USING A WEBCAM
WITH YOUR "WINDOWS" COMPUTER
These notes are located at http://aztcs.org/webcam/webcam.htm
Francis' e-mail address is fchao2@yahoo.com
SUMMARY:
III. Training and Instructions
for Using a Webcam
IV. Webcam Security Precautions
V. Voice and Video
Calling Using a Webcam
VII. Still Photos Directly from a Webcam
(=Using
a Webcam To Take Snapshots)
VIII. Make Still Photos by
Doing "Frame Grabs" from a Video File
Created Previously by a Webcam
(="Frame
Grabs")
IX. Video Recording--Making Movies with a Webcam
X. Online Art and Greeting Cards Using
Webcams
XI. Internet Webcams--Live Viewing from the
Web with a Webcam
XII. Home
Surveillance with Video Motion Detection Alarm
(=Security
Alarm With Intrusion Notification To A Cell Phone)
XIII. Home Surveillance without Video
Motion Detection Alarm
XIV. Systems for Locating
Lost/Stolen Laptops That Use a Webcam
XV. Time Lapse Photography Using a Webcam
XVI. Optional
Utility Software for Webcams
XVII. Additional Hardware Accessories for Webcams
XVIII. Virtual Webcams Through Software
XIX. Software to
Convert an IP Webcam for Software Applications
that
Expect a USB Webcam
XX. Speeding Up Your Windows Computer So That
It Works Better
With
Your Webcam
XXI. Preparing
and Enhancing a Computer for Serious Security
Operations
A. (Wired) USB Webcams
1. Standard quality versus high quality:
Standard
quality Webcams cost less than $50.
High
quality Webcams cost more than $50.
See
http://shop.skype.com/webcams ...
See
http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCa
...
2. Some have integrated microphones and
some do not.
(For
voice and video calling, the audio quality of your
voice
will be much better if you use a microphone
that
is part of a headset, instead of a microphone
that
is part of a Webcam.)
3. All Webcams will have a "megapixel"
value between 1.3
and
10 for their sensors.
4.
Some Webcams with 1.0 megapixel or higher
megapixel
sensors are also described as
"High
Definition" ("HD") which is a television industry
standard
that is only loosely related to the
megapixel
value of a Webcam. The definition of "HD"
can
be found at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-definition_television.
5.
Advice about specific "high definition" Webcams can
be
found at
http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/collection/4947/high_
6.
Some Webcams will have a "megapixel" value that is
"software
enhanced" or "software interpolated". This is
the
claimed megapixel value of the photos that you take
with
the software that is bundled with the Webcam.
7.
If an ad for a Webcam only shows the "software enhanced"
megapixel
value, you can usually go to the manufacturer's
product
page to calculate the actual megapixel value for the
Webcam.
For
an example of this:
The
Web page at
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item
...
shows "8.0 MP (Software Enhanced)"
If
you "Google" the manufacturer and model number
of
this Webcam, you will eventually arrive at
http://www.imcorpusa.com/products.asp?id=486
At
this Web page, you will find under
"Maximum
Image Resolution":
1280
x 960
which,
when multiplied, results in 1.2 which is the actual
megapixel
value of the sensor of this Webcam.
8.
"Frame rates" for Webcams vary between 15 frames-per-
second
and 90 frames-per-second.
a.
Higher frame rates mean less blur for motion.
b.
Do not buy a Webcam with a frame rate that is lower
than
30 frames-per-second.
c. See
http://peripherals.about.com/od/webcamerasvideo
...
d. The actual frames-per-second that you achieve
depends
on both the frames-per-second value of
your
Webcam's sensor AND the software that you
are
using to record a video file.
See
http://cowboyfrank.net/webcams/FPS.htm
e.
Phillips makes Webcams that have 60 or 90 frames-
per-second
frame rates.
See
http://www.consumer.philips.com/c/webcams-
9. Fixed infinity focus versus autofocus
a. Lower cost Webcams have fixed infinity focus.
b. Higher cost Webcams have autofocus.
c. If a Webcam's specifications do not say
"autofocus",
then
it has fixed infinity focus.
B. Webcam that is part of a laptop
1. "eHow" instructions for using a
Webcam that is part
of
a Hewlett Packard laptop are located at
http://www.ehow.com/how_4846924_use-hp-laptop
...
