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Webcam chat - need to know some basic stuff

shutter
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Webcam chat - need to know some basic stuff

My missus has an "integral" webcam on her laptop, running W7.....
how do I set it up, so she can have webcam chats with her great granddaughter who lives 200 miles north of here? 
Is there a Windows Webcam Chat setup? or what ?
Any help should be in the format of " hello simple simon,    Undecided  here is your step by step guide,... 1... switch on laptop before starting... 2.... etc.  etc..
Thanks Wink
21 REPLIES 21
jelv
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Re: Webcam chat - need to know some basic stuff

Skype!
jelv (a.k.a Spoon Whittler)
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Mav
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Re: Webcam chat - need to know some basic stuff

I second that.
I used to use Yahoo and avoided Skype but SWMBO insisted I try it and I found the video quality is so much better - even with the basic camera on the laptop.
I found it easy to set up and a breeze to use and was great for keeping in touch with family when I was away in August/September.

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nozzer
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Re: Webcam chat - need to know some basic stuff

Did he really mean that? Or did he mean literally set it up? If the latter, you shouldn't need to. The laptop should have its own cam driver software installed and it should be ready to go.
Is there a drop-down box that appears on the screen? Try running the mouse pointer all the way around the extreme edges of the screen and something may well appear as a pop-in. If not, look in the Program list for something that looks like it in the title. That should have a way to start it and control its performance.
shutter
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Re: Webcam chat - need to know some basic stuff

@ nozzer.... no, and yes !... yes, I know the webcam works, as I have seen my ugly mug staring back at me !....
so really I need to know how to set up the link between here and there, etc....
Is there any cost involved with Skype?  Is there a "free" webcam chat?
Mav
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Re: Webcam chat - need to know some basic stuff

Sorry, meant set up Skype to look and feel as you want it too.
As for the camera - just good to go as it is without any adjustments although I did tweak the settings to suit my needs better.
I still use Yahoo occasionally for those that don't have Skype and use MultiCam so I can have both working at the same time.
Skype is free to use PC to PC it's only when you use it to ring an actual phone that costs become involved.
I looked into this for SWMBO for ringing her family but it worked out dearer than using one of those cheap international call 0871 numbers. Now she uses Skype almost exculively without cost. Makes me happy because she can talk for over two hours in one session  Cheesy

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shutter
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Re: Webcam chat - need to know some basic stuff

OK... so still don`t know how to set it up... ( Skype or Yahoo)... presumably I will need to set up an "account".... and there is "online" instructions on making the link.?
Mav
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Re: Webcam chat - need to know some basic stuff

Definitely go for Skype .
Download the software from the link. When you run it you will be prompted to enter your login details or create a new account.
Hope that helps.

Edit: From memory the Create New Account opens a page in your browser and the only details you must enter are first & last name (I use the same forename for both). Email address, Login ID and Password.
You can also now talk to people who use Windows Live Messenger.

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shutter
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Re: Webcam chat - need to know some basic stuff

OK.Thanks, Mav.... will have a looksee.... Pastures new.... always something new to learn.... and this forum is the best place to get help and info...
Thanks to each and everyone...  Wink
Mav
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Re: Webcam chat - need to know some basic stuff

Edited my post above for more info Smiley

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shutter
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Re: Webcam chat - need to know some basic stuff

Thanks again Mav Kiss
jelv
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Re: Webcam chat - need to know some basic stuff

Quote from: Mav
You can also now talk to people who use Windows Live Messenger.

Not for much longer! See http://community.plus.net/forum/index.php/topic,109017.0.html
jelv (a.k.a Spoon Whittler)
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Mav
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Re: Webcam chat - need to know some basic stuff

Quote from: shutter
Thanks again Mav Kiss
Aww, shucks  Embarrassed Embarrassed
@jelv As I don't have any Windows Live Messenger contacts I never investigated it any further. Thanks for pointing that out.
Actually, my daughter does have a WLM account but I used to talk to her on that through Yahoo. I don't have a webcam for my main PC so rarely use Skype on that keeping to Yahoo.

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jelv
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Re: Webcam chat - need to know some basic stuff

Related question: it's my brother's idea that we get my mother a laptop with camera so that we can Skype her using video. I've just looked at the cost of web cams to add to my desktop PC - they seem to go from about £5 to £100. Can anyone give me pointers on how to choose?
jelv (a.k.a Spoon Whittler)
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Mav
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Re: Webcam chat - need to know some basic stuff

Only go for the more expensive ones if you really need the ability to zoom or remote control.
SWMBO has one for her PC that cost less that £20 and does the job, is HD and the quality is more than acceptable.
We prefer the Logitech ones as we have found support to be excellent as is the software.
Of course, the HD is useless unless you have a decent upload speed.
Edit: Something like this should suffice if all you want to do is basic webcaming - it includes a microphone.

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