Web Cams...

[20south]

I am trying to figure out how to set up a Web Cam so I can talk to my brother face to face instead of typing by e-mail. I need advice on everything from how to set one up, to what brand to buy, and even if that's what I should be calling it.

---He is currently stationed in Guam with the Air Force, and this will be the first Thanksgiving and Christmas that he hasn't been at home. More than for me, I would like to surprise my mom with it because I know its going to be more difficult for her than anyone.

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated!

[whatudeserve69]

Setting one up is easy. Just pick out a cam (I have no suggestions on that part, sorry) and install it. I have found that running the cam using yahoo messenger the easiest. Maybe someone else out there knows a better program because the yahoo seems to work a little better if both parties have high speed internet connections.

[lost_n_ny]

Hey 20South
I agree the best way to use one is through yahoo messenger. I know that most cams are pretty cheap and not bad. I have a cheap-o from wally world and it works great.

[Brian]

For a Brand, go with a Logitech Quickcam. Preferably a 4000 series or better. Creative Live cams are also quite good. For software, the best I have tried is Sightspeed. www.sightspeed.com Works fantastic with no worries about firewalls or other issues that typically cause headaches with video chat.

[Jay]

When my husband was in Iraq, I bought the cheapest one Wal-Mart had (I think it was about $19.96) and it was easy to install. I can assure you that I am not a computer whiz and it was not hard. I always talked to him using Yahoo messenger and it was easy as well! Just giving you my personal experience!

[Eagle101]

Will the web cam work on dial up? That is all I have out here in the sticks.

[armywife87]

I have a Logitech cam 1.3 true mega pixels, it cost me 80 bucks but its TINY and is made for laptops. The installation is really easy, step by step instructions. My husband and I always used yahoo messenger because its easy, and we never had any problems with it. You can get the cheap ones and the pitcher is fine, but if you want the clarity make sure you get the 1.3 TRUE mega pixels. Oh and they have some really neat ones out there, ones that follow you when you move, but I wasn't up to spending 200 bucks for a cam.

[armywife87]

Will the web cam work on dial up? That is all I have out here in the sticks.

Yes it dose, but the picture is a little choppy, witch to me is better than nothing.

[Eagle101]

I will have to try one. I have a sister in North Carolina that has one, but she has high speed.

[Jeff]

For a Brand, go with a Logitech Quickcam. Preferably a 4000 series or better. Creative Live cams are also quite good. For software, the best I have tried is Sightspeed. www.sightspeed.com Works fantastic with no worries about firewalls or other issues that typically cause headaches with video chat.

And I concur.

[20south]

Thanks so much to everyone that replied!

[mmcd3182]

I have a logitech, and are integrated into most major messaging programs (MSN messenger, Yahoo messenger-I deleted mine because everyone seemed to be on MSN or AOL or GoogleTalk). There is also using Netmeeting, which you can use a whiteboard, chat (as in text), use speech-speech full duplex and video. Even on dialup, most of the time the cams work alright if you have them configured correctly.