This is the process that allows people (usually home users) at differing locations to see and hear each other. Interactive video and audio technology allows numerous participants to communicate together, regardless of the distance involved. Desktop video conferencing stands in sharp contrast to earlier room based video conferencing. With the latter, it was necessary for participants to sit together in a specially equipped room, while with desktop video conferencing participants remain at their own desks and connect using technology on their desktop PCs or Macs.

Video conferencing on a personal computer.

A video conference that occurs between two or more participants located at different sites by using personal computers to transmit and receive audio and video.

Videoconferencing that is conducted on a users personal computer. Most appropriate for small groups or individuals. Many desktop videoconferencing systems support document sharing.