What are the system requirements for running ExpatMessenger?
You can run ExpatMessenger on machines with Windows 2000, 2000 pro, 2000 server, XP home and XP pro operating systems. You will need a minimum of 128Mb RAM and (depending on how many voice/text messages you wish to keep) a minimum of 5Mb hard disk space. To experience the call clarity of ExpatMessenger, you will also need a sound card, headset, or speakers and microphone, or a USB hand or headset.

Do I need any additional software to run ExpatMessenger?
Your PC will require DirectX 8 or later which is freely available from the Microsoft web site at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/default.aspx. DirectX is supplied as a standard with Microsoft operating systems, however in some early versions of Windows 2000 an upgrade will be required. To check your version of DirectX go to Run in the Start menu and type dxdiag and press OK.

Do I need a broadband Internet connection to use ExpatMessenger?
We have designed ExpatMessenger to work on a minimum bandwidth requirement of 32kbps, therefore ExpatMessenger works really well on broadband but it also works on dial-up for PC to PC calls. For PSTN calls (calls to land lines and mobiles) a broadband connection is advisable but may also still work on dial-up.

Does my computer always need to be turned on?
No, if you are away from your computer or it has been shutdown and someone calls you ExpatMessenger will inform them that you are unavailable and offer them the option of leaving you a voice or text message (providing you have this option turned on). When you next log on to the ExpatMessenger network you will have a list of missed calls, voice and text messages.

Do I need a static IP address on my computer running ExpatMessenger?
No. ExpatMessenger has been exhaustively tested on many different network configurations and no fixed IP addresses are required.

I work in several office locations, how do I configure ExpatMessenger to work in different network environments?
There is very little configuring to do with ExpatMessenger. All the hard work is done in the background by the application leaving you free to make your calls.

ExpatMessenger Sound and Audio Devices Setting
To fine-tune your ExpatMessenger audio setup, choose Audio Setup under Tools of your main menu bar.

Router Configurations
The ExpatMessenger underlying technology has been tested in over 100 countries by a range of businesses. During these trials the only technical change that was sometimes required was a minor router reconfiguration to allow UDP traffic.

Routers and Firewalls need to be able to pass traffic through the following ports

TCP - outbound connections and appropriate responses on both ports 80 and 443
UDP –outbound connections and appropriate responses on all UDP ports

On a large internal corporate network it is important to check that all firewalls and routers have been correctly configured. Further information on network security and router configuration is available in the User Guides.

Personal Firewalls on PC's will require the ability to allow outgoing UDP connections and responses back.

BT Voyager Router Upgrade
If you are in the United Kingdom or Channel Island and using a BT Voyager Router a firmware upgrade may be required to resolve an earlier firmware release issue on that router. Full details with step by step instructions to upgrade the firmware can be found at the URL listed shortly. We strongly recommend that you print the instruction out before starting the firmware upgrade. The BT Voyager router firmware upgrade site can be found at http://www.voyager.bt.com/205/btbroadband/firmware_update.htm. If you have any other type of BT voyager router details can be found here http://www.voyager.bt.com/.

1. Make sure that you have the user name and password for your router, and if not, contact either your service provider or installation engineer for details of the password.

2. If the router also operates or provides WiFi (Wireless LAN) please ensure that you have a copy of your WEP (Wireless encryption protocol) key before you start the firmware upgrade.