The ABCs of webcams
Few of us are lucky enough to live near all the people we love. With grandparents across the country, brothers and sisters in different cities, and (eventually) kids off at college, staying in touch can be tough. Phone calls are a good start. But when you want to save on long distance and show off your new baby or see your niece’s latest dance routine, using a webcam (short for web cameras) can give you that feeling of being there.
How does a webcam work? A small camera attached to your computer sends video images back and forth between you and another webcam user so you can have conversations just like you would if you were actually face-to-face. Communicating through a webcam is similar to using traditional video conferencing. But instead of sending images through phone lines, webcams use Internet chat programs, such as instant messaging (IM) tool, to deliver the video and sound. For example, if you wanted to talk with your best friend via a webcam, you’d both log into the same IM program and video chat in a private window that appears on both of your computers.
Setting up a webcam for the first time might seem a bit intimidating — but getting started is easier than you think. By following a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to start video chatting in no time.
Get the gear
In addition to your computer, you only need four things to connect with your family members via a webcam:
1. Camera : Webcams come in lots of shapes and sizes, but the most popular ones are eyeball cameras — small, round devices that usually sit on your desk or on top of your monitor.
“The easiest way is to use the same type of camera on both ends of a chat,” says Tom, owner of webcamorder website. “Theoretically, it shouldn’t matter, but we find that people have fewer connection issues when they’ve got equipment from the same vendor.”
While some bare-bones webcams can cost $50 or less, these baseline models won’t include everything you want (like auto focus, so grandma can see you clearly). According to Williams, cameras in the $100 range should provide the features you need — including a built-in microphone, which you would have to buy and set up separately if it’s not included in your webcam. Most webcams can also take still pictures just like your digital camera. And if you’re willing to part with up to $350, you can get a camera with motion sensors that, for example, let you use it as a “nanny cam” or security camera that will begin recording once it senses movement in a room.
2. Webcam software : Software enables your webcam to connect to your computer, and it is included with the camera when you buy it. One word of caution: Make sure you read the installation instructions before you plug the camera into your computer! It’s rare, but sometimes plugging in the camera before the software is installed will prevent it from working properly.
3. Internet connection: Any Internet connection will do, but broadband, such as DSL or cable Internet access, will give you the best picture and sound quality.
4. Chat program :Instant messaging tools are the most common way to video chat with your friends and family because most are already on your buddy list and your chats will be totally private. To use your webcam to video chat with friends and family, you and the person you’re talking to need to use the same IM program that supports video chat. For example, you can use programs such as AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, Skype or Apple iChat, which you can download for free from each service’s web site. Then just add the people you want to video chat with to your buddy list or friends list.
Plug and play
Assuming you choose a webcam with a built-in microphone, getting it set up should only take a few minutes. Read the camera’s user manual and follow the installation instructions. Next, plug the webcam into your computer (they usually attach via a USB cable). The computer should now “see” the new device and pop up a short message that tells you how to start using it.
At this point, you’re ready to start using your webcam. Adjust your camera’s focus — point it toward your face, turn the focus dial until the picture becomes clear on your computer screen. To kick off a video chat session, you and your chat partner should both be online and logged into the same IM program. Send a request to your friend by clicking your program’s webcam or chat icon. Once your friend accepts the invite, you’ll both see each other in the small windows on your computer screen. Your conversation can begin.
Webcam safety
Keep in mind that webcams require the same kinds of safeguards you’d use for any other Internet activity — especially when it comes to your kids. Keep the following in mind to make sure your family stays safe: Have your kids get your permission before using the webcam. Experts say you should always know the people they’re talking to online.
It’s a good idea to limit chats to family and friends, and to forbid access to public webcam chat rooms on the Internet where your kids can potentially view inappropriate content.
Don’t let kids have a webcam in their bedrooms, where you can’t keep tabs on what they’re doing.
Advise kids to never give out their IM address to people they don’t know; otherwise strangers can IM your kids to invite them to video chat.
The bottom line with webcams: with just a few standard online safety precautions, they can let you have face-to-face conversations with people you love — even if those people are thousands of miles away. So get video chatting or discover the world with ABCwebcam directoty of live webcams!