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Choosing a webcam

Video calls to friends and family the other side of the world has become a regular occurrence in New Zealand homes thanks to free software like Skype, and more affordable webcams.

Many lap top computers, and even some personal computer monitors, come with a webcam built into the screen. If you do not own such a machine or monitor you can pick a webcam up from the likes of Dick Smith Electronics for less than $40.

VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE

HP, Logitech and Microsoft all make webcams in various shapes and sizes.

The Microsoft LifeCam VX-500, for example, is a compact model. It’s long, thin and designed to clip to the top of a computer screen: ideal for a laptop. The Microsoft Lifecam VX-800 is a square model with a fold out base which makes it ideal for shelf or desk mounting.

The Logitech Webcam C120, which looks something like a mounted eyeball, sits atop a universal clip which can be attached to desks, laptops and monitors. It delivers a 1.3 megapixel picture, as does the similar C300 and C500, while the C600 is a 2 Megapixel model with a high definition (HD) picture.

If your system already has too many trailing leads, and you don’t want to add a webcam lead to it, consider a laptop of monitor with a built in webcam.

Obviously the higher the camera’s resolution the better, but beware. HD pictures can churn up bandwidth and, if overused, chew into your internet usage. Most internet service providers have a usage monitor which you can log into to keep an eye on your account.

Webcams such as these are compatible with the three most recent versions of Windows - XP, Vista and 7.

DRIVING YOUR NEW WEBCAM

Before you can use your new webcam you will need to install its driver. XP users will most probably have to do this themselves with the accompanying disk, but a personal computer running Vista or Windows 7 that is connected to the internet will most likely find and install the driver automatically, when the webcam is first plugged in, and then let you know it has done so via a dialogue screen.

SKITE WITH SKYPE

Most webcams come with proprietary software which is usually superfluous if you just want to use Skype. If you want to mess around with special effects during your call then install whatever software comes with your webcam and have a play. If you are not sure what the extraneous software does put its name, found on the webcam box or installation disk, into your search engine and see what comes up. There will be those who rave about it and those who hate it but you can make an informed decision about whether to install it.

Now, with your webcam plugged into your nearest USB in hand, go and download Skype, Windows Live Messenger or Yahoo! Messenger and make your first call.

Skype, free from www.skype.com, is probably the best piece of software as many people are using it. Create an account, tell your friends to do the same and then give them a call over the internet for free.