Most
Hewlett Packard laptops have the "HP QuickPlay"
software
application already installed on them. This
software
can be used to operate the Webcam that is
built
into the top of the LCD monitor screen of an HP
laptop.
2.
Gateway laptop example
According
to
http://www.gateway.com/programs/idseries/index.php?
the
"ID" laptop series specifications sheet states that
it
has an integrated "HD Webcam".
C. Webcam that is part of a flat-screen monitor
1. Asus example
a.
See
http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=erP006Lel
...
b.
See
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LYSX12?tag=itkid
...
c.
See
http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.ak246h)
...
2. A Webcam that is part of a flatscreen monitor
will
connect
to your computer with a regular "A-B" USB
cable.
a.
The "A" end of the USB cable will connect to a
USB
port on your computer.
b. The
"B" end of the USB cable will connect to a
USB
port on your flatscreen monitor.
D. Using a camcorder as a Webcam
1. "DVdriver" software for
firewire-connected camcorders
a. Approximately $20
b.
A free trial is available; it is limited to 5-minutes of video.
c. See
http://www.trackercam.com/TCamWeb/dvdriver.htm
2. "WebCamDV" software for
firewire-connected camcorders
a.
Approximately $20
b. See
http://www.orangeware.com/endusers/webcamdv.html
c. See
http://www.ehow.com/how_2277578_use-camcorder
...
3. An example of a Sony "Handicam"
camcorder that can be
used
as a USB Webcam with "Windows XP" without any
additional
software:
See
http://www.figured-it-out.com/figured-out.php?sid=31
E. Using a cell phone or PDA as a Webcam
1. "jSmartcam" software (free)
See
http://sourceforge.net/projects/smartcam/
See
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid090304
...
2. "Mobiola
Web Camera" software (not free)
See
http://www.warelex.com/products/webcam/
3. "WebCamera Plus" software (not free)
See
http://www.ateksoft.com/webcamplus.html
See
http://www.imessengr.com/2007/03/webcamera-plus
...
F. Wireless USB Webcams
1. Wireless USB
Webcams are used when a wired
USB
connection is not possible. Wireless USB
Webcams
can exceed the maximum allowable
cable
length for wired USB which is 5 meters.
2. The quality of a video signal will be degraded
whenever
you transmit it wirelessly.
3. Wireless USB Webcams will always cost more than
wired
ones.
4. However, there are some situations in which
there is
no viable alternative.
5.
Examples of wireless USB Webcams:
a. "C1192
Digital Indoor/Outdoor Wireless USB Camera"
by
KJB
See
http://www.kjbsecurity.com/cameras/wireless/
...
b. "C1111
Wireless Camera Set With USB Connection"
by KJB
See
http://www.amazon.com/KJB-C1111-Wireless
...
KJB's manufacturer's data sheet is located
at
http://www.kjbsecurity.com/cameras/wireless/2-4ghz
...
c. "WC203USB
Mini Wireless Spy Camera with
PC USB Adapter" by Dynaspy
See
http://www.dynaspy.com/mini-wireless-spy-camera-
...
d. "Wireless USB Pinhole Camera"
by SpyArsenal
See
http://www.spyarsenal.com/wireless-camera/
...
A. You can use the software that the
manufacturer provided with
your
Webcam to test your Webcam
B. And/or use the "intervu.me" Web
site to test your Webcam
1.
Step-by-step instructions for using the "intervu.me"
Web
site are located at
http://aztcs.org/webcam/intervu.htm
2. The "intervu.me" Web site is located
at
http://intervu.me/testCamera/TestYourWebCam.html
C. Other Web sites for testing a Webcam are
located at
(Click
on the "Allow" button to start the test of your Webcam)
2. http://www.sillywebcam.com/others/?demo=test-your-webcam
(Click
on the "Allow" button to start the test of your Webcam)
D.
One or more of the Websites in B. and C.
may not work
with
your specific model of Webcam.
E. If you have a computer than is more than 3
years old, none
of
these Websites may work with your specific model of Webcam.
