How to Use a Webcam on a Gateway Laptop

Webcams are small cameras that can be used as an aid when chatting online with friends and family. If you have a webcam for your computer, you can use it to video conference with your online pals or business associates. Webcams can be purchased at any computer or electronics store, and sometimes comes as a built in addition to a laptop or personal computer. Webcams are used in conjunction with instant messaging programs such as Skype, a free download online. You can easily configure a webcam to work with your Gateway laptop.

Things You'll Need

• Webcam
• Skype or other instant messaging program

Instructions

How to Use a Webcam on a Gateway Laptop

1. Install the software that came with your webcam. Follow the software installation wizard on your Gateway laptop to properly install the webcam software.

2. Download Skype or a similiar instant messaging program that supports webcam chats. Skype is available free for download online. Install Skype or the messaging software of your choice.

3. Ensure the webcam is plugged into your laptop, and log into Skype.

4. Begin a video chat with a friend. Select an online friend -- online friends are indicated by a green check mark in Skype -- and double click their name. Select the green telephone icon at the top left corner of the pop up window that appears. This will signal to your friend that you wish to video conference.

5. Talk looking into the webcam, and adjust the webcam as needed. To end the call, press the red telephone button that appears in your Skype chat window.

Tips & Warnings

• AIM, YAHOO, Trillian, and MSN chat platforms also all support webcam chats.

References

• Skype