 MB) http://docs.moodle.org/en/Installing_Moodle This software application requires server installation and administrator support. Moodle is a free software e-learning platform (also known as a Course Management System (CMS), or Learning Management Systems (LMS), or Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)). Moodle is designed to help educators create online courses with
opportunities for rich interaction. Its open source license and modular
design means that people can develop additional functionality. Free Wikiversity Moodle Sandbox Server | Moodle's infrastructure supports many types of plugin:
Many third-party Moodle plugins are freely available making use of this infrastructure [2]. PHP can be used to author and contribute new modules. Moodle's development has been assisted by the work of open source programmers [3]. This has contributed towards its rapid development and rapid bug fixes. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| SLoodle A mashup of Second Life and Moodle | http://www.sloodle.org/ Installing the SLoodle module http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/sl/index.php/Installing_the_Sloodle_Module Sloodle is an Open Source project which aims to develop and share useful, usable, desireable tools for supporting education in virtual worlds, making teaching easier. Through engagement with an active community of developers and users, the Sloodle project hopes to develop sound pedagogies for teaching across web-based and 3D virtual learning environments. Sloodle integrates the Second Life multi-user virtual environment and the Moodle learning-management system. You can find more details on the project and technical information on the development status on the Sloodle Wiki, while the source code is available on Google Code, along with the issues tracker. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Up | Bookmarked Group Skype Chat |
The actual Class of 2.3 / 2.4 course start-up... |
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| Introduction Screencast | 2.3 http://screencast.com/t/MZIEEtsEFD http://webcastacademy.net/screencasts/skypechat-2-3.swf 2.4 Webcast-academy-introduction-to-class-of-24 |
2.3 Jeff Lebow 2.4 Pam Shoemaker |
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Course Support http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dg9xxrf5_508kh8ntr
C. Course Delivery
Course Delivery http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dg9xxrf5_510g9zkh8
D. Course Outlook
Course Outlook http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dg9xxrf5_523dhsxjk
E. Course Graduation
Course Graduation (James O'Reilly, Jane Jiang)
F. Internet Resources
Internet Resources http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dg9xxrf5_527fw6fh6
Up
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Status: 2008-02-15
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