F. Flashlight Trick:
If
you are testing a Webcam in a subdued lighting situation,
Close
your eyes and shine a flashlight on yourself for a few
seconds
to make your Webcam adjust itself.
III. Training and Instructions
for Using a Webcam
A. The "Webcam" page at Wikipedia can
be found at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webcam
B. The "Wapedia" page describes history
and current use of Webcams
See http://wapedia.mobi/en/Webcam
C. Another definitive article can be found at
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2359094,00.asp
D. Installing a USB Webcam:
1. Follow the instructions that are provided
by the manufacturer of the Webcam
2.
Example of installing a Logitech Webcam:
See
http://www.vistalessons.com/install_a_webcam
vista.htm
E. Adjusting the camera angle and lighting:
See
http://webcast.broadcastnewsroom.com/articles/viewarticle
...
F. For more information on adjusting lighting:
See:
http://strobist.blogspot.com/2007/05/how-to-improve-your-
...
G. The "Best Practices for Using a
Webcam" video can be
viewed
at
http://www.articlesbase.com/videos/5min/97227885
IV. Webcam Security Precautions
A. As an extra precaution, cover the lens of your
Webcam
with
an opaque material when it is not in use.
B. If your Webcam has a light that lights up when
it is in use
and
this light turns on when you are not using the
Webcam,
or if you get an e-mail message, an instant
message,
a popup message, or a voice phone call that
indicates
that someone is viewing you through your
Webcam,
immediately disconnect the Webcam.
Then,
perform a virus/malware cleanup on your computer.
C. The instructions for doing a virus/malware
cleanup
for
a Windows computer are located at
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/malwareclean/
...
V. Voice
and Video Calling Using a Webcam
A. Use a headset with a microphone for the best-possible
transmitted
and received audio quality.
For
examples of headsets, see
http://shop.skype.com/headsets/
B. Use your computer's speakers, if a lot of
people need to
hear
what is being said by the remote party.
However,
this will degrade the audio quality for the remote
party.
C. There is a lack of interoperability between
the various
"voice
and video calling" systems that follow:
D. "Skype"
1.
Step-by-step instructions are available at
http://aztcs.org/webcam/skype.htm
2. For more information, see
http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home
3.
To test your Webcam with "Skype" software, see
http://www.answerbag.com/article/How+to+Test+Your+
...
E. "Windows Live Messenger" video
calling
1.
Step-by-step instructions are available at
http://aztcs.org/webcam/windowslive.htm
2. For general information about "Windows
Live
Messenger",
see
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/photos/imvideo.aspx
3. For additional information about "Windows
Live
Messenger",
see
http://communication.howstuffworks.com/windows-live-
...
4.
See technical details, see
http://help.live.com/help.aspx?project=wl_messenger
...
5.
"Windows Live Messenger" replaced "MSN Web
Messenger"
on
F.
"Yahoo! Messenger" with "Enhanced Video Calling"
1.
Step-by-step instructions are available at
http://aztcs.org/webcam/yahoo.htm
2. See also
http://messenger.yahoo.com/platform/win
3.
See also
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/messenger/messen
...
G.
Google "Voice and Voice Chat"
1.
For step-by-step instructions are available at
http://aztcs.org/webcam/google.htm
2.
Downloads as a "plug-in" for your Web browsers.
3. To initiate or receive a call with
"Voice and Video
Chat",
you have to be logged into your "Gmail" account
with
a Web browser.
4. See
http://www.google.com/chat/video
for
a video demonstration.
5.
See
http://www.google.com/support/chat/bin/answer.py?
...
F. Using
more than one voice and video calling system on the
same
computer
1. You can put several voice and video calling
systems on
the
same computer.
For
example, the laptop that Francis uses has all of
the
above-mentioned voice and video calling systems
installed
into it.
2. If you find that some of the systems are
conflicting with
each
other, do the following:,
a. Use your keyboard to press <Ctrl> +
<Shift> + <Esc>.
b.
A "Windows Task Manager" window will be displayed.
c.
Click on the "Applications" tab and turn off any
"applications"
that are associated with voice and
video
calling systems that you are not currently using.
d.
Click on the "Processes" tab and turn off any
"processes"
for voice and video calling systems
that
you are currently not using.
e.
Close the "Windows Task Manager" window
f.
