How to Use a Webcam With Yahoo Messenger

The Internet has made it possible for people thousands of miles apart to communicate in real time without having to rely on making long distance phone calls. Emailing and instant messaging are fantastic tools, but with broadband Internet access it's now possible to see one another, too. If you have a webcam, you're ready to use video conferencing with friends and family around the globe. Yahoo Messenger is the perfect place to get started.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Webcam
• Internet access
• Computer
• Yahoo Messenger account

Use Your Webcam in Yahoo Messenger

1. Head to the Yahoo home page, turn on Yahoo Messenger using the 'Messenger' link and log in using your account name and password. You'll need to create an account if you haven't done so already (see Resources below).

2. Click the 'Messenger' followed by the 'Start My Webcam' option. This will load your webcam, and is among the ways you can get your webcam to begin broadcasting.

3. Click on the camera icon that appears in a chat window while you are talking to a friend.

4. Click on a contact from your Contact List, then click 'Invite to View My Webcam.' This opens a new IM window with your webcam active.

5. Click the 'View Webcam' link while talking to others in IM. This will allow you to see their webcams.

6. Use the 'Super Webcam' mode when you want to send and receive high-quality images and feeds. Broadband makes it possible to see one another in very high resolution, although even with high-end broadband your computer may slow down a bit because of the amount of memory and processing power this requires.

7. Click 'Webcam' followed by the 'Who's Watching Me' button to see which of your friends is receiving your webcam's feed.

Tips & Warnings

• Adjust your webcam to be in a convenient position. Most people opt to set it on top of the monitor or just below it. The better the angle, the easier it will be to voice chat using the webcam (you won't need to move your whole head to be centered, just your eyes).
• If you're having trouble calibrating your webcam or need assistance setting it up, try Yahoo Answers for assistance (see Resources below). Members of the community are glad to help.
• Be very careful to avoid violating the terms and conditions set forth by Yahoo Messenger. Hosting pornography, for example, is a violation, and can be punishable by banning or even criminal charges in extreme cases. Regardless of your account's privacy settings, Yahoo can still monitor such illegal activity.

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[katanimals]

on 12/15/2008 As silly as it may sound, does the receiving end need to have a webcam to see me? I realize that I would not be able to see them but again, can they see and hear me?

[winstonperry]

on 10/26/2008 my webcam is telling me that my other end is recieving but, they cant hear me or see , so i have to go back to typing and end the web cam part. What am i doing wrong