How to set up a webcam

1. First of all check and see if your computer has an integrated webcam already installed. It is usually in the form of a very small circular lens above the screen of your computer.  Check the manual that came with your computer if you're not sure.

• If you already have an integrated webcam, then all you need to do is download a third party application such as messenger or Skype. Click on the video conferencing button and it will automatically turn on your webcam for you.
• If you don't already own a webcam, then start shopping around. There's a large range of webcams available at reasonable prices starting from £13, so it's really more a question of finding the right camera specifications to fit your requirements. For example do you want a camera that you can connect via USB or would you rather go wireless?

2. Once you've selected your camera, you need the software to install into your computer. It's important to do this so the camera will be recognized by your computer. Usually this software will come in the form of a CD that you purchased along with your camera. Insert this CD into the drive your computer and follow the screen instructions from there.

3. Once you've got your software installed, test it out! Your camera may have come with an additional computer program to run the video conferencing service. However you might want to try out other chat applications that allow video conferencing such as Skype or MSN. Following that, just click on the videoconferencing button and chat away!

Tip: Make sure you've got a internet connection that's fast enough to support video conferencing. It might be a little frustrating trying to chat via dial up.
And voilà! You're ready to pencil in a visual cyber date!