Which IM service can do this?

Put a link on the desktop to launch video chat with a certain contact?

[MikeBHouston]

I want to be able to launch a video/voice chat session with one of my clients. Windows Messanger lets you do video/voice, but you have to open it, select the contact, start chat, then start video chat. Are there any IM programs out there that would let me initiate video chat with a particular user with just a double click of an icon on the desktop?

I ask this because I'm setting up a computer for my grandfather and want to make it as easy as possible for him to call me.

Sorry if this is not quite Webmaster related, but i'm not sure where else to ask :-)

[dragonlady7]

I think the easiest software like that is iChat AV (for Mac), and not even that is that simple.

You still have to have the program open and click on the user's video camera icon. I think that's as simple as you can get without writing your own interface-- two clicks. You think even that would be too difficult for him?

[bill]

Setup a streaming video page with something like WebCam32, password protect it and imbed a chat applet in the page, then put a link to the bookmarked page on the desktop.

[JasonD]

You can do this using Netmeeting (standard install on XP computers and I am pretty sure everything since WinME)

The way to build this functionality is the same as any other Anchor link but in the following format.

<a href="callto:1.2.3.4">Netmeeting Session</a>

This A Href link can be saved as any other internet shortcut on the desktop. Just change 1.2.3.4 to the recieving party's IP or hostname

I hope this helps :)

Jason D

[johnafrid]

Try Yahoo messenger. Its so simple even I can use it...no problems. Just click on webcam and you can start chatting in no time