In practical terms, this capability lets Timbuktu users connect to conferences hosted by Microsoft NetMeeting, a product bundled with Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0's Windows version. Alas, your Mac won't be an equal NetMeeting partner, even if the Mac is the conference host. For Mac users to take advantage of these key features, PC colleagues need to have Timbuktu Pro 32 installed and use its functions in place of NetMeeting's for these tasks. If you're not working with NetMeeting users, Timbuktu Pro 4.5 doesn't provide much more than what version 4.0 did. Netopia tweaked the program's Intercom audio service for better sound fidelity, added an Invite option to let other users control the host Mac's Timbuktu services, and included an option in the Observe and Control windows to shrink your view of the remote user's screen.
Documentation is also shockingly slim.
Macworld's Buying Advice Timbuktu Pro remains a superior program for managing, collaborating with, and exchanging information between remote systems. Read through past issues of Macworld magazine or see a list of recently-posted online items . Read our regular reviews of new downloadable Mac software , complete with mouse ratings. Editors are listening in the Macworld Forums . All rights reserved.