A conference is a gathering of people in different locations using telecommunications. A basic conferencing can include audio, while other types of teleconferencing can include video and data sharing. Some common examples include conference calls, video conferencing, and online meetings.
The simplest and most widely used type is a conference call, since the only equipment required is a speaker. If a project needs to be discussed between more than two people in different places, they all can dial a telephone conference that will allow everyone to talk to each other simultaneously. A meeting of the Board of Directors may also double as a meeting if the board members attend remotely. Many boardrooms include a conference system that allows people to "call" the meeting by calling the telephone number of conference. This allows members of the board away from active participation in a meeting, even if they are not physically present.
Teleconferences can also include live video. These types of teleconferencing, videoconferencing often called, allow people to see each other in real time during a meeting remotely. A videoconference may be one way in which a user or group distance is displayed on a video stream, or in both directions, where both parties can see. In the early days of video conferencing, expensive equipment needed to set up a videoconference. Today, you can simply use the built-in camera to a computer and free software such as Skype to video conference with other users.
Thank you to the Internet, teleconferencing can also include data sharing. These types of conferences often use Web browsers as the user interface and are referred to online meetings. For example, you can use an online service like Join.me to share your screen with other users. You can even let someone else control your screen, which is excellent for remote troubleshooting. Companies can use an online service like WebEx to host an online hundreds or even thousands of participants. When hosting a web content, the presenter control and the screen is usually the only one who can be heard at the meeting. Participants are often provided with a chat window where they can ask questions and interact with the presenter