Chapter 2 - Installation

Abstract

This chapter discusses what is required to begin making and taking calls on Google Talk. Depending on the platform, the installation requirements and steps are slightly different. It is important to ensure that the computer system meets Google Talk's minimum requirements, such as ensuring that the connection has enough bandwidth to accommodate Internet telephone traffic. Bandwidth is a measure of the capacity of a communications channel. The higher a channel's bandwidth, the more information it can carry. There are two types of bandwidths: broadband and dial-up. Generally, broadband is considered anything at the digital subscriber line (DSL) level and faster, such as the common cable-modem Internet connection. Normal dial-up Internet, also referred to as narrowband, is any Internet connection over the plain old telephone system (POTS) network. These connections require a user to dial the Internet service provider (ISP) over the phone and are considerably slower than cable or DSL. Google recommends using a headset, which integrates both a microphone and a headphone speaker, such as the ones made by Logitech. For optimal sound quality, a headset with full duplex is considered useful. Full duplex means that the headset can receive and send audio simultaneously. The chapter also focuses on the rise in the popularity of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), some personal computer requirements for Google Talk, and the process of installing Google Talk on Windows. Manufacturers are starting to answer the public outcry for devices that mimic a traditional telephone. These phones further erase the line between standard POTS telephone calls and VoIP calls such as those made by Google Talk.