How to Use a Webcam with Yahoo! Chat

Connecting with friends and family via Yahoo! Messenger can be a fun way to communicate. One of the most popular features of this program is its compatibility with webcams. If your computer is equipped with a Webcam and the latest version of Yahoo! Messenger, you can chat visually with anyone else who has the same setup.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Latest version of Yahoo! Messenger
• Functioning and connected Webcam
• Internet connection
• Computer
• Yahoo! account

Start Your Webcam

1. Download the latest version of Yahoo! Messenger at the Messenger home page (see the Resources section below) or launch your existing Messenger software and log in to the system.

2. Clck the Messenger menu and select the 'Start My Webcam' option, or you can click the camera icon found in the IM window toolbar or select the 'Contact' menu in the IM window and choose 'Invite To View My Webcam.'

3. Use your webcam to transmit live video images of anything within the camera's range. You can also communicate by voice and text messaging during a webcam chat session.

Adjust Your Webcam's Image

1. Choose the Messenger menu and click on 'Preferences.'

2. Select the Webcam category.

3. Adjust the frame rate or image quality of your webcam by moving the slider bar.

4. Click 'OK' when you're happy with the results.

Tips & Warnings

• To get more assistance with chat features, go to Yahoo! Messenger Help.

• Download and install the latest security updates to Yahoo! Messenger as they become available to help protect your computer against hackers.

• Your image quality during a Webcam chat will be better if you have broadband Internet service.

• If your Webcam does not seem to be working, consult your user's manual. Yahoo!'s support for Webcams is minimal.

• Make sure you have the latest version of Yahoo! Messenger installed. To download the program or update your software, go to the Yahoo! Messenger home page.