FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions on yourLive.com (“yL”)

About yL  
Audio/Video Messages      
LiveRooms  
File Transfers   
Privacy
Technical    
Using yL

ABOUT yL

What do I need to use yL?

• A PC
• Microsoft Windows Operating System
• Broadband internet access  

 

Do I need a microphone or webcam to use yL?

No, anyone can use yL.  But in order to get all the features and benefits of yL you will need a web cam for the video and a headset/microphone for the audio. See chart below.

If you have	You can SEND	You can RECEIVE
Speakers, Microphone or Headset, Web Cam	Video, Audio and Text	Video, Audio and Text
Speakers, Microphone or Headset	Audio and Text	Video, Audio and Text
Speakers	Text ONLY	Video, Audio and Text

What is Broadband?

It is another term for high-speed Internet access.  yL requires a connection of at least 128K down/128K up connection. Most broadband services offer this. You can get access via DSL, Cable modem, T1 or T3.

Can I use yL with a dial up connection?

We are sorry but yL only can be used with a broadband connection and will not operate over a 56K connection.

How is yL affected by the broadband speed?

The higher your broadband connection speed the better the audio and video quality of yL. yL will run faster and lag will be minimized.

How long does it take to download yL?

The yL software is about the size of 5MB and will take less than a minute with a broadband connection.

How much does it cost to use yL?

yL is FREE for its users.

Can I call a telephone with yL?

No, at the present time you can only call PC to PC. We plan to add the ability to call regular phones in the very near future.

Does yL work with MAC's or LINUX?

No, at the moment, yL only supports the MS-Windows platform. We look forward to offering yL on other operating systems in the near future.

If I sign up for yL on a particular computer, can I only use yL with that computer?

You can access yL from any computer that has yL downloaded and installed. You can sign in with your yL username, ID or email and password and your contacts will automatically appear.

How can I be sure that I have the latest version of yL?

yL will automatically verify the software version you are using to make sure it is the most current. A window will appear to let you know if a new version is available. You will be redirected to the download website, where you will have to click download and install the new version. yL will take you through the process. It will take you less then a minute to complete. After it is finished, yL will launch and you will be able to log in.

How do I check which version of yL I am using if I am already signed in?

Go to Help->About on the menu. A dialog box will open that contains the yL version number and build date. In addition, when the program starts up a version number is listed on the sign-in screen. Also, go to Help->Check for Update on the menu to be redirected to the download website.

Is yL available in other countries or languages?

Yes, but at the moment, yL's website is only available in English. However, you can use yL in any country and can converse in any language you choose through the audio, video and text. You can change the language of yL by going to Tools -> Select Language.

Does yL have pop-ups or spyware?

No.

How do I talk with people using yL?

Whomever you want to talk with has to have yL installed on their computer. You both must download yL and register to get a user name. Once you both have it, you can start talking instantaneously. You can sign in to send invitations to friends that do not have yL, so they can download yL and be part of your community.

Can I use yL to make 3-way or conference calls?

Of course you can! yL allows you to speak with up to 4 other people at the same time from your contact list or you can use a LiveRoom to talk with up to 10 people at the same time.

Can I share photos or files over yL?

yL lets you share digital photos, PowerPoint presentations or any other type of file.

Can I use yL to send instant messages to my friends who use AOL/ICQ/Yahoo/MSN Messenger?

yL is not currently compatible with these applications, but may be in the future. Why not tell your friends to join yL instead and be part of your yL community?

AUDIO/VIDEO MESSAGES

How do I know I have a message?

When you log on or return from an away status a window will appear letting you know that you have a message to listen to and the message will appear in your message history.

How do I play an audio/video message that was left for me?

You can access the message that was left for you by clicking on the voicemail notification window or by highlighting a contact and going to Actions->Message History to play the message.

I logged into yL using a different computer and the messages I previously listened to are gone. What happened?

Once you play a message it is downloaded and saved locally on your computer. If you log on using a different machine then you will not be able to hear messages that you have previously listened to.

Can anyone leave me a message?

Anyone in your contact list can leave you a voice message.

How do I delete messages once I've listened to them?

Once you listen to the message you will be able to delete it if you click on delete otherwise it is stored in your message history. You will have to go to message history to delete it.

