Learning how to use a web camera is not a difficult task, and is a great way to save money while expanding communications. Web cameras are typically plug-n-play, which makes them very easy to install, even for someone who is not used to computers, or is even completely computer illiterate. Downloading free or very cheap video conferencing software, such as Skype, is also quick and easy for inexperienced users. With a robust Internet connection, a web camera, and a few minutes worth of downloading and installing, long distance calling charges are a thing of the past.
Web-based Camera Set-up
A web-based camera, commonly called a webcam, is usually very easy to set up. Most webcams are made to be easily installed, by simply plugging the webcam’s USB cable into an available USB port on the computer.
- Identify an available USB (Universal Serial Bus) port on the computer that will host the webcam video conference. USB ports are wide and flat, and denoted by a symbol of a trident, or three-pronged fork, with each of the three tines ending in a different symbol - a circle, triangle, or square.
- Connect the webcam’s USB cable to the USB port.
- Watch for the computer’s “New Hardware Detected” message.
Web Conference Solutions
Web conference solutions, such as Skype, provide online video conferencing for free. Skype will only work between two users that both have the software installed. The process for downloading Skype is the same on most computers, although there is a different file for a PC versus a Mac.
- Download Skype for Windows here to install the conferencing software on a PC.
- Download Skype for Mac OSX here to install Skype on a Mac.
- Download the beta version of Skype for Linux here for computers running Linux.
After downloading the software, follow on-screen instructions for installation, and set up a user account. Use email addresses or names to find the other conference call members, and connect.
T-1 Internet Access for Video Conferencing?
T-1 Internet access is provided through either copper or fiber-optics, and offers speeds of 1.544 megabits per second. This robust bandwidth ensures that a video conference using web cameras can take place without audio or video drops, but is not absolutely necessary. Any broadband connection, including DSL or cable Internet, provides enough speed to support online video conferencing. Want to check the speed of an Internet connection? Read Compare Internet Service Providers With Speed Tests.
Long-distance Conference Calls Via Web Camera
Make long-distance conference calls with a web camera using Skype, and avoid expensive telephone calls and phone bills.
Looking for more information about Skype? Read:
- Video Conference Calls & Small Business Phone Services From Skype
- Make Free Calls Online With Skype - Free Internet Phone Call Services
To learn more about video conferencing, read:
For information about using web cameras on a local network, to provide images to outside computers, read:
Victoria Nicks - Victoria Nicks has a Master's Degree in IT, and extensive hands-on experience with various types of hardware and software.
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