How to Test a Webcam With Someone for Skype

The first webcam was developed in 1991, and stationed at Cambridge University, watching a coffee pot.

You've spent hours and hours on Skype, typing away, sending messages to friends both far and near. Finally you decide to purchase a webcam -- after all, why send instant messages when you can talk face to face (albeit through computer)? One fear lingers in the back of your mind: What if your webcam won't work with Skype? The only way to find out for sure is to use Skype's built-in webcam testing to feature to test your webcam.

Instructions

1. Install your webcam according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some webcams will require you to install drivers (usually located on a CD accompanying the webcam), while other webcams are plug and play compatible -- meaning as soon as you plug them in, they work. If the webcam is already installed, proceed to step two.

2. Update all of the drivers and other files associated with your webcam. You will have to visit manufacturer's website to do this.

3. Open Skype, by double-clicking on the Skype icon found on either your desktop, or in the "Start" menu. The Skype icon looks like a white "S" in a blue blob. When Skype opens, you'll see a login page asking for your email address and password. Type these in, then click "Sign in."

4. Click "Tools," "Options," then the "Video" tab. Check the "Enable Skype Video" box. If you don't do this Skype won't detect your webcam and won't allow you to talk using video.

5. Choose your webcam from the list of devices in the same tab. Click the "Test Webcam" button. A webcam test page will appear. The video you see here is exactly what any of your friends communicating with you will see. If you need to adjust anything, you can use the "Webcam Settings" button found below on the same page.

References

• The Trojan Room Coffee Pot Biography
• Skype: Video Calling

Resources

• Skype