Use a web camera for online video conferencing
Emails, instant chat and audio conferencing all have their place in today's web communication technology, but when a face-to-face meeting is required, a video conference can be the perfect solution. Using a web camera to have a video conference over the Internet is common. Many conferencing software programs are free to use, and installing a web camera on your computer takes just a few minutes. The quality of your web conferences will be better when using a web camera properly. Correct installation and following basic tips will ensure a successful video conference using a web camera.
Instructions
1. Use a web camera that meets your needs
Choose a proper web camera. Obtain a web camera with specifications that meet your conferencing needs. For business, choose a high-resolution web camera with automatic focus and a built-in microphone. For a laptop, get a web camera that clips onto the screen. For affordability, get a no-frills, desktop web camera. Verify that the web camera is compatible with your operating system.
2. Install the web camera software. Install the associated software programs that come with the web camera. These usually include added features and any drivers that may be needed to help the camera work more efficiently.
3. Install the web camera. Plug the camera cable into the appropriate port on your computer. If it is a USB camera, plug it into a USB port. If it is a Firewire cable, plug it into the "Firewire" port. Your computer should recognize the camera once it is connected. You can check its connectivity by going to the "Devices and Printers" folder in the "Control Panel."
4. Download free web conferencing software
Install conferencing software. Go to a conference software website. Sign up and download the conferencing software to your computer. You can download "Skype," "Windows Live Messenger," "Yahoo Messenger," "MSN Messenger" and "AOL Instant Messenger" all at no cost.
5. Frame, focus and adjust brightness for a better web conference
Prepare the camera for your web conference. Access the web conferencing software. Place the web camera in a location where it points at you but doesn't get in the way of viewing the screen. Clip the camera on top of the monitor if possible. View the image of your web camera. If it is too dark, adjust the brightness and contrast with your software or simply add more light. Frame the image. Make sure your face is centered and there is enough head room so if you move your head it won't go off camera. If there is no auto focus, focus the camera by gently turning the ring around the lens. Keep the camera cable out of the way of your keyboard.
6. Test the audio on your microphone
Check audio. Test your microphone. Use the conferencing software to verify that your microphone is working. Speak into it at a normal talking level and make sure it is being picked up.
7. Make a video call. Enter the email address, user name or IP address of the person you want to have a web conference with, and talk face to face. Disconnect when you are finished with your web conference.
Tags: conferencing software, video conference, with your, your microphone, adjust brightness