If you turn off "Applications" and "Processes" for any
given
voice and video calling system, you will be
unable
to RECEIVE voice and video calls from that
particular
system while you have it's "Applications"
and
"Process" turned off.
g. The above steps a. through d. do not
permanently turn
off
the "Applications" and "Processes" for any given
voice
and video calling system. They will be available
for
you to use again when you manually start them by
either
clicking on their shortcuts on your computer's
Desktop
or by click on them in "All Programs" in the
Windows
"Start menu".
A. See
B. See
C. "Flight over Sahara" game:
See
D. See
http://www.extendedreality.com/webcam_games_info.html
E. See
http://www.newgrounds.com/game/webcamgames
F. See
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=games+
...
VII. Still Photos Directly from a Webcam
(=Using
Webcam To Take Snapshots)
A. Some Webcams have a push button for taking
still photos.
However,
do not use these buttons because you cannot
press
this button without vibrating the Webcam.
B. "Debut Video Capture
Software"("Debut") is the best free
software application for taking snapshots with a Webcam.
1.
Step-by-step instructions are available at
http://aztcs.org/webcam/debut.htm
2.
"Debut' can be used to take high, medium, and
low
resolution photos.
(If
you set it to take high resolution photos, you can
then
use other free software, such as "Picasa" or "GIMP"
to
reduce the resolution to the file size that you need.)
3.
"Debut" can take a series of photos in rapid succession.
Most
of the free software applications for taking
snapshots
cannot do this.
4. "Debut" can take both still photos
and video footage.
5.
"Debut Video Capture Software" has a free version,
a
"Plus" version, and a "Professional" version.
C. "HelloWebCam" Web-based application
1.
Step-by-step instructions are available at
http://aztcs.org/webcam/hellowebcam.htm
2.
It can only be used to take low resolution photos.
3. The photos that you take are stored for public
access at
http://hellowebcam.com/images/
4. The photos that you take cannot be removed from
the
archive of photos at
http://hellowebcam.com/images/
5.
It is a little hard to use but it makes better photos
than
any other Web-based application for taking
photos.
6. Use your Web browser to go to
http://hellowebcam.com/capture-webcam.html
D. "Picanom.com" Web-based application
1. Step-by-step instructions are available at
http://aztcs.org/webcam/picanom.htm
2.
"Picanom.com" can only be used to take low resolution photos.
3.
"Picanom" is much easier to use than "HelloWebCam"
but
it takes much lower resolution photos than
"HelloWebCam".
4. Unlike "HelloWebCam.com",
"Picanom.com" does NOT
store
the photos that you take on a Web page for viewing
by
the public.
5. Use your Web browser to go to
VIII. Make Still Photos by Doing "Frame
Grabs" from a Video File
Created Previously by a Webcam
A. A video file is just a series of still photos
that are
displayed
in sequential order. To "grab" one of these
frames
out of a video file and turn it into a still picture
file,
you can use software that can do a
"frame grab".
B. Use "Fx Frame Capture" software.
1.
Step-by-step instructions are available at
http://aztcs.org/webcam/fxframecap.htm
2.
"Fx Frame Capture" is free.
3.
The Web site for "Fx Frame Capture" is located at
http://www.jhepple.com/FramCap/FramCap.htm
IX. Video
Recording--Making Movies With a Webcam
A. "Debut Video Capture
Software"("Debut") is the best
free
software application for making movies with a
Webcam.
1. Step-by-step instructions are available at
http://aztcs.org/webcam/debut.htm
2.
"Debut" is free.
3. "Debut" can take both video footage
and still photos.
4.
"Debut Video Capture Software" has a free version,
a
"Plus" version, and a "Professional" version.
B. Recording Directly to the "YouTube"
Web site
1. The instructions at YouTube's Web site are
located at
http://www.google.com/support/youtube/bin/answer
...
2. A video demonstration can be seen at
http://www.ehow.co.uk/video_2201769_using-web-
...
3.
There are definitely some disadvantages to uploading
unedited
video from a Webcam directly into "YouTube":
a. "YouTube"
stores any videos that you upload as
highly-compressed Adobe "flash
video" .flv files.
b. Later, if you need to download videos that you have
stored on "YouTube" back to a hard
drive of your
computer, they will be very low in
resolution.
