How to Tell if a Webcam Is Functional
Webcams are a popular method of communication for people, near and far. A webcam is a video camera connected to your computer that sends a live video feed to the Internet. Webcams allow you to communicate with another person with face-to-face via video chat. Communication software such as Yahoo Instant Messenger and Skype use webcams to enhance your chatting experience. A variety of external webcams exists, and some computers such as laptops and certain desktops come with webcams built-in.
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Instructions
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Check if the webcam is plugged in. An external webcam uses a USB port to get power. If the webcam is getting power, the light at the top of the webcam will glow.
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Start the webcam software and check if the webcam is broadcasting a picture. Most webcams come with software for the webcam, but programs such as Skype and Yahoo Instant Messenger can run a webcam as well. Launch the software and see if the webcam picks up the broadcast. If it does, the webcam is working. If it does not, the webcam is not working.
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Make sure your computer recognizes your webcam. Click "Start," "My Computer," "Device Manager" and locate your webcam in the list of devices. If the computer recognizes the webcam, it will be listed. If the webcam has a yellow triangle with a black exclamation point inside it, there is a problem with the webcam and the computer cannot access it.
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Tips & Warnings
If your computer can see the webcam, but the webcam will not work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the software that came with the webcam.
Go to your webcam manufacturer's website and update the drivers for the webcam.
Make sure that you select the correct drivers for your model webcam. Installing the wrong drivers will disable your webcam.
References
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