One of the most enabling technologies in my line of work has to be screen sharing. Apple has been doing it with iChat since its release of Leopard in October 2007. Skype, as of version 2.8 also brings the technology to its service lineup, although we will look at Skype in another article.
What is iChat?
iChat was originally introduced in May 2006 as an instant messenger application, and since has been progressively updated to include:
- Voice
- Video plus Voice
- Video plus Voice with Document and File Review (using iChat's Theatre function)
- Screen Sharing with Voice
The last function has been a big game changer for online tutoring. If you run Leopard 10.5 or later, and have a broadband internet connection, you have everything you need.
Getting Set Up
- Click on the iChat icon in your dock. If you are starting iChat for the first time, you will be presented with the following screen.
- You will be presented with the account setup page. If you have a mobile me account, skip ahead to step 5. Otherwise choose "Get an iChat account"
- Enter your desired mac.com username and continue on to complete the required personal information. Please be sure to check the box stating that you have read and agree to the terms and conditions before continuing.
- You will be notified that your account has been created successfully. Closing your browser window will reveal the account setup page you had left behind.
- From the drop down menu, select "mac.com Account" ("me.com" for mobile me users) and enter the username and password as you had specified in your signup. You do not need to include the "@mac.com" suffix.
- Clicking continue will process you account setup and confirm that are ready to use iChat.
- "Done" will close the account setup window and establish your connection with Apple's iChat servers. Apple uses AOL Instant Messenger as a transport protocol for iChat, so you will see a window entitled "AIM Buddy List" opening, connecting and showing your status as available. If at any time you accidentally close this window, you can find it once again by selecting "AIM Buddy List" from the "Window" drop-down in the menu bar (or by pressing command-1)
- From the plus sign at the bottom, select "Add Buddy...". This will bring up a dialogue box requesting you to enter the account name of a buddy. Please enter " This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it " in full, and ensure that "AIM" is selected as your protocol.
- Assuming I am online at the time, my "buddy" entry will show up under the "Buddies" group. If you do not see this entry, it will be under "Offline", and you will be made aware of my current status.
- That's it! You're set up and we're ready to go. Just schedule a time for us to connect by phone or email, and I will walk you through the steps necessary to connect. After the first time, you will find that this is an easy and convenient way to learn new skills, and resolve issues that don't require a full, in-home visit. Please read the [billing terms and conditions] for rates and remote billing policies.