X. Online Art and Greeting Cards Using
Webcams
A. "Cameroid" to add artwork and
morphing to your video
See
http://www.cameroid.com/snap.php
B. "BubbleJoy" Online Greeting Card
with Inline Video
See
C.
"Fun Photo Box" to add artwork to your still photo
See
D. Making a Stop-Motion Animation Movie
See
http://labnol.blogspot.com/2007/03/tutorial-create-stop-
...
XI. Internet Webcams--Live Viewing from the Web with a
Webcam
A. "Ustream"
1. For step-by-step instructions, see
http://aztcs.org/webcam/ustream.htm
2.
The "Ustream" Web site is located at
3.
All accounts are free.
4.
Detailed descriptions of "Ustream" can be found at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ustream
and
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet/social-net
...
5. Setting up a "broadcast"
a. See
http://www.ustream.tv/get-started
b. See
http://www.ofzenandcomputing.com/zanswers/1011
c. See
http://helpcenter.ustream.tv/category/tags/broadcast
...
6. A "broadcast" can be
password-protected.
If
a "broadcast" is password-protected, you have to
give
the password to anyone whom you want to
view
the "broadcast".
B. "Livestream"
1.
Main Web site is located at
2.
They have both free and non-free accounts
See
http://www.livestream.com/platform/premium_features
...
3.
For free accounts, "programs" cannot be protected with
a
password
C. "Justin.tv"
1.
Main Web site is located at
2. Accounts are free.
3. "Broadcasts" can be password
protected.
4.
Their Wikipedia page is located at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin.tv
5.
"Justin.tv" attempts to emphasize impromptu
celebrity
broadcasts.
D. "ww.com"
1.
Main Web site is located at
(There
are only 2 w's in the URL.)
2. A small but competitive Web site for
broadcasting a
Webcam.
3. "Broadcasts" cannot be password
protected.
4. They display Webcams more clearly than many
of
their competitors.
E. Additional Webcam Broadcasting Web sites can
be found
at
http://www.masternewmedia.org/live-video-streaming-
...
XII. Home Surveillance with Video
Motion Detection Alarm
(=Security
Alarm With Intrusion Notification To A Cell Phone)
A. "Yawcam" is the best free system for
detection and
notifying you of a "motion event".
1. Step-by-step instructions for configuring
"Yawcam"
are
available at
http://aztcs.org/webcam/yawcam.htm
(This
is just the configuration that worked well for my
e-mail
provider and my cellular phone. A different but
similar
configuration will be required for your
specific
e-mail provider and your specific cellular phone.)
2. A
video demonstration of how it works is available at
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=3490A3B7
3. You
can use free "SendSkypeSMS" software if you
need
to have "Yawcam" use "Skype" software to send
a
"SMS" ("Short Message Service") text message to
your
cell phone when "Yawcam" detects a motion event.
See
http://www.studentguru.gr/blogs/kingherc/archive/2009/
...
Unlike
an e-mail message to the e-mail address of your
cell
phone, sending a SMS message does not send a
photo
of the intruder for you to view.
B. "Ugolog" Online Video Surveillance
& Monitoring
1.
Step-by-step instructions are available at
http://aztcs.org/webcam/ugolog.htm
2.
The Ugolog Web site is located at
3.
Both free and not-free accounts are available.
Their
free account with provides you with 50 megabytes
of
Web-based storage space for storing the photos that
it
takes when it detects motion.
See
4.
It can detect "motion events" which trigger it to take
photos,
and then send text-only notifications by means
of
RSS ("Really Simple Syndication") to notify you that
the
"motion event" has occured.
It
can be set to record snapshots periodically,
with
intervals of 1 minutes, 2 minutes, 5 minutes,
10
minutes, 30 minutes, or 1 day.
It
cannot take videos at the present time.
This
capability is planned for the future.
It
cannot notify you by means of e-mail at the
present
time. This capability is planned for the future.
5.
It lets you view still photos of "motion detection events"
that
"Ugolog" has detected at any time you want
using
a Web browser in a computer from anywhere
in
the world.
It
cannot let you take or view snapshots or videos "on demand".
