In this article I am going to tell you how to install a webcam and go out and chat with your family, friends or maybe meet someone new. Don’t worry it is all very simple and inexpensive. That’s right chit-chat face to face with family, friends, and new folks for next to nothing.

Things you need to set up a good Video Chat over the Internet

· 6 things you should know before buying an internet webcam

1. The higher megapixels the better or more crisp the image .5 is adequate over one is good over two is really good. Note: megapixels is often abbreviated mp

2. If the lens is made of glass the image is generally more crisp.

3. The higher the frame per second the less “choppy” the image. Thirty frames per second or more is generally fine. Note: frames per second is often abbreviated fps

4. The higher the resolution the more clear the image. Today the standard resolution on webcams is 640x480 which is fine.

5. You can get a pretty good webcam for about $50 and an excellent one for under $175

6. Make absolutely certain the webcam is supported (or has device drivers for) your version of Windows. Most will be Windows XP and Windows 2000 compatible. However, with Windows Vista you could have some issues.

Internet Webcam Installation

I recommend you purchase either a Logitech, Microsoft, or Creative (creative labs) webcam. All of these have usb versions and so they are a breeze to install. Just plug the camera into the usb slot (the flat slot picture below) and install the software that came with viola now you are ready. Yippee !

If this doesn’t work there are a host of tricks you can try. In the hardware support section there is an article about software driver support with screen shots.

Good Internet Webcam Chat Sites

Ok Mark I got the webcam. I installed it. How do I do an internet webcam chat with someone ? Well here are some sites below. A few could have some adult content so be careful until you find the one(s) you like.

Popular messenger services with webcam abilities.

The below are the sites where you go to install messenger services from there you have to go into the webcam portion of the various messenger sites.