How to Link Up Via Webcam

Webcams and VOIP software make linking up over long distances possible.

Webcams and the Internet have revolutionized Web conferencing, making it convenient to video conference over long distances and even from mobile devices. With the rise of broadband Internet and Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (VOIP) applications, users with a high-speed Internet connection and webcams can communicate with friends, family and business contacts right from their PC or laptop. Linking up via webcam requires the assistance of special computer networking applications, making on-the-fly video conferencing possible.

Things You'll Need

• VOIP software
• USB Microphone

Instructions

1. Plug the webcam and microphone into a free USB slot, start your computer and log in as administrator.

2. Download and install a VOIP networking software application such as Skype or Google Voice. Register an account with the VOIP provider.

3. Connect to the VOIP provider to check the functionality of your webcam and microphone. Most VOIP software allows you to make a test call to check if the networking peripherals are working correctly.

4. Add friends and family to your VOIP application's contacts list. Email family members to solicit their account contact information and to provide them with your new VOIP contact information.

5. Call a contact online and link up via VOIP using a webcam and microphone.

References

• FCC: Voice-Over-Internet Protocol

Resources

• Skype: Home