You
can only view the snapshots of "motion detection events"
that
it has detected in the past.
6.
"Ugolog" has two versions:
a. Online
Web-based version runs as a
"Web-based software application
("Web app")
No
software for you to install.
(Runs
okay.)
and
b. "Ugolog for Windows"
version runs has a hybrid
application
with a software application called
"Ugolog
for Windows" which you download and
install.
The
"Ugolog for Windows" software then
communicates
with the "ugolog.com" Web site.
(Francis
was unable to get "Ugolog for Windows"
working.)
7. If you are using a Web browser to access your
account
at "ugolog.com" or if you are viewing
the "motion
event
" images at the RSS feed, "Ugolog" never logs
you
out for inactivity.
D. Comparison of "Yawcam" and
"Ugolog"
1. "Yawcam" can attach and sent a photo
of the detected
motion
event to any e-mail address, including the e-mail
address
of your cellular phone.
"Ugolog"
only sends out text notifications of
"motion
events" by means of RSS. It cannot send a
photo
of the detected motion to you.
2. "Yawcam" does not provide
you with Web-based storage.
(It
is capable of using storage at an FTP site or a
virtual
hard drive that is actually on the Internet, if you
have
such a service in place.)
"Ugolog"
provides you with Web-based storage for the
snapshots
of motion events that it detects.
.
D. There are many non-free feature-rich
alternatives to
"Yawcam"
and "Ugolog".
These
non-free software applications have more
"bells and whistles" than
"Yawcam" and "Ugolog"
but they are not free:
1. "Digi-Watcher" software
See
2. "Eyeline Video Surveillance Software"
by NCH Software
See
http://www.nchsoftware.com/surveillance/index.html
3. "WebCam Monitor" Software by
DeskShare
See
http://www.deskshare.com/Resources/articles/wcm_set
...
4. "go1984" software by Logiware
See
E. Hiding or camouflaging a Webcam that is used
for surveilance
1.
See
http://ezinearticles.com/?Where-to-Hide-Your-Hidden
...
2.
See
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/972006/guide
...
3. See
http://www.ehow.com/how_4545702_hide-wireless-cam
...
4. See
http://www.ehow.com/how_6217242_make-cheap-spy-
...
5.
See
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-security-articles/hid
...
6. See
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=hide+ca
...
XIII. Surveillance without
Video Motion Detection Alarm
See the section entitled "XI. Internet Webcams--Live Viewing from the Web with a
Webcam".
XIV. Systems for Locating
Lost/Stolen Laptops That Use a Webcam
A.
"Prey" software and Web site to help you recover your
computer
if it is stolen.
1.
The "Prey" system is free.
2.
If your computer is stolen, you can log into your free
"Prey"
account and gather information about your stolen
computer
including where it is located (via Wi-Fi geolocation)
and
remotely use the computer's Webcam to take photos
of
anyone who is currently using your computer.
3.
The "Preyproject" Web site is located at
4.
For more information about the "Prey" system, see
http://www.ehow.com/how_6000240_recover-laptop-
...
B. "Yougetitback.com"(not free)
1.
See
http://www.yougetitback.com/laptop_superhero?gclid=C
...
2.
If a laptop that has a Webcam has "Yougetitback.com"
software
installed on it, and an unauthorized person
turns
on the computer, the "Yougetitback.com" software
will
notify the unauthorized person that his/her photo is
being
taken and the software will ask the unauthorized
person
to phone the "Yougetitback" call center.
3. It is unclear whether the
"Yougetitback" software
actually
takes a photo of the unauthorized person and/or
if
the "Yougetback" software transmits the photo to the
"Yougetitback"
Web site.
XV. Time Lapse Photography Using a Webcam
A. "VideoVelocity" Software
1.
The "Free Edition" does not do high definition video.
2. Runs in all recent versions of
"Windows".
3. Also known as "VideoVelocity Time Lapse
Recorder"
4. See
http://www.candylabs.com/videovelocity/
B. "Webcam Timershot"
1.
Free from Microsoft
1.
Runs in "Windows XP"
2.
Does not work in "Windows Vista" or "Windows 7"
3.
One of the "Microsoft PowerTools" Utilities
4.
See
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/pow
...
(Scroll
downward to the bottom of this Web page.)
