Yahoo! Messenger Tutorials

Managing PC to PC Calls

Setting Up Selecting a Ringtone Importing a Ringtone Adjusting the Speaker Volume Viewing Your Call History

Setting Up Your Computer

Use Yahoo! Messenger to call and talk with friends over the Internet just like you're on the phone. All you need is a headset or a microphone and speakers. It's that easy.

Before placing or receiving a Yahoo! Messenger call, make sure you are using a suitable headset or a microphone and speakers, and then check that they are set up properly by running the Call Setup Assistant.

 

Here's How

  1. Open your Messenger Preferences window by selecting Preferences from the Messenger menu in your Messenger window or from the Conversation menu in your IM window.

    Select Preferences from the Messenger menu.

    The Messenger Preferences window opens.

  2. In the Preferences window, select the Calling & Audio category.

    Select the Calling & Audio category.

  3. Click the Open the Call Setup Assistant button to begin checking your microphone and speakers.

    Click the Open the Call Setup Assistant button.

    The Call Setup Assistant window opens.

  4. Click the Next button in the first screen of the Setup Assistant.

  5. In the Microphone Set Up window, select the microphone you want to use, then speak into your computer's microphone to test its reception.

    Speak into the microphone to see the rectangles light up.

    • If Messenger detects your voice, the following message displays in the window:

      A successful notification.

      Click the Next button to continue.

    • If Messenger cannot detect your voice, the following message displays:

      An unsuccessful notification with helpful questions.

      Answer the questions to help troubleshoot your microphone.

  6. In the Speakers Set Up window, select the audio output device you want to use. Then slide the volume until you comfortably hear the music played by Messenger.

    Move the volume slider backward or forward to adjust the volume.

    • If you can hear the tune, click the Finish button.

      You are returned to the Preferences window.

    • If you remain in this window, the following message displays:

      An unsuccessful notification with helpful questions.

      Answer the questions to help troubleshoot your speakers.

  7. If you want to hear a ringtone when someone calls you, check the box next to Play a ringtone when I receive a call under the Ringtones section in the Preferences window.

    Check Play a ringtone when I receive a call.

    Tip: A ringtone is one way that Messenger alerts you to an incoming call. Messenger also displays a pop-up box showing the name of the caller. Disabling the ringtone does not disable the pop-up, so you always know when a call comes through as long as you are signed into Messenger.

  8. Choose the frequency of the ringtone from the Frequency pull-down list.

    Select a frequency for the ring.

  9. Click the OK button.

    You are now ready to begin talking with your friends, PC to PC.

 

What's Next

When a PC to PC call comes in through Yahoo! Messenger, Messenger initially uses the typical ringtone heard on most phones. You can select a different ringtone.

 

Words to Know

  • Ringtone: a brief audio file played to indicate an incoming call. You can select your preferred ringtone in Yahoo! Messenger.