Of course, such a device as a webcam is used by most people to see the other person while communicating through a computer. And if this device was once very expensive and not everyone could afford it, today there are no problems with this at all, especially for owners of modern laptops, cameras in which are already built-in.
So, on the agenda we have a question about how to work with a webcam. Those who believe that it is quite simple to purchase it at the nearest computer store are not quite right. You still need a computer (netbook, laptop) with an Internet connection (by the way, pretty fast so that later there would be no problems with the quality of transmission and image acquisition).
To begin with, we note that webcams are non-built and built-in. The latter, as a rule, are already mounted in a netbook or laptop, and the former must be purchased separately, and then connected using a special installation. If your webcam is built-in, then with the question of how to use the webcam on a laptop, you most likely will not have problems. The software for your portable computer device already has a program for using your webcam. For a desktop computer, you must purchase the appropriate webcam, which will then need to be installed.
How to use a webcam: mount a device
First you need to install a webcam in the most convenient place for you (on a computer desk or on the monitor itself). Use a special adhesive layer, which is available on the stand of the device.
Now connect the webcam using the cable that came with it to the free USB port of your computer device.
How to use a webcam: installing the device on Linux
Further, your actions will depend on what operating system you have on your computer. If it is Linux, then you should first run the xawtv firmware. If a TV tuner is already present on your computer, select a webcam as the signal source in this program. You should be aware that in Linux operating system, working with a device such as a webcam is organized a little worse than with a tuner. However, if you find that the camera you just purchased does not work, do not rush to get upset and run to the store to return the goods. Give the device a second chance by updating the distribution. It is possible that the camera will still work. Remember that some webcams that are incompatible with the xawtv program work fine with another program called camorama.
How to use a webcam: installing a device on Windows
In the operating system in question there are no devices built-in to work with web cameras. Therefore, you first need to install software on your computer, which is included on the disc and comes bundled with a webcam. If there is a problem with the disk or if the drive is simply not provided on your computer device, you can download the necessary program on the Internet. It is important to remember that finding software for some webcam models can be so difficult that it will only be possible to work with the device on a Linux system.
How to use a webcam: practice
Now that we have made the webcam work, it's time to start practicing. Learn how to create pictures and videos with it, and how to save them.
In order to start communicating via a webcam, install Skype on your computer. Today, you can also make video calls in many popular social networks.
Pay attention to the state of the webcam LED. As a rule, it glows only when the camera is shooting. You can find out about the individual features of your webcam by carefully reading the instructions that came with the device. If the camera’s LED lights up when you are not using the camera, and this should not be the case according to the rules, then it will not be superfluous to check your computer for viruses. In any case, it is better to close the camera or turn it with the lens to the wall when not in use.