Originally designed to only support one-on-one voice communication over the Internet, the Google Talk application has added the ability to conduct multiple contact voice communication, also known as conference calling, to its set of features. Among its other features, Google Talk enables you to conduct multiple-contact typed conversations via instant messaging or chatting on a personal computer.
Google Talk Features
In addition to its ability to support typed and voice communication, Google Talk also allows you to transfer files from one personal computer to another instantly through an Internet connection. Unlike most instant messaging software, Google Talk allows you to connect to a variety of third-party IM clients, including Adium, iChat and Miranda. Third-party IM clients that are compatible with Google Talk depend on the type of operating system your computer uses. Computers that use Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS X and Linux operating systems are able to connect to limited amounts of third-party IM clients. Voice communication, including conference calls, is only possible with other Google Talk users.
Mobile Devices and Options
At the time of publication, the only mobile devices Google Talk is available for are BlackBerry mobile devices. While Google Talk only supports typed and voice communication, you can download and install a special plug-in and use the Gmail, Orkut or iGoogle applications to make voice and video calls using these Google applications. Your computer must be running the Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 3 or newer, Apple Mac OS X 10.5 or newer, or Linux operating systems for the video and voice features to work properly using Gmail or iGoogle. You must also have a webcam to use this functionality to its fullest.
Plug-In
The video and voice plug-in enables you to communicate with others via video or voice connections. If you do not have a webcam when the other party does, you can conduct a one-way video conversation in which you can see your contact, but you cannot be seen by your contact. This plug-in also allows you to conduct two-way, voice-only conversations. Since Google Talk also supports this type of conversation, you do not need the plug-in to do this.
Considerations
Before using Google Talk, first create a Google account. If you have a Gmail account, use that account's log-in information to access the Google Talk application. Google Talk is designed to work with a 56 kilobits per second dial-up Internet connection, although a high-speed broadband connection is recommended to get the most out of what the application has to offer. You need a speaker and microphone to utilize the application's voice features.
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