Welcome to the Firetalk version 1.1 Read Me file. This file contains general information about the application, and explains the key features of Firetalk 1.1, including the new registration system,
This section is a quick overview of registering with Firetalk, getting started using Firetalk, and where to go for more detailed information.
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a) Registering and Getting Started
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After downloading and installing Firetalk, you need a Firetalk number and password in order to log in and begin using Firetalk. If you have already registered with Firetalk, you will quickly receive your Firetalk number and password by email from Firetalk. If you have not already registered and do not have a Firetalk account, open the Firetalk application from the desktop icon or the Programs option in the Start button. When Firetalk opens, select Create New Account. This takes you to the Firetalk registration Web page. Enter your email address, personal information, select the check box for the Terms and Conditions, and click Register and Continue. An email will be sent to you quickly, assigning you a Firetalk number and password.
Once you have logged on to Firetalk, you can then change the password to one of your own choice. Click on the View menu, select View/Change Profile, and edit your User Profile page. Note that you will need to restart the application before the changes take effect.
To begin using Firetalk, see the Welcome Menu that appears when you first log on. It provides links to a Quick Start page, a Test your Microphone page, instructions on finding and and calling a friend, joining a forum, and joining a Firetalk question and answer forum.
Below are some basic instructions to get you started using Firetalk. For more information, review the Firetalk Welcome Menu and see the Firetalk User Guide, which you can select from the Help menu found in the top right-hand corner of the Firetalk application window.
You can begin calling other users with Firetalk in a couple of ways. If the person's name already exists in your Contact List, you can either click on the telephone icon next to their name or drag their name into the Participant list; in both cases, Firetalk calls them automatically. You can also click on person's name and select from the dialog box to Call, Send Voice Mail or Send Instant Message.
When you receive a call, you hear a ringing sound in your headset or speakers, and the caller's name displays a call icon. To pick up the call, either click on the caller's name, or press the Pick Up button in the Firetalk window.
If you want to call someone who is not on your contact list, see the section below titled, Adding People to your Contact List.
To end a call, click the Hang Up button in the Firetalk window.
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c) Joining Forums
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Firetalk provides a wide range of forums that you can join in to talk, send instant messages, or just listen to others speaking on your favorite topics. To join a forum, click the forums button in the upper left-hand corner of the Firetalk application window. This opens a list of forum categories, including Computers and Technology, Games, Family and more. Click on the forum category you are interested in and a list of active forums displays. To join a forum, either double click on the forum name or click the Join button and enter the name of the forum you want to enter.
NOTE: some forums are password protected, and you need to be invited or have the password to enter.
To add someone to your Contact List, click the Add/Find Contacts button. This opens the Find Firetalk User dialog box so that you can search for the person you wish to call in the Firetalk database. Search by Firetalk ID number, Nickname, Email, First Name, Last Name, or any combination of these; for quick searching, only enter one or two of these fields. Press Find to search the database. When you have received the results of your search, select the person you want to call and click the Call button to call them, or click the Add User button to add them to your Contact List.
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e) Placing Calls on Hold
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When you are in a call and want to place the call on hold, click the Hold button. Calls that are on hold have a red light (active calls have a green light) next to them. This light will begin flashing after about 20 seconds as a reminder that the call is on hold. To pick up the call, click the Pick Up button.
Instant messages allow you to send text messages to others, whether or not you are in a call or conference call. Voice Messages are sound recordings that you can send like a voice message. Both can be sent as easily as placing a call, using the Contact Double-Click Action Dialog Box.
To send an Instant Message or Voice Message, click on the person's name in your Contact List and select either Call, Send Instant Message or Send Voice Message from the dialog box.
If you are sending an Instant Message, type your message and click Send. You can format your message using the Customization menu to select fonts, formatting, and text size.
If you are sending a Voice Message, press the Record button and record your message; press the Stop button to stop recording. Press the Play button to play back your message. To send your Voice Message, click Send.
You can send an Instant Message or Voice Message to as many users as you like; click the +/- menu and select the names from your Contact List, and click Add. When you are done adding names, click OK.
You can send Voice Messages and Instant Messages to people who are offline. As soon as they log in, they will receive any messages waiting for them.
When you are sent an Instant Message or Voice Message, an icon flashes on the name of the sender. Click the sender's name to receive your message. You can review Instant Messages or play back Voice Messages by clicking on the View menu and selecting Event Log. The Event Log keeps all your old messages. Use the expandable Firetalk Events column to sort or review your messages.
Firetalk has an extensive team of Customer Service Specialists who can take your Firetalk calls and help you get started or learn the finer features of the application. Firetalk forums include a new user forum where Customer Service Specialists are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions on using Firetalk. There is also a Firetalk Support forum where anyone from novices to experienced users can discuss any technical issues with our specialists.
To find answers to your questions, you can select from the following Web page options in the Firetalk help menu:
Firetalk Welcome Menu - the menu you first see when you begin using Firetalk
What Can Firetalk Do? -- highlights of Firetalk's main features
Firetalk Updates - history of the most recent Firetalk releases and the features introduced
Troubleshooting - Frequently Asked Questions on installation, sound quality, microphone, your network connection, error messages and features of the User Interface
Server Status - documents any time the Firetalk server has problems
Firetalk Web Page - the Firetalk home page (www.firetalk.com)
Firetalk User Guide - the complete guide to Firetalk, explaining every feature and option
Firetalk New User Page - a screenshot showing the key features of Firetalk
Submit Bug Report/Suggestions - a page for sending us notice of problems you have or suggestions on improving Firetalk
Tip of the day - a rotating selection of Firetalk features and functions
Or, from the Firetalk home page, click Support to review a list of common questions and answers.
If you are having problems with Firetalk contact the Firetalk Support alias online, or you can always email our Customer Service stafff rom the Support section of our Web site (www.firetalk.com/support).
