
Create an Internet Phone #63
Chapter 8, Desktop Programs
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HACK
Once you have set up your firewall to forward these ports [Hack #81], you must
also ensure that these ports are available to the outside world. Smoothwall
includes an External Services Access screen where you can configure this. If
you’re accessing the Internet from a LAN, you should turn on “Enable IP
translation” in the H.323 Advanced section of the GnomeMeeting preferences
so that GnomeMeeting can apply some processing to work over Network
Address Translation (NAT) routers. Previous versions of GnomeMeeting (0.94
and before) required that a special library called RSIP (http://openresources.
info.ucl.ac.be/rsip/) be installed to achieve the same feature.
With the network settings complete, you can plug in your microphone.
Make sure the mic volume is turned up; many people forget to do this. If
you are using an ALSA-based setup, you can adjust the volume by using
alsamixer or the volume controls on your desktop. With all of this com-
plete, GnomeMeeting is ready to make calls.
Skype
The new kid on the block in the Voice over IP world is Skype (http://
www.skype.com). This multiplatform Internet phone uses proprietary
peer-to-peer technology to provide an efficient way of connecting to
another client. If you don’t have a problem with the proprietary nature of
Skype, it is a highly recommended tool. The sound quality and perfor-
mance ...