This document provides instructions for setting up a webcam to enable video chatting. It recommends purchasing a webcam, installing the necessary drivers, connecting the webcam and audio devices to the computer, and setting up a Windows Live Messenger account. The steps include configuring audio and video settings in Messenger, finding online friends to call, and making video calls to chat face-to-face over the internet. The overall purpose is to allow users to communicate in real-time with video in addition to text.

1. How to set up Webcam
Chat face-to-face online
with your friends.
This document is used for Newcastle University Alumni training only
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2. 1. What is webcam?
Webcams are small cameras (usually, though not always, video cameras), whose images can
be accessed using the World Wide Web, instant messaging, or a PC video conferencing
application.
You can use any type of USB web camera you would like. Obviously, first thing you should
do is purchase a webcam. There are a lot of cameras that are possible to buy less than for £10
which are perfectly acceptable for everybody. Most famous companies selling webcams are:
ASUS, CANYON, CREATIVE, CYBER SNIPA, EMTEC, EU3C, GENIUS, HP, LEADTEK,
LENOVO, LOGITECH, MICROSOFT, MSI, SAITEK, SAMSUNG, SWEEX, US ROBOTICS etc.
before your buy a webcam, read the description, the higher Megapixel is, the clearer webcam
capture.
2. Why use webcam?
Communicating over the Internet with text and emoticons to show your feelings isn’t quite as
exciting as showing your pearly whites for real. Now you can spice up your online communication
by selecting from a handful of powerful yet relatively inexpensive
webcams. These tiny cameras can be used for
 sending video e-mail to family and friends
 videoconferencing with co-workers, clients or customers
 chatting in real-time with other webcam users in
Windows Live Messenger, Skype or specialty chat rooms
 broadcasting your very own TV-like “channel” over the
Net
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3. 3. How to use webcam?
Setting up a webcam is a simple process that can be done in very little time. Just follow these
instructions and you'll be ready to go.
Step 1: install webcam driver.
Your Webcam usually came with a driver installation CD, runs that first. This will install programs to
make your webcam work and also help you get the most out of it.
Tips：
Do not connect the device before you have installed the drivers.
Step 2: connect the webcam
When prompted, plug the webcam into your USB port. Windows XP/Vista/7 should recognize it and
configure it automatically.
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4. Tips：
You may see a series of messages from your system after you connect you
device. Please be patient while your system updates.
Step 3: connect audio device to you computer
Some webcam embed a Microphone inside, what you should do is that connect the audio jack of your
webcam to the Microphone jack on you PC. Some webcams do not have a separate audio jack. The USB
provides audio as well as video on some cameras.
If your webcam do not have the audio function, please connect separate headset to your computer.
You're done. You're ready to start using your webcam.
Next few steps will teach you configure your webcam that you can make video chat via Windows Live
Messenger
Step 4: Set up your Windows Live Messenger
In the Windows Live Messenger window, click 'Sign up for a Windows Live ID'. This will
open a web page.
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5. Choose your username and password. You may find you have to try more than one username
if someone else has already taken your first choice.
When you're done, enter your username and password into the Windows Messenger window
to log in.
Step 5: Set up your webcam with Messenger
Now make sure the sound output (PC speakers or headsets), sound input (microphone in the
webcam or headsets) and the video input (the webcam) are communicating properly.
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6. Click the menu button as circled in picture. Choose Tools > Audio and video setup. Follow
the instructions and, when prompted, choose the entries that correspond to your webcam.
You'll be prompted to speak to make sure the microphone is picking up your voice. In the next
step you'll see the image that your webcam is seeing. This should be you! Adjust the position of
the webcam until you're centered.
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7. Step 7: find your friend
To find someone else using the same program, click the icon in the Messenger menu bar. Enter
your friends’ information. A request will be sent to them. When they accept, they'll appear in your
list. If they're online at the time, it may take only seconds, else they will see your request when
they login next time.
Step 8: make a call
Agree with your friend when you'll be online. In the Messenger window, right-click on the
friend’s name > Video > Start a video call to let them know you want to chat. When they click
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8. 'Accept', you should see each other. You can also send written messages. Double-click on their
name.
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