how can we use web camera?

Answer 1

Web cams are hardware/software combinations that stream live video or transmit frequently changing still images to a Web page. These instructions assume you already have a Web site up and running.

Steps:
1. Evaluate the speed of your current computer and modem - sending video images takes a lot of bandwidth and processing power. Get a server computer and a digital modem if you plan to stream live video.

2. Get a videoconferencing camera, digital still camera or digital camcorder to use as your Web cam. (See the Related eHow "How to Choose a Web Camera.")

3. Buy a video digitizing card if you plan to use a camcorder.

4. Select an inexpensive Web cam program or download a shareware program; various Web sites recommend WebCam32, I-Spy, WebCamToo and SpyCam.

5. Connect your Web camera to the computer.

6. Install the Web cam software.

7. Install server software if you plan to transmit images in real time.

8. Connect to your Internet service provider (ISP).

9. Follow the instructions in the Web cam software to begin transmitting images.


Tips:
For convenience, use a camera that does not require a connection to the computer's serial port if possible.



Let's face it — communicating over the Internet with text and emoticons to show your feelings isn't quite as exciting as showing your pearly whites for real.

"Instead of just typing words, Canadians are beginning to realize just how easy and fun it is to send video clips through cyberspace," says Chantal Payette, a Toronto-based tech expert and writer. "Imagine showing off an engagement ring to your best friend in Dallas or holding up a newborn baby for your grandmother to see in Europe — sometimes words just aren't enough."

You can spice up your online communication by selecting from a handful of powerful, yet relatively inexpensive web cameras, or webcams for short. These tiny cameras can be used for sending video e-mails to family and friends; videoconferencing with coworkers, clients or customers; chatting in real-time with other webcam users in instant messaging (IM) programs or specialty chat rooms; or broadcasting your very own TV-like "channel" over the Net.

All you need to get going is a computer, an Internet connection and an inexpensive webcam, some of which are as cheap as $40. Webcams are pretty easy to set up, regardless of the manufacturer and model.

Read Microsoft Home Magazine's basic guide to webcams — learn how they work, what to buy and then follow our pointers to help you send the perfect video message to family and friends.
How webcams work

There are two different ways to use a webcam at home — through e-mail and with instant messaging programs.

E-mail your video files
To use a webcam with e-mail, users must first launch the software that comes with the camera. Depending on the model, the process of e-mailing and recording your video messages may vary. Press Start or Record to begin the video message. Click Stop and then preview the video. You can then click E-mail or Send, which will automatically open your default e-mail program (Outlook 2003 or Outlook Express).

When sending a video e-mail, the longer the video message recorded, the bigger the attachment will be, so make sure the recipient's computer can handle the size. The recipient of the e-mail does not need special software to see your video message; they simply choose to open the attachment and the mini movie will play.

Instant Messaging
An increasingly popular way to chat with webcams is in "real-time" with instant messaging (IM) programs like MSN Messenger.

During an IM chat, there will be an option to start the webcam right on the screen, or under the Options or Tools pull-down menu. In Windows Instant Messenger the words Start Camera are on the right-hand side of the screen. It is also possible to adjust the volume, window size and video resolution with IM options. The person on the other end also needs a webcam to visually chat.
Recommended webcam picks

Webcams come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. The following are two good picks to suit your tastes and wallet.

Creative webCam Live! Camera
Despite the absence of a microphone (required separately), this entry-level colour webcam has a surprisingly long list of features including frame-rates of 30 per second, the ability to take still snapshots, software to set up a spy cam, video chat, videoconference, and even tools to create photo projects like calendars and cards.
$69.95*

QuickCam for Notebooks Pro
QuickCam for Notebooks Pro is a tiny snap-on camera that fits snugly on any laptop screen and features a built-in microphone, digital zoom, 640 x 480 video resolution and 1.3 megapixel-quality photo resolution. The software includes a studio-quality video-editing program.
$149.95*

Creative webCam Live! Camera QuickCam for Notebooks Pro

Helpful webcam hints

Before you start using your webcam, follow these tips on security, operation and webcam etiquette.

* It's highly unlikely — but not impossible — that someone would try to "hack" into your webcam to tap into the conversation or use the webcam to spy on you, says Payette. Sending recorded video messages via e-mail would be more secure than real-time Internet chatting in IM programs.
* Here's a little-known fact about some webcams: the user has the option to turn on a motion sensor function that transforms the device into a "nanny cam" so it'll begin recording once it senses movement. Also, many webcams can take still pictures.
* Don't expect terrific video quality. It's often possible to adjust the video resolution by toying with the webcam's software settings, but the higher the quality, the choppier the video frame rates will be.
* Some webcams require an additional microphone to record audio, so check before buying.
* Adjust your camera's focus, point it towards your face and most importantly, look right into the "eye" of the webcam so your friends on the other end see more than just your forehead.
* Webcam netiquette and dress is just like real-life: be polite, courteous and wear something casual but presentable.

Answer 2

Once you purchase the camera, plug it into your USB port on your computer. There are many competing software programs for web use out there, Try www.download.com for some of the best free programs. Then you can e-mail video, and chat live with video. Especially using SKY internet phone service.

Answer 3

Answer no. 3 is such a detailed one that I cannot describe u better.

Answer 4

just plug it in ur computer & then in ur yahoo messenger click on

MESSENGER > MY WEBCAM