Can I leave a voicemail message for my friend/contact even if he is not online?

Yes. If your contact is offline, away, busy or even if the computer is off, you still are able to leave them a message and they will be able to retrieve it the next time they log onto yL.

Are voicemails encrypted?

Yes, voicemails are encrypted.

Are voicemail messages encrypted on my local computer?

No. Once the voicemail messages have been transferred to you through an encrypted channel, they are then stored on your local PC as unencrypted files.

LIVEROOMS

What is a LiveRoom?

A LiveRoom is virtual space over the Internet that allows 10, 100 or up to 1,000 yL users to text chat, talk, and see each other.

Do I have control over my own LiveRoom?

yL allows you to control your own LiveRoom. You have control over your LiveRoom and how you run it as long as you abide by yL's Terms of Use.

How do I speak in my LiveRoom?

You need a microphone or a headset with a microphone as the input device plugged into your computer if you wish to speak in a LiveRoom.  In the user function area, click on Request Mic button to obtain a virtual microphone before you can speak. Note that currently there are only four virtual microphones in each LiveRoom and only two in the 100-1000 person rooms.

How do I find a LiveRoom?

On your contact list, click on LiveRoom tab and double click on LiveRoom Lobby link. The LiveRoom lobby window provides different ways of finding a LiveRoom. In the search area you may specify LiveRoom ID, LiveRoom name or the owner ID to search for a LiveRoom. In the left column the subject tree area categorizes all the LiveRooms for you to choose.

How can I join a LiveRoom?

In the list of LiveRooms, each entry indicates a LiveRoom with name, ID, sponsor and description. Click on the Enter link to enter the LiveRoom.

How do I remove someone from my LiveRoom?

In the user list area, right click on the users name and select Kick out user from the popup menu. You may also block the user from entering your own LiveRoom if you want from your Manage Room options

How do I play music in the LiveRoom?

Click on Request Mic button in the user function area of the LiveRoom window. Then, click on Sound Source button to bring up a menu for sound source. Select the source from which you are playing the music.

How do I invite a contact to a LiveRoom?

In the user function area, click on Invite Contacts button to bring up the invite contacts window. From your contact list you may select one of the users to send the invitation message.

How do I send a file to people in the LiveRoom?

yL provides several ways of sending files. The easiest way is to drag the file from a file folder and drop into the chat window you are using.

Can I text chat with just one person in the LiveRoom without anyone else seeing what I am writing?

Yes. You can do a private chat with another user in the LiveRoom. In the user list area, click on the user name you intend to chat with privately. The user name then will appear in the "To" field, check the whisper box in the text chat input area before sending the text message.

Can I talk privately with one person in a LiveRoom?

Yes, in a 100 person room.  In the user list area, click on the user name you intend to talk with privately.  After the name is hi-lighted, right click and select “Invite to Private a/v Chat”.  A private audio/video box will appear where you can see and hear one another.

Can I control who enters my LiveRoom?

Yes. There is a room block list that allows you to control who can enter your LiveRoom.

Can I make my LiveRoom private?

Yes. As a room manager you may close the door for other users or set a password to allow certain users to enter the room.

What are the buttons in my LiveRoom?

In the user function area, these buttons are available for LiveRoom operations: Request Mic/Cancel Mic.; Sound Source; Retry all Connections; Video On/Off; Picture Option; Invite Contacts; Add Favorite; Special Effect; Manage Room.

How can I protect my Child from entering an adult LiveRoom?

Child accounts are created by parents only. Each user account is assigned with a scope, which may contain one of these values: kids, teen, adult and adult-X with different viewing scopes. Only limited LiveRooms are viewable to user accounts with limited scope.

What are the room ratings?

LiveRooms are rated with G, PG-13, R, and X codes.

How do the room ratings work?

Each user account is assigned with a scope, which may contain one of these values: kids, teen, adult and adult-X. Each LiveRoom is also rated with G, PG-13, R and X codes. R or X-rated LiveRooms are not viewable in the LiveRoom lobby by users with kids or teen scope.

How do I report misuses such as adult contents in a non-adult LiveRoom?

Please send an email to support@yourlive.com.

FILE TRANSFERS

How do I transfer a file with yL?

There are several ways to start a file transfer.

