Editing Web conferencing (section)

==Installation and operation==
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Web conferencing software is invoked by all participants in a web meeting. Some technologies include software and functionality that differs for presenters and attendees. Software may run as a web browser application (often relying on [[Adobe Flash]], [[Java (programming language)|Java]], or [[WebRTC]] to provide the operational platform). Other web conferencing technologies require download and installation of software on each participant's computer, which is invoked as a local application. Many web conferencing vendors provide the central connectivity and provisioning of meeting "ports" or "seats" as a hosted [[web service]], while others allow the web conference host to install and run the software on its own local servers. Another installation option from certain vendors allows for use of a proprietary [[computer appliance]] that is installed at the hosting company's physical location.

Depending on the technology being used, participants may speak and listen to audio over standard telephone lines or via computer microphones and speakers. Some products allow for use of a [[webcam]] to display participants, while others may require their own proprietary encoding or externally provided encoding of a video feed (for example, from a professional video camera connected via an [[IEEE 1394]] interface) that is displayed in the session.

Vendor-hosted web conferencing is usually licensed as a service based on one of three pricing models: a fixed cost per user per minute, a monthly or annual flat fee allowing unlimited use with a fixed maximum capacity per session, or a sliding rate fee based on the number of allowed meeting hosts and per-session participants (number of "seats").

Visual materials are typically shown in one of two ways. The web conferencing software may show the whole or part of the presenter's computer screen. Renderable files (in formats such as [[PDF]] or [[Microsoft PowerPoint]]) can be displayed by the presenter uploading them and a computer server converting them into a form convenient for streaming.