Webcam Installation

By CURT CLARK

Published: Jan 10, 2001 12:00 am

Webcam Installation

I received a Kodak DVC323 video camera (eBay price under $50) for Christmas. It has opened a new world on the Web.

Before considering the purchase of a Webcam, a webster needs solid broadband (cable modem or xDSL) or the experience will be disappointing. However, with the rise in popularity of souped-up Internet access, video cams have blossomed. Perhaps the time has come to give it a whirl.

Many video cameras use a high-speed serial connection called USB (Universal Serial Bus.) Newer PCs (less than four years old) usually have two USB connection ports. In addition, a late version of Windows 95 or 98 is also required, as older operating systems may not support USB hardware. The Kodak DVC323 needs a Pentium processor with MMX, 16MB RAM, 256 color video display, 13MB hard disk space, and a microphone.

Installing the camera itself is a snap. Just plug in the wire to the USB and mount the camera on top of the monitor. A piece of Velcro (not provided) holds it in place. Next, load the software driver found on the CD ROM. This takes just a few minutes and the system must be rebooted. Sadly, when the system tried to restore itself, the boot process failed. Not good. The only way to cleanly reboot was to unplug the camera from the USB port. I reloaded the software from the CD ROM, but the problem persisted. I braced for a major difficulty. Next, I visited the Kodak site and downloaded the latest video driver (a 1.2 MB file) for the DVC232 camera. After installation, I seemed a bit closer, but no video and I received error messages that I carefully noted. I went to google.com and entered the error phrases into the search window. As so often occurs, others experienced similar problems. The solution involved downloading additional software. Several hours elapsed. Finally, I clicked on Picture Works Live icon, and a graphics window appeared with my picture as seen through the camera. Wow! Success at last! In all honesty, the process would have brought a newcomer to tears.

Easy To Use

âUser friendlyâ accurately describes the Picture Works Live software (created via the installation). Still pictures and video (for the Web or saved to an AVI file) are created with a mouse click. Only a few, but easy to understand options change the quality of the video and adjust other settings. Video cameras often require added light sources for optimum picture quality.

Netmeeting Software

Although few people have used it, Netmeeting software has been incorporated the Microsoft operating systems since W95. You can turn on your video camera, run the Netmeeting software, and click âHELPâ (your IP address will appear at the bottom of the help screen â it will be something like: 24.151.10.44.) Next, call a friend (they do not need to have a video camera), and ask them to enter your IP address into the first field found at the top of the screen. They must click the small telephone icon just to the right of the field. You will hear an on-screen telephone ring and your friend will see you on camera. With headsets, you will have voice contact as well. This technology is amazing. Try it. If you have problems, send me e-mail. I will try to help.

Free Cam Servers

A few free cam servers have appeared on the Web. One site,Â http://www.webcamnow.com/ videochat/, allows a Webster to broadcast to everyone on the Web at no cost (advertising supported). It uses a java applet software which means that an updated browser (IE 5.5 and Netscape 4.7) is required. Sadly, Opera 5 does not quite work at this site. As broadband access increases, many more free cam servers will pop up. See you on the Webcam.

URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) of interest:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/netmeeting/default.asp

(This is the 240th of a series of elementary articles designed for surfing the Internet. Next,â eBay Popularity Indexâ is the subject on tap. Stay Tuned. Until next week, happy travels through cyberspace. Previous issues of Internet Info for Real People can be found: http://www.thebee.com. Please e-mail comments and suggestions: rbrand@JUNO.com or editor@thebee.com.)

The Voters Chose Newtown

The Plastic Problem

Margaret ‘Peggy’ Elizabeth Annett (July 31, 1943-April 26, 2025)

Making America: The Story Of An Immigrant

Snapshot: Andy Ashla

The voters certainly spoke — and I respect the outcome — but let’s not forget that a “majority” doesn’t mean everyone agreed. Many of us are deeply concerned about the rising cost of living here. Supporting schools and services is important, but so is ensuring that residents can afford to stay in the town they love. We all want Newtown to be a great place to live, but lately, it’s starting to feel less like “Nicer in Newtown” and more like “More Expensive in Newtown.” That’s not sustainable, and it’s not a criticism of the town itself — it’s a call for responsible budgeting and long-term planning that doesn’t rely on tax increases year after year. I hope future decisions will reflect not just the desire to maintain services, but also the need to ease the financial burden on residents.

Budget, Capital Projects Pass: Officials Respond

I appreciate the passion behind this message, and I absolutely understand the desire to invest in our town. That said, I voted no — not because I don't care about Newtown, but because I do. Fiscal responsibility is not about ignoring problems, it’s about making sure we address them in a sustainable and transparent way. It’s frustrating to feel like every year there’s a new “urgent” reason to raise taxes, with little serious effort to curb spending or prioritize needs. I worry this just sets the stage for another round of increases next year. That doesn't mean I’m against education, safety, or our town’s future — it means I believe in accountability and in asking tough questions about how our money is managed. Voting no wasn't a rejection of Newtown — it was a call for more thoughtful, balanced leadership. I hope future conversations can include all perspectives, not just those willing to write a bigger check.

The voters spoke, loud and clear that they support our schools and municipal services. The majority vote was a mandate to keep delivering well rated education services and keep it" Nicer in Newtown."

Great effort by the those who attended to shine a light on the attacks on Democracy. Thanks for the article so all can understand whats happening.

Hundreds Attend ‘Rock This Democracy’ Rally

Thank you LeReine, for speaking out about this. The list of public servants who are unfairly targeted for abuse just for doing their jobs has been growing. It is a testament to the power of propaganda that otherwise good and well-meaning people can get so emotional as to act out in this way.

Discusses Role As Registrar

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