How To Videoconference With Your Grandchildren Using A Web Camera

Palmia Computer ClubPresents

How To Videoconference With Your Grandchildren Using A Web Cam

Presented ByJerry Moore (jerryamoore@cox.net)

But first, a little history

As early as 1910, people dreamed of video communications with loved ones over the telephone

By the 1930’s, the dream still prevailed but the technology wasn’t there yet

In the 1940’s, the possibility of going from dream to reality was getting close

The first prototype “videophones” costing thousands of dollars were produced in the 1950’s

Enter the Internet age

What do you need?•A computer•An Internet connection•Video conferencing software (free)•A web camera (cheap)

Video Conferencing Software ChoicesProduct Features Download Site

SkypeMost widely used, can also make low cost audio calls to regular telephones, works for PC, Mac & Linux

http://skype.com

Dell Video Chat

Good alternative to Skype, also lets you save and store video chat sessions

https://downloadstore.dell.com/Pages/productdetails.aspx?ProductID=DDSNC-DVC-001&

Windows Live Messenger

Replaces MSN Messenger, can also be used to exchange pictures

http://download.live.com/messenger

Yahoo Messenger

Can also be used to exchange files up to 2GB in size

http://messenger.yahoo.com

AOL Instant Messenger

Good choice if friends or family members already use AOL

http://dashboard.aim.com/aim

A Few Choices For Web Cameras

Picture Product Features Price

Logitech QuickCam Connect

Easy to attach, low price $29.99

Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks

Adjustable clip, manual focus ring,

good optics$39.99

Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX Good for low light

conditions $49.99

Logitech QuickCam Orbit AF

Autofocus, follows your every move $129.99

Microsoft Life Cam VX-1000

Ultra low price at Amazon.com $20.01

One Other Accessory Worth Considering

About $35

Step By Step Instructions For Downloading, Installing And Configuring Skype For

Your Computer

Begin by pointing your web browser to www.skype.com

This window appears after you click the download button

When you click on download, this yellow bar will appear at the top of your browser. Place your mouse cursor over “Click here” and the file download window will appear. Then click on Run.

Another annoying Windows security window will now probably appear. Just click on Run.

After the Skype install program runs, you will be presented with this window. Before you click on I agree – I strongly recommend that you click the options button

Uncheck “Start Skype when computer starts” and if you are using Mozilla Firefox as your default web browser, check that box. Then click on I agree.

One more sneaky up sell. Since Google purchased Skype, they will try to encourage you to install their Chrome browser. Uncheck this box before you continue. It’s always a good idea to only install one software application at a time. Then if something goes wrong, you know for sure what caused the problem.

This window will appear when the Skype install is complete. Now click on Start Sykpe.

Populate the Create account window and click Next

Provide email address and click Sign In

Uncheck Show welcome screen at startup, click on the three set up icons one at a time and then proceed to getting started.

If desired, read through the guide to learn more about Skype, then click Exit this guide

This is the main Skype window. Click on Contacts – Search for Skype users to see if friends or family are already on Skype

Enter a search term, fine tune the search parameters as needed and then click Find

Highlight the desired record with your mouse cursor and then click Add contact

Based upon privacy settings, you may be returned with a screen like this where the person needs to accept your contact request.

Once you’ve finished adding contacts, your main screen should look like this.

Two Last Things Before The Live Demo

Can I Use Skype To Call A Regular Telephone?

Can I Get A Copy Of This Presentation?

Go to your club website, www.palmia.org and click on the files button