Get chatting with Quantity Surveyors everywhere

After experimenting with various chat programs on the Internet we decided to recommend PalTalk as the standard communicator for ASAQS. PalTalk enables FREE CALLS to anyone in the world who has a computer connected to the Internet. Paltalk is your total communicator with breakthrough sound quality, live video calls, voice e-mails, file-sharing and lots more.

 What you will need to get chatting

Check that your system complies with the following requirements:

• Windows 98/ME/NT4/2000/XP/2003 Pentium 166 MHz with 16MB RAM
• Internet connection (28.8kbps minimum)
• Full-duplex sound card required (for audio)
• USB Digital Web Camera (for video, not required for only viewing)

We suggest that you also invest in microphone headset. These can be obtained for about R70,00 from your local Game, Dions or computer shop.

 Procedure

Follow these easy steps to get chatting:

1. Download and install PalTalk

PalTalk is a very small program that downloads quickly. Get it from PalTalk´s download area after signing up at: http://register.paltalk.com/reg/PalTalkRegister.jspl

2. Register and test

Choose a PalTalk nickname for yourself and then join one of the Help Groups to test your audio. If you experience any problems check out the support area on Paltalk.

 Why use PalTalk and not MSN Messenger or ICQ?

PalTalk allows voice chat to a group of up to 50 people which makes it ideal for small conferences. It´s small program size and ease of use put´s it way ahead of the competition at present. Although audio reception in South Africa can be atrocious at times, months of testing has proved PalTalk to give the best results.

WATCH THIS SPACE

We may be arranging special events that will be of interest to quantity surveyors in our private chat room. Announcements will be made here on times and dates so that you can set aside some time to join us.

Is it possible to phone someone from my computer?

Unfortunately it is not possible to use PalTalk for computer to phone conversations. In 2001 one could use MSN Messenger to phone American and Canadian numbers free of charge. This has since changed and we now recommend that you use Net2Phone which has very cheap rates if you phone from South Africa. Browse to our Free Phone (?) section to find out more.