What Is Webcam Linux
Hardware products such as webcams usually come with installation discs that allow you to install the hardware with a simple wizard. However, these discs may not include software to install your webcam with alternative operating systems such as Linux. You do not need a webcam specifically for Linux if yours is compatible with existing Linux drivers, which allow your webcam and computer to communicate.
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Background
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Linux is an operating alternative to Microsoft's Windows for personal computers. There are several variants of Linux, including the common RedHat and Ubuntu. A webcam is a a live-streaming camera that connects to your computer via USB port to transmit your images to compatible websites and programs, like chat clients. Even if your webcam is not intended for Linux, it may still be compatible.
UVC Webcam Drivers
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Ubuntu strives for plug-and-play webcam compliance by using a universal driver, rather than individual drivers for each webcam, similar to the way that hard drives and memory sticks use universal drivers. Webcam support is specifically provided by the Linux UVC Project's UVC driver. Thus, when choosing a webcam for use with Linux, you should look for one that is UVC-compatible.
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Compatible Cameras
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The Linux UVC Project offers a list of webcams that are compatible with the UVC driver. The list includes devices from well-known manufacturers such as Logitech, Creative and Kodak, as well as cams integrated into laptops by the manufacturer. For example, several of the models of the Microsoft LifeCam series are UVC-compatible. The same goes for Logitech's Quickcam series.
Considerations
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Some webcams are compatible with Linux with individual drivers, including the Rastageeks driver, which was originally a hack. In addition to this, the Ubuntu wiki provides downloads and information on the Ov51x driver, which supports webcams such as the Hercules Classic. After installing a driver, you can use the program Cheese, which captures still images and video, to test the performance of your webcam with Linux.
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References
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