How do I set up a webcam?

[Guest Ferret1959]

I'd like to set up a webcam and view it online on other computors.

 

Where do I start please??

[Steve Walker]

What setup do you have at home? Wireless or wired router or USB broadband modem?

[Guest Ferret1959]

All but only on the USB broadband modem at the mo.

[chesters1]

usually messenger or similar has camera wizards for use for online gossiping or you can use movie maker for recording footage in your home

xp will see it and install basic drivers then the progs will spot it.

the gossip progs are easiest because you can invite other "users" to watch ,ideal for a laptop etc in another place so you can watch your cat at home or for more err gazing in bedrooms.

Edited January 24, 2007 by chesters1

[Guest Ferret1959]

usually messenger or similar has camera wizards for use for online gossiping or you can use movie maker for recording footage in your home

 

 

That's what prompted me to wanting a webcam set up but each time you want to use it you have to invite and accept.

That wouldn't work if there's no one at home.

[chesters1]

hmmm never thought of that ,yours could be in use all day talking to no-one ,perhaps you can automatically log in if your a "friendly" user from somewhere else ,i haven used it for a long while.

[Guest Ferret1959]

It can't work as both sides need to be at the pc.

[Steve Walker]

If you set up a separate router, you can use one of these:

 

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/320366/art....html?srcid=867

 

I've got the previous (less pretty) version. It doesn't need a PC connected, it runs its own webserver. You attach it to your local network by ethernet or wireless and you can then view it from any machine on your network using either a browser or the software that comes with it. You can set up NAT on your router to make it visible from anywhere on the Internet.

 

Should mention, browser-wise it uses an activeX control, so it only works on Internet Explorer. There is Windows software on the disk that comes with it. You can also view the output directly as a Windows Media ASF stream using Windows Media Player. I don't know whether there are viewers for Linux or the Mac that can handle streamed ASF content.

[Tog]

If you want the Cam to work 'on its own' without a PC being on and / or an 'invite' you need an IP Cam, they can be wired or wireless and if you have a BB router that is wireless or IP (not USB) it can broadcast 24/7.

You can still use them as 'personal' devices and many have motion detect software so you can get them to record entry events etc, useful as a security cam etc.

 

Be very a careful with such a device, there are lists of unguarded cams on the net.

[Steve Walker]

Be very a careful with such a device, there are lists of unguarded cams on the net.

 

Good point. The Linksys cam I mentioned allows username/password based security, and it would be wise to set it up if you intend to expose it to the internet.