1. What are the system requirements for attending a Slice using a PC?

To attend a meeting on a PC, the following is required:

• Windows® 7, Vista, 2003 server or XP
• Internet Explorer® 7.0 or newer, Firefox® 3.0 or newer or Chrome™ 5.0 or newer (JavaScript™ enabled. Java™ 1.6 or higher highly recommended.)
• Internet connection with cable modem, DSL or better recommended
• Dual core 2.4GHz CPU or faster with at least 2 GB of RAM recommended

 

2. What are the system requirements for attending a Slice using a Mac®?

Mac® users can attend meetings hosted on GoToMeeting 3.0 or later.

• Mac OS® X 10.7 (Lion®), Mac OS® X 10.6 (Snow Leopard®) or Mac OS® X 10.5 (Leopard®)
• Safari™ 3.0 or newer, Firefox® 3.0 or newer or Chrome™ 5.0 or newer (JavaScript™ enabled. Java™ 1.6 or higher highly recommended.)
• Internet connection with cable modem, DSL or better recommended
• Intel processor with 1 GB of RAM or better recommended

 

3. How do I join an online Slice?

There are two ways to join a Slice depending upon how your computer is configured. The main way is by clicking a URL that you receive in an email from us.  However, if you have the GoToMeeting software on your computer, you can join the Slice directly from your Desktop.

Please note that there is also an audio component to the Slice.  This will be addressed in the next question.

To join a meeting from an email invitation:

• Open the email, appointment or instant message that contains the meeting invitation.
• Click the link provided in the email to join the meeting.
• If prompted, click Yes, Grant or Trust to accept the download.
• If requested, enter the meeting password provided by your meeting organizer.
• When prompted, type in your name and optionally, your email address.
• Upon clicking OK on the Name and Email dialog, you will be entered into the meeting and the Attendee Control Panel and the GoToMeeting Viewer Window will appear

To join a meeting from your desktop:

• If GoToMeeting is already installed on your computer, you can right-click the  icon in the PC system tray or double-click the GoToMeeting icon on a Mac and select Join a Meeting.
• On the Join a meeting window, enter the Meeting ID or Access Code you received from your meeting organizer.
• If requested, enter the meeting password provided by your meeting organizer.
• When prompted, type in your name and optionally, your email address.
• Upon clicking OK on the Name and Email window, you enter into the meeting and the Attendee Control Panel and the GoToMeeting Viewer window appear.

 

4. How do I hear the presenter, and how do I communicate with the presenter and other attendees?

When you join the session, you will be able to hear the presenter through your speakers so make sure your speakers are on and adjust volume as necessary. If you have a headset (headphones & microphone) or headphones, please use them as this will only serve to improve the audio quality.  

However, you will need to select one of the following audio options if you wish to communicate with the presenter and other attendees.

• If you have a computer with a built-in microphone or have a microphone connected to your computer, you will hear the presenter and be able to speak to him/her through your microphone.  Again, if you have a headset (headphones & microphone), please use it to optimize audio quality. Make sure to look for the Audio Mode in the control panel that appears when you to join the session.  If necessary, select the option for "Use Mic & Speakers".
• If you do not have a microphone, you can dial the conference call number and enter an access code that will be provided to you via email. Please note that this is a toll-based number, and standard long-distance rates will apply. Make sure to look for the Audio Mode in the control panel that appears when you join the session.  If necessary, select the option for "Use Telephone".
• If you do not have a microphone and do not wish to place the phone call, you can certainly watch and listen to the presenter, but you will not be able to verbally communicate. There is a chat feature that will allow you to type in questions, however the presenter may not be able to address text messages until the end of the training. When you join the session, please send a message to the presenter to let him/her know that you will be communicating via chat only.

 

5. How do I make sure that my microphone is working?

Prior to your Slice, please check the volume settings for the computer you will be using. Here are instructions on how to do this:

 Windows XP

1.  From the Control Panel with Category view, select Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices. 
2. Then click the option to Adjust the System Volume. 
3. If you are viewing the Control Panel in Classic View, double-click Sound & Audio Devices. 
4. Select the Volume tab, and then click the Advanced button under Device Volume. 

At this point the steps are the same.

1. Make sure that none of the volume controls are set to Mute.  If necessary, click in the Mute box to uncheck any that are.
2. Look for the Microphone volume setting.  If you don’t see it, click the Options menu in the top, right corner.
3. Now, click on Properties.
4. Then, click in the box next to Microphone, and click OK.
5. Finally, look at the Microphone volume setting being displayed, and uncheck the Mute box if necessary.

Tip:  If you see a speaker icon in the Notification area of your taskbar next to the clock, you can double-click it.  You can then follow the steps above starting with number one.

Windows Vista

1. Click the Start button, click Control Panel, click Hardware and Sound, and then clicking Sound.
2. Click the Playback tab, click Speakers, and then click Properties button.
3. Click the Levels tab, and then, click the Mute button to enable sound for all connections. Typically, the Microphone is set to Mute by default, and you will need to click the Mute button to “un-Mute” it.

6. The computers at my school block downloads. How can I join a Slice?

We have contacted the Directors of Technology at each district participating in our service and informed them as to how the process works. If a district blocks downloads, they must install the GoToMeeting software on the computers in order for staff to join a Slice. Your building computer support person may be able to help you by speaking with GoToMeeting specialists at 1-888-259-8414.

You may also check with your Director of Technology to see whether your district has made the software available.  If the software is available, follow the steps labeled “To join a meeting from your desktop” in the answer for Q3. If not, you would need to join using a home computer or another computer that is not at your school.

7. Is there a way for me to check my connection status prior to my Slice?

Yes. If you click www.gotomeeting.com/wizard, you can use the GoToMeeting Connection Wizard to see if your computer meets all of the requirements. Save the application to your desktop, and double-click to open it. Then follow the step-by-step instructions. If you are unable to access this wizard, the computer you are using most probably blocks downloads.  Please refer to the previous question for instructions.