• You can hi-light a contact, then press the send file button (orange document icon) on the bottom of your contact list.
• You can drag a file directly onto a Contact that is online.
• You can also right-click an online Contact and select "Send File".
• On a call you can send a file to your contact by clicking the "Send File" button.

yL then lets you browse your computer for a file to send. The recipient will have to accept the transfer in order for it to begin. You can only send files to contacts that have authorized you.

How do I receive a file?

When someone tries to transfer a file to you, a file transfer window will pop up and you must accept the transfer by pressing the "Save as" button. This will allow you to choose a location where you would like the file to be saved. When the transfer is completed you can choose to open the file.

Is there a limit to the size of the file I can I send?

No. File transfers are only limited by bandwidth and free space on the recipient's hard disk.

Can I send multiple files at the same time?

Yes but only when sending a zip file.

Can I click and drag a file to a user?

Yes.

Can I get a virus with yL File Transfer?

You will not get a virus from yL software, but you should always take precaution when downloading files from an email program, file transfer or the web. yL recommends that you have an updated virus protection program on your computer to scan all incoming files.

Why does my File Transfer take a long time?

The speed of a file transfer is dependent on the bandwidth available (upload/download) to the sender/recipient of the file. If either party is using other applications that take up bandwidth, this will also slow the transfer. We highly recommend if you are running other programs that use bandwidth, such as email, web browser, etc. to close these programs to increase your transfer speed as well. Internet congestion may also decrease the file transfer speed.

Can anybody see the file that I am sending, other than the person I am sending the file to?

No. All file transfers on yL (relayed or direct) are encrypted end-to-end just like yL calls. This is to protect your privacy when transferring information over the public Internet and ensures that only you and your Contact will be able to view the file.

PRIVACY

What is the yL privacy policy?

Click here to review the entire privacy policy.

Why must I supply a valid email account when I register with yL?

A valid email account is for yL to ensure that it can provide easy account management for all users. If you ever forget your password, you can easily request for a reset on your password and have it sent to your email account. A valid account is what yL uses to authenticate our users to prevent abuse. Also, if yL needs to get a hold of you, we need an easy means of communication.

Does yL contain pop-ups or spyware?

No.

Can I get a trojan horse or virus from using yL?

When you are using yL for calls and instant messages, there is no risk. However, with yL's ability to transfer files, you should take precautions when accepting files from other parties. yL recommends that you have up-to-date anti-virus software on your computer to scan all incoming files.

How can I block an unwanted contact?

You can right click on a contact's name. Select "Block this user." OR you can select Tools->Options->Privacy. You can move a contact from your accept list to the block list. You do have the option to unblock a contact after you have blocked them.

What happens when I block someone?

The contact will no longer be able to communicate with you and you will always appear offline to the users that you have blocked.

Can I remove a Contacts List entry?

Yes, you can always remove a contact from your list entry by right-clicking on a contact and selecting "Delete contact". OR, you can go to Actions->Delete contact.
Once you delete a contact from your list you will not need to have them accept you again. You can automatically add them again.

Can I see list of persons who have accepted me as a Contact?

Yes, all you have to do is look at your contact list. Contacts that have not yet accepted you will be indicated as such with the text "(unaccepted)". Once that contact accepts your invitation, they will appear as one of your authorized contacts and you will be able to see their online status provided they are not using the hidden mode feature.

What is my Privacy setting for people contacting me?

From your Contact List window, select Tools->Options->Privacy. From there you have the option to allow anyone to contact you and see your online status. This is the default behavior. Or you can choose to only allow your accepted list of contacts to contact you. This privacy setting is toggled by checking or unchecking the checkbox labeled "Only my accept list friends can call me and see my state".

What can I do, if people keep sending me spam messages or abusive calls?

You should use the privacy setting to block the user. (Select Tools->Options->Privacy)
For additional privacy, you can also check the box that will only allow calls or chats from people on your contact list that you have accepted. This will completely prevent anybody not known to you from contacting you.

Which fields in my profile are public?

Everything you write in your public profile is viewable by other yL users except the email field. Your email address is encrypted prior to sending it to the network so no one will be able to see it when they search for contacts. However, others can still look you up in the directory if they already know your full email address when they search for contacts. Note: You are not required to enter any information into your Profile; it is strictly optional.

