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Dimdim is a free web conferencing service that allows you to share you desktop, show slides, collaborate, chat, talk and broadcast yourself via webcam. You don’t have to download anything except a small browser plug-in that allows to share your desktop. Once you have signed up and downloaded this all you need to do is go to the site and log in to start using the service.

So whats good about Dimdim besides it being free?

  • It’s easy to use – it has a very simple interface which means that learning to use it isn’t going to be a problem. Click here to see a video demonstration of Dimdim in action
  • It’s reliable - All of Dimdims services are available 99.9% of the time.
  • It’s secure – Dimdim does not retain any of the content that is uploaded or shared during a meeting and no one can join a meeting without being invited by the presenter.
  • It’s scalable – As well as the Dimdim Free edition there is also a Dimdim Pro and a Dimdim Enterprise, which you can upgrade to at anytime. These editions provide you with additional features and the ability to have larger meetings. The free version of Dimdim allows you to web conference with up to 20 people, if this isn’t enough for you the Dimdim pro edition will allow you to conference with up to 100 people (click here for pricing).

As with all free services Dimdim Free has its disadvantages, here are a few we uncovered

  1. Webcam broadcasting only works one way – With Dimdim Free only the presenter of the meeting can use a webcam. So the attendees will be able to see the presenter but no one will be able to see the attendees.
  2. Sound quality is not the best – Even Dimdim admits that a lag of about one second is normal, and because it streams audio via a flash movie it means there is more echo than other VOIP providers. When we briefly tested this service here the other day we found that the sound cut in and out and while the attendee could hear the presenter fine the presenter could not hear the attendee.
  3. Only four people can talk at once – While a Dimdim Free meeting can have up to 20 people only four can be assigned the ability to use their microphones.

All in all Dimdim has its limitations, but also could be very useful in certain situations. To learn more about Dimdim click here.