How to Use Webcams on MSN Messenger

MSN Messenger allows you to communicate with people all over the country. Chatting allows you to keep in touch and share your thoughts and feelings. The conversation is much quicker and more interactive than email. Sometimes, though, it would be really nice to see who you are chatting with. Fortunately, it is possible to use Webcams on MSN Messenger to do just that. By setting up your Webcam for use on MSN Messenger, you will be able to have a video chat with friends, family, or colleagues. Follow these steps to find out how.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access
• Webcam if you are sending video

How to Use Webcams on MSN Messenger

1. Log in to your account at the MSN Web site (see Resources below).

2. Locate the "Webcam" icon underneath your display picture.

3. Click the "Webcam" icon.

4. Select "Send My Webcam" to the person that you want to send your video to.

5. Wait for your chat partner to accept your Webcam invitation. Once he or she accepts it, your live video feed will begin.

6. Finish sending the video feed by clicking the "Webcam" icon once again.

7. Open the MSN Messenger program on your computer.

Show or Hide Your Webcam

1. Open MSN Messenger on your computer.

2. Click the "Tools" menu and then select "Options" from the drop-down list.

3. Locate the "Personal" link and click it with your mouse.

4. Find the "My Webcam" area and either select or de-select next to where it says "Allow Others to See That I Have a Webcam." This is handy for letting those in your chat list know whether you can have a video chat with them--whether or not they have Webcams.

Tips & Warnings

• Sending video over the Internet is one of the most demanding things you can do with your Internet connection. To increase your enjoyment, it's helpful if both parties in the chat have a high-speed Internet connection.

• Only the sender needs to have and use a Webcam. The receiver does not need a Webcam to view the video feed.

• For audio along with your video, both the sender and the receiver will need a sound card and speakers or headphones. To chat back and forth, both will also need a microphone or headset.

• You can only ask one person at a time to accept your Webcam invitation. However, you can then invite other people to separate video feeds.

• If you are having trouble making a video connection, verify that any firewalls you may be using are turned off.