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The new install of 'The HomingBeacon' can now be used as a Windows Service. More details will be coming about this - but to get started all you need to do is run the .exe file with a /install switch.

For instance,

c:\program files\HomingBeacon\HomingBeacon /install

This will create an entry in the services database that you can use to start the HomingBeacon as an NT service.

Thanks!

New version posted today with some shortcuts to install the NT services.

What is the advantage to running the homingbeacon as a service? Who would get benefit and how? By NT, does that then also cover xp home&pro?

learning here. I have such a limited use for Homing Beacon, which worked dandy again this morning for a netmeeting, that I'm interested to see other applications for it.

Lianna

Using the HomingBeacon as an NT/XP service means that you do not need to log into the machine before it will run. Also it runs totally in the background, hands off. This is good for server type environments.

Let's take this scenario... Say your running your website from your home machine on DSL. You house loses power while you are on vacation (over Christmas break!) and your machine reboots. Well, since you are using DSL and you get a new IP each time you reboot your machine will automatically update the DNS system with the right IP, even without you logging into the machine to start the HomingBeacon.

Most people using NT/XP will be using this as a service I believe. This way you do not need to see the application, and it will ALWAYS be running, even on a fresh reboot before login. Very critical for people that are running a business using a Dynamic IP. (many are)

Thanks!

Great explanation.

Right now, I only update just before a netmeeting with a client. It's an extra step and I have to plan ahead. So, using homingbeacon as a service on my xp machine, everytime I turn the pc on, it updates? Hmmm.

Something to think about. Thanks for the info.

L

Setting up The HomingBeacon to run as a service would always make sure that your DNS has the right IP associated with your domain name. If you are running the client only when you need to update your IP then you might find yourself waiting a few minutes for the IP to replicate once changed...

Right now that isn't a problem because I have to take down part of my firewall when expecting an incoming call anyway. So normal course of events:

Update DNS
Take down firewall
Open NetMeeting
Sit around and wait for client call (LOL).

Since I don't have one of the kajillion dollar routers that really is plug-n-play with netmeeting's dynamic port assignments, then I have some manual config stuff to do there anyway...

I am hearing the rumble that Microsoft wants everyone to use Messenger and Remote Assistant instead of NetMeeting anyway and that they will eventually phase it out completely. While I like Messenger, I use Trillian so that I can chat on ONE interface with all my buddies, no matter what client they use. But I've never had the opportunity to use Remote Assistant. That's the biggie. Instead of driving 1.25 hours to a client, they just give me control of a machine there so that i can do my job. They get more work for their dollar...and I don't have to drive to the city!

Whew. That was TMI, huh? Well, thanks for the info and if anybody reading this has any suggestion for making my life easier, I'm always game to try!

L

Have you ever heard of Free World Dialup ??

I have been working in the IP billing space for the last 4+ years and H.323 (netmeeting) have always been the source of trouble when it comes to firewalls. The transition to SIP (MSN, VoIP) have made everything much simpler however it have also ment mostly involving a 3'rd party - the SIP Proxy/Redirect service - allthough client-to-client connections are still an option.

http://www1.cs.columbia.edu/sip/

I have on my firewall (WinRoute PRO) opened ports related to SIP for a single IP address, my Cisco IP Phone, and can make calls and receive calls even though I run a pretty strict policy in my firewall..

FWD have guidelines for configuring a wealth of clients including MSN so unless you need the video stream..

http://www.pulver.com/fwd/index.html

Oh, by the way.. It FREE !!

Need I say that the HomingBeacon service keeps my DNS record current for those that call me directly on my URL.. :rolleyes:

-- Soren

PS. A note to SAM.. Maybe you should get one too.. Calling from Singapore to US can be a pretty expensive experience.. LOL

Our FWD# is 26139 - I've just signed up and am testing this out. If this works decently we will make sure to add this number to our support list and start supporting it. Free inbound calls from outside of the US sounds appealing to me!

Sam