Is yL secure?

Yes. yL encrypts all calls you make to ensure your privacy and protect you from potential eavesdropping from malicious users.

Why are yL calls encrypted?

All calls and text messages are sent over the Internet and sometimes the calls are routed through other yL users (peers). yL encryption ensures that no other party can eavesdrop on your call or read your instant messages.

Are my Chats secure?

Yes. Chats use the same encryption methods as Calls.

Are my File Transfers Secure?

Yes. Files Transfers use the same encryption methods as Calls.

TECHNICAL

If I am using broadband; why is the picture have latency and appear jumpy?

There could be a few reasons for this. Closing other applications will improve the performance of yL. Also, a broadband connection might be slower during peak hours. You computer's processor may be overtaxed. yL requires a minimum speed 700MHz processor to correctly process and display high-quality video.

My headset is not working. What's wrong?

First, please check that the headset is plugged-in correctly. Next, select Tools->Media Settings and use the Audio and Video wizard to make sure that your headset is working correctly.

My webcam is not working. What's wrong?

First, please check that the webcam is plugged-in correctly. Next, select Tools->Media Settings and use the Audio and Video wizard to make sure that your web cam is working properly.

How can I eliminate the echo I hear on my call?

Try the following steps:

• Make sure that microphone and speakers are not too close to each other. This problem should not happen if you are using a headset.
• Make sure that microphone and speaker's volume is not too high.
• Make sure that your (mono/stereo) mixers are not turned on.

What is the set-up wizard for?

We wanted to make downloading and installing yL a simple process. The wizard helps you every step of the way to make sure yL is installed correctly.

yL no longer works for me after I installed a firewall?

After a firewall installation, when yL attempts to connect to the Internet, a dialog pops up, asking whether you allow the connection. You must click Unblock to allow yL to connect to the Internet.

How can I have my own WAV file as my alert sound effect when people call?

Select Tools->Options->Sound Alerts. Click "Select Sound File" button (green file icon). The list of default ring tones is shown. From here you can browse your computer and select your own WAV file to play.

How do I reset yL's default ring tones?

Select Tools->Options->Sound Alerts. Use Reset button (pink icon) to tell yL to use default ring tone. Click OK to save your changes.

USING yL

How do I start using yL?

To get started using yL, you need to download and install our software.

How can I download the software?

Go to www.yourLive.com to download the software.  Save the installation file to your computer. Be sure to remember where you saved the file (the desktop might be a good place).

How do I install yL?

To install yL, you must first download it. (See above.) Double-click the file to start the installation process. Then, just step through the installation program wizard. The installation program has a default installation location under the Program Files directory, but you can select another location.

What happens the first time that I run yL?

The very first time you start yL you must register an account. You will not be able to log in until you do this. Press "register" on the log in page. Now fill in the empty fields. You will be asked to choose an yL username, a password and enter a valid email address. The yL username and password fields are required in order to sign on yL. You can choose your nickname later on your personal profile, which is the name people will see online. You can choose any name as your Username that is easy for you to remember but it needs to be just one word (with no spaces). If the name you choose is already in use by someone else, you will have to select another name. Once the registration is complete, a confirmation email will be sent to you at the email address you provided.

How do I use a headset?

Your headset should act as your microphone and speakers. You need a computer headset and not a telephone headset. A computer headset has two separate connectors - one for the microphone, and one for the speaker (some newer headsets connect via USB ports, these are typically a bit more expensive). Make sure your headset include a microphone. You can also buy a handset, just as long as it has two connectors so that it can be plugged into your computer.

How do I make a call?

There are several ways to call a Contact:

• Select the yL name and then click the phone "Call button" at the bottom of the window.
• Double-click the yL name in your Contact List and the text chat connection will automatically be placed. Then, click the Call button next to the other party's picture/video.
• Right-click the yL name in your Contact List select "Audio/video chat"

How do I answer an yL call?

If someone is calling you, you will hear the sound of a telephone ringing and the yL icon in your system tray will flash. Go to the yL application (if not already visible) and select whether you would like to answer or reject the call in the incoming call tab. As soon as you decide to answer a call, a two-way voice conversation will begin and the duration of the call will be visible. To end the call, click on the hang up button.

How do I know which contacts are online?

