We have assembled a list of frequently asked questions. If you have a question which is not answered here please contact our help desk using the following link:
Contact Our Helpdesk

What Is VIP Conduit All About

VIP Conduit is an audio chat site set up for the visually impaired, their families and friends. Although this site primarily serves the visually impaired, anyone is encouraged to join us. In order to maximize our visitor's internet experience, we strive to cooperate with other sites offering similar services.

The VIP in VIP conduit has two meanings. The traditional meaning "very important person" is well known. It also has come to stand for "visually impaired person". While we primarily serve the visually impaired community, we believe that all our supporting members and guests are VIP's in the traditional sense.

What is a voice enabled chat room?

A chat room is a virtual meeting place on the internet where two or more people can communicate in real time. Most chat rooms only allow the room occupants to communicate by sending text messages to each other. Voice enabled chat rooms allow the room occupants to speak to each other using a microphone plugged into their sound cards. Many voice enabled chatrooms include soffisticated add-ons such as integrated web browsing, application sharing and white boards.

Where do the funds come from to support the VIP Conduit site

The VIP Conduit web site is supported financially by membership dues. A VIP Conduit supporting membership costs $20 per year or $50 for three years. You can purchase a VIP Conduit supporting membership by visiting our membership information center.
Click Here To Visit Our Membership Information Center

Do I have to be a VIP Conduit supporting member to enter the chat rooms?

Most of our chat rooms are open to both supporting members and guests. However there is a category of rooms called "Community Center" which is restricted to supporting members only. Non supporting members will be listed as guests in our locator frame when they are in one of our chat rooms. In order to participate in our chat rooms you must obtain a VIP Conduit account which is free of charge and can be obtained by filling out our join form:
Click Here To Fill Out Our Join Form

What other benefits come with a VIP Conduit supporting membership?

In addition to exclusive use of the community center chat rooms, A VIP Conduit supporting membership entitles you to priority tech support, access to supporting members only classes, access to many tutorials on popular software and much much more. To find out all about what you get with one of our memberships please visit our membership information center.
Click Here To Visit Our Membership Information Center

What hardware and software do I need to use the VIP Conduit chat rooms?

You will need a pentium class computer running Windows 98, Milenium or XP with a multi-channel sound card. You will also need the VIP Communicator conference client.
Get The VIP Communicator Conference Client Here

What is a conference client?

A conference client is a small program that when installed allows you to enter a chat room and converse with the other chat room occupants.

Which conference client is used by VIP Conduit?

VIP Conduit uses a home grown program called VIP Communicator.

Do I need to manually download the conference client?

You will need to download and install the VIP Communicator conference Client.
Get It Here

I don't have a microphone. Where can I get one and how much do they cost?

Microphones can be purchased at most any store where computers or stereo equipment is sold. Most modern sound cards come with a microphone which is more than adequate for use with Ventrilo. If you don't already have a microphone you should be able to purchase one for between $10 and $20.

Do I need a multi-channel sound card to participate in a VIP Conduit chat room?

Yes.

I filled out the registration form and received confirmation that my application for an account was approved. However when I attempted to log in with my userid and password, I am told that my userid or password is invalid. Why?

We have created a page witch will guide you through the common problems most new account holders have when trying to log in for the first time. If you have received your confirmation letter and you find that you can't log in using your userid and password you can click on the link below for help:
Click Here For Login Help

Also you can here a brief audio tutorial on logging in by clicking the link below:
Listen To Audio Login Tutorial

Does the VIP Communicator conference client require any special configuration

In many cases the conference client will require no configuration at all. To learn more about configuring the VIP Communicator conference client consult our VIP Communicator tutorial.
Listen To VIP Communicator Audio Tutorial

When I press the login button after entering my userid and password, the login screen reappears and nothing else happens. Why?

Its possible that you are experiencing this problem because you have your browser's active scripting option turned off. Consult the section entitled "Ensuring That Active Scripting Is Enabled" on our login help page for assistance.
Click Here To Display Login Help

Do I need to have cookies enabled on my browser to use your web site.

Yes. You can get an explanation of how cookies work and how to enable them on your browser by viewing our cookie help page.
Enabling Cookies In Internet Explorer

I can enter the chat rooms but when I attempt to speak noone can hear me. What can I do about this?

First, make sure your microphone is plugged into the right jack on your sound card. Most sound cards have line in, microphone and speaker jacks. If you are totally blind you may need sighted assistance to locate the proper jack. Secondly, make sure your microphone volume control is properly set. You can get help setting your microphone volume control by clicking the link below:
Setting Your Microphone Volume Control

In most cases you will be able to adjust your microphone volume level from within the conference client or a site moderator will be able to adjust it for you.

Are there any special rules of conduct at VIP Conduit?

All VIP Conduit members should make themselves familiar with our site policies. You can view our site policies by clicking on the link below:
Site Policies

How are site moderators chosen?

Here at VIP Conduit Moderators are selected through a multiple step process. The first step in the process is observation by the current Moderators and Management staff over a fairly lengthy period. We are looking for supporting members who have reasonable computer skills, a fairly good knowledge of the site and certainly good social skills and judgment. The second step comes when the individual's name is submitted to a committee of 5 designated by the Board to select Moderators. The third step is a positive vote of the committee by at least 4 of the 5 members. The next step is the submission of the name to the entire board for review. If the board agrees with the committee than an invitation would be issued and the person appointed for a 90 Day trial period. The last step would be a review of the individuals performance after the 90 Day trial period and the appointment either confirmed or revoked.


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