How to Set Up a Video Chat
Video chatting is a way of communicating with people over the Internet. Compared to talking to someone over the phone, a video chat enables both parties to see each other while communicating. Setting up a video chat is not complicated, but you will be required to have a digital video camera that transfers live images to the computer system, also referred to as web cam, a microphone, a video chat service and an Internet connection.
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Instructions
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If it's not already built into your computer, buy a web cam. Web cams can be found at computer stores and can be purchased for under $50. Some web cams also come with a built-in microphone so you don't need to buy them separately.
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Install the web cam. Open the web cam package and follow the instructions to install the package. If there is software in the package, a general rule is to install the software before installing the device. Most often, you can plug in the web cam's USB chord into to computer's USB outlet. A popup should appear on the desktop, which you can click to install the web cam.
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Download a video chat service. Video chat services often come as a feature in calling or instant messing services such as Yahoo! Messenger or AIM (AOL Instant Messenger). Another service is Skype.com. Skype is a free, downloadable software that allows people from all over the world to communicate with each other. You can also see a person if they have a web cam pointing at them and vice versa.
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Set up web cam for the video chat service. Find the video settings area for your service. Depending on which service you have downloaded, it may be located in different areas. Skype, for example, has the video settings located under "Tools" and "Options." When you click on "Video Settings," Skype will try to find a web cam. If you already have a web cam installed, press "Save" to enable use of the web cam while chatting.
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Use the web cam. Once the web cam is detected and installed, you should be able to use it while communicating with the other party. For example, in Skype, simply call another person. When you call someone, you have an option of chatting with them without video, named "Call"; or chatting with them with video, named "Video Call." Once a person on the other end accepts your call, they will be able to see you and simultaneously communicate with you.
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References
- Photo Credit webcam image by Régis Verger from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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trying to figure it out.