Your contacts that are online (except in invisible mode) will have the words online next to them and their picture will be in color. Anyone who is offline will say offline and their picture will be black. The contacts that are online are at the top of each of your groups so they are easy to recognize.

How do I search for a contact?

To search for a contact so that they can be added to your Contacts, select Contacts - Search/Add Contacts. A new search window will open where you can search for people by name, id, email or any other information they have listed in their Personal Profile.

How do I add a Contact?

Once you find someone to add, hi-light his or her name and select "Add Contact". You will be prompted to send a request to that person. Their name will appear on your contact list and once they have accepted you, you will be able to talk with them.

Can I log in from multiple computers with yL? What about my contact list?

Yes, you can log on from multiple locations. All you need is for the computer to have yL installed. You can log in and your contacts will automatically appear.

How do I make a conference call or call multiple people?

It is now possible for up to 4 people to conference call with yL using your contact list. You can call up to 10 people through the LiveRoom. Check out LiveRoom FAQ's. Starting a conference call is simple, hi-light one of the people that you would like to call and press the call button. On the top of the screen, select the "invite contacts" button and hi-light the additionally people. Once you have everyone in the room, press the "connect all" button and everyone will be able to See and Hear each other.
Keep in mind that the host of the conference (the person who started the conference) is the only person that can add new participants.

How do I send text messages or text chat?

To start a text chat, you can highlight your contact and press the "T" button for text chat or you can right click on the contact and select Text Chat.

How do I receive a text chat?

Receiving a text chat is just as easy. When someone wants to text chat with you, you will receive a text chat window. To end a chat, click on the window "Close (X)" button.

How do I change fonts and colors in my chat windows?

With yL you can change the color of your contacts on your contact list. Also when you call or text chat with someone, you can choose a unique font in the chat window. Select "Set font" and you will be able to change your colors, style, font face and text size.

How do I change my yL username?

It is not possible to change your yL username or ID without creating a new account. However, you CAN change your nickname. Just select File->My Personal Profile. Make the changes you wish and then update it.
If you want a different yL username you will need to register as a new user. From the File menu, select "register a new account" and then create a new yL account.

How can I change my personal information on my profile?

In the menu bar of your contact list window, you will see the "File" menu. Drop down the "File" menu, and then select "My Personal Profile". A dialog box will open, and you will be able to make changes to your profile and save them from there.

How do I change my password?

If you would like to change your password please select File->My Personal Profile. Then select "Security Setting" from the left toolbar. You will be able to change your password from here.

If I forget my password, how can I retrieve it?

On the login screen, click on "forget your password" link (located under the password field). You will be directed to a page on the yL Website, where you can request that your password be sent to the email address that was used when you registered your account.

How do I change my email address in my profile?

If you would like to change your email address please select File->Tools->Change Email address. You will be able to change your email address from here.

How do I delete my message history?

You can delete your call list record for each person you chatted with by hi-lighting their name in the Contact List window, and then selecting Actions->Message history. Press "Clear History" on the top.

How long is the message history saved for?

Your messages are saved until you manually delete them.

Why are my chats archived, and what does this mean?

yL archives your chats for you. Chat histories are not stored anywhere on the network. No one else on yL will ever be able to see any of your chat histories except you and the person you are chatting with. Chats are archived as a convenience to you, so that you can easily keep track of your chat conversations on yL. Video messages are also saved, but calls are NOT archived.

How do I add or change My Picture?

Open the yL Contact List window. From the "File" pull-down menu select "My Personal Profile."  You will see the “Edit Personal Profile” dialog box with your display picture at the center top directly under the words “Account Information.”  You can also double click on your picture and this box will pop us as well. Click on the orange Select a picture, and click the "Update" button to close this dialog box and to save your choice.

How do I change the yL sounds?

Select Tools --> Options --> Sound alerts. Here you will be able to customize a sound for each distinct event. The orange arrow will allow you to hear the current sound that is selected. The green folder icon will allow you to select a different sound from the list of available sounds. You can then listen to your selection by selecting the orange arrow again. You can always select the pink button to revert to the yL default sound.

I don't want to be notified every time someone comes online, how do I turn off this
feature?

You can change your online notification settings by going to Tools --> Options --> Notifications. Uncheck the box "When contacts come online" to disable this notification.