Introduction

To make phone calls over the internet from your computer you will first need to download a soft phone application. We recommend IDEFisk from AsteriskGuru.org.

Existing students may have already installed the FreeVoIP phone. You may continue to use this program however we recommend that you download the IDEFisk program if possible. Instructions for connecting to the conference via Freevoip are given here

Video Tutorial

For a video tutorial overview of this page (setup, install of IDEFisk) please click here.

IDEFisk setup instructions

Downloading the software

- The IDEFisk software is available at this URL: http://www.asteriskguru.com/idefisk/free/
- Go to the IDEFisk web page (above) and download the software for your platform (direct links: Mac, Windows or Linux)
- Install the software by double clicking on the file you have downloaded.
- Start the IDEFisk application. Windows users go to Start menu -> Program Files -> Asteriskguru -> IDEFisk
Mac users go to applications folder and double click on IDEFisk.

Installation

- During installation AND/OR when you first run the software you may be presented with the following welcome screen. Select the option to "Skip and go to manual configuration"

Accessing Settings

- Now you need to put your account settings in. PC Users: using the RIGHT mouse button, click anywhere on the IDEFisk window - a menu will appear, select Account Options. Mac users: go to Settings menu -> Account Options.
- You may configure multiple VoIP accounts in the system (for different service providers, analogous to being able to call on Telstra or Telecom). Click the "New" button to create an account. Call it "Conference"

- Enter the following information:

Host = voip.oceanbrowser.com [important: note this has changed]
Username = [YOUR OCEANBROWSER USERNAME]
Password = [YOUR OCEANBROWSER PASSWORD]
CallerID = Your Name
Number = [Your OceanBrowser telephone number]

All the required details in [] above are included in your OceanBrowser welcome message. If you haven't received this, or have lost it then email support@oceanbrowser.com with your name and course details Do not click "Register on startup" unless you need to receive incoming calls.

- Click "OK" to confirm the new account settings. A dialog will ask you to confirm your changes, click "Yes". Note that under the account area it will now display "conference".

- To test the account information you have put in, click the "Register" button. It should change to "Unregister" in a few moments. If it changes to "Cancel" then check your account details, paying particular attention to the password and try again.

Checking Audio Settings

The audio settings determine which sound device your softphone will use. For example, if you have plugged in a USB headset/phone we need to make sure the program is configured to use this.
- To access sound settings PC Users: using the RIGHT mouse button, click anywhere on the IDEFisk window - a menu will appear, select Audio Options. Mac users open IDEFisk then go to Settings menu -> Audio Options.
- Select the appropriate items from the input device, output device and ringing device menus. Click the OK button.
- Troubleshooting: If you have plugged in a USB audio device (headset, phone etc) and it does not appear in the menu, try restarting your computer.

Making a test call

- Type "600" into the "Phone to dial" field in IDEfisk. You can type numbers on your computer keyboard, or click the small arrow area to the right of the telephone icon (left most icon in the row of buttons) to reveal the on-screen keyboard.
- press the "dial" icon (or press the return/enter key on your keyboard) to dial the number. The call will start. Notice the dial icon changes colour and the 2nd icon (hangup) changes colour to red.
- a message will play saying "You are about to enter an echo test...". After the message completes playing you can speak and your voice will be played back to you. This allows you to test that your microphone is working and to see how good the connection is. Our server is located on a high speed network in Dunedin New Zealand. If you are connecting from NZ or Australia the connection should be very quick, from further away (Europe, Asia, etc) there might be a slight delay.
- when you are finished testing you can click the red "hangup" icon (second icon in the row of buttons) to hangup the call.

Conference

See the conference instructions page.

Last Updated: 2/8/06