Webcam's for novices


Intro

I know, the page's title is a bit dry but Webcam's for Dummies is already registered:) I know you all are smarter, as you're reading here instead of buying the book, right? This page is dedicated to the newbies that would love to venture out into the webcam world but don't have a clue where to start. We're not going to say we've done it all or that we know about all of the possible programs, besides you're probably reading this in hopes of finding the most simple answers?


The most common question we're asked is: "Do we need to get a webcam to view these chat rooms?" Short answer, sometimes. OK, lets say you just want to explore and don't want to buy a cam until you've seen a few places. That's how we started, so, on that let's see what's available.



Web browser cam sites

These are almost always 'one way' for video, although some may offer two way text chat. A few install web browser add-ons that extend the video ability.

You viewing others

Most of these don't require you to install any program. Some may not work well with older versions (4.7x) of Netscape. There may be a few gems out there but by and large these are a moneymaker for the persons on cam and offer little swinging potential. We'll try to get together a list here if anyone cares to forward us some.



Making a private webcam web site

Web Browser Cam Allows you to 'run' your own for free! This one doesn't require a direct connection to you (good if you have a home firewall), and allows you to upload the image to a web site of your choice.



Webcam programs - no cam required

Lurkers is a term used to describe you if you are in one of the rooms and have no camera. It's said that it comes from "lurking in the shadows" as their view of you is 'dark'.


Yahoo! IM Is a free program that is a cam enabled chat program. You can view others one at a time, others can view you in multiple if you enable it. Private rooms can be created too. Here's how to join a room called NJ-BNA Cam and Chat.



PalTalk There is a free version and a pay one, the pay one ($24 US Dollars) giving full motion video. Rooms are numerous. You can create your own room, have your own room monitors and even password the room to keep unwanted folks out. Many to many in nature, preferred by the exhibitionist!



MSN Messenger



NetMeeting Has been around for a while and is available for many versions of Windows. It allows only one-to-one video chat. Video quality is very good to excellent, with audio being average to very good. Windows XP users - NetMeeting is preinstalled on your computer. Mac Users - There is no version of NetMeeting for Mac. Try Ispq.com or icuii.com. Here's a good site for NetMeeting newbies. Linux users also have a NetMeeting compatable H.323 client here Also is the Linux NETMEETING HOWTO (last link is not for the technophobic).



Webcam programs - cam required

CU-SeeMe Is still being used by many folks, although the number of reflectors is dwindling. Many to many in nature, preferred by the exhibitionist! Video quality varies from slightly below average to very good, audio support is poor to below average. More info...



Recommended Cams

See the hardware price reviews here (starting at $18 USD). Make sure the the cam works with at least NetMeeting!




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Last modified Thursday, October 02, 2003 3:27 PM