XVI. Optional
Utility Software for Webcams
A.
"Manycam" software (free)
1. Can be used to split up the video signal from a
single video camera so that it can be shared by
multiple
software applications.
2. Can be used to add text, animations,
and backgrounds
to
your live Webcam video
3. See
B. "Many Web Cam Driver" (free)
1. Can be used to split up the video signal from a
single
Webcam so that it can be shared by
multiple
software applications.
2. See
http://www.sharewareconnection.com/many-web-cam-
...
3. See
http://www.bestfreewaredownload.com/freeware/t-free-
...
C. "SplitCam" (free)
1. Can be used to split up the video signal from a
single Webcam so that it can be shared by
multiple
software applications.
2. See
http://all-streaming-media.com/record-webcam-video-
...
D.
"WebcamMax" (not free)
1. The many features of this software application
are
described
at
2.
Can simulate a USB Webcam.
3.
Can be used to "re-stream" a video stream
from
an "IP camera" so that you can use it for a software
application
(such as Skype) or a Web-based application
(such
as Ustream) that requires a USB Webcam.
See
http://chris.pirillo.com/how-to-stream-your-desktop-in-video/
E. Voice morphing or voice changer software
1. "MorphVOX Junior 2.7.5" software
application (free)
See
http://www.screamingbee.com/product/MorphVOXJ
...
2. For descriptions of various non-free software
applications
for disguising your voice when you
are
communicating on the Internet, see
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/09/29/disguise-voic
...
XVII. Additional Hardware Accessories
for Webcams
A. "2.4GHz Wireless USB 2.0 Camera Receiver"
to convert
radio
signals from a 2.4 Gigahertz wireless
camera into
USB
signals for your Windows computer.
1. See
http://www.uxcell.com/24ghz-wireless-usb-camera
...
2.
The wholesalers' product information sheet is located
at
http://www.armatexx.eu/consumerelectronics/prod
...
and
at
http://www.chinavasion.com/product_info.php/pNa
...
3.
If you use this device, you also have to obtain a
wireless
2.4 Ghz camera.
4.
The 2.4Ghz radio band is very overloaded with Wi-Fi
devices
and wireless phones in most populated areas.
5.
For any specific Webcam, the quality of video that will
be
created (when this wireless device is utilized) will
be
much lower than for a wired USB connection.
B. "USB 2 Extender" claims to extend
USB connections
but
this device may have problems:
1. Product specifications page states that they
can extend
Web
cams.
See
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/dproduct.jsp?prod_id=55
...
(The
above Web site takes a long time to load.)
2. However, their tech support stated that this
device
does not support Webcams.
See
http://forum.gefen.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10251
C. "A." and "B" show you that
you can wirelessly extend a USB
Webcam
in two ways:
"A."
is an example of using the 2.4 Gigahertz
radio band
and
"B"
is an example of using "wireless USB".
XIII. Virtual Webcams
Through Software
A. Various software utilities can make Skype and
other
Webcam
software "think" that you have a live USB Webcam
installed
in your computer.
B. "Fake Webcam" software (not free)
can simulate a USB
Webcam.
See
C. "Magic Webcam" software (not free)
can simulate a USB
Webcam.
See
http://www.shiningmorning.com/
D. "WebcamMax" (not free) can simulate
a USB Webcam.
See
XIX. Software
to Convert an IP Webcam
for Software
Applications that Expect a USB Webcam
A. Most software
for Webcams expects a video stream from
a
USB Webcam.
B.
The developer of the "Willing
Webcam" software application
claims
that this software application can redirect the IP signal
of
an IP Webcam ("Internet Webcam) into a software
that
expects a USB Webcam.
1.
According to his discussion group post at
http://www.willingsoftware.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=876:
"The
'Video Device > Video Output' feature has been added. It sends the video
stream from the program to the 'Willing Webcam Capture' video driver. You can
select this driver in Skype, an instant messenger (for example, MSN, Yahoo) or
in other instances of Willing Webcam at the same time. Thus, now any video
source available for the program (Webcam WDM and DirectX, network camera,
Webcam Relay, desktop, hard disk directory) is also available for other video
software. Add text, date and time stamps, watermarks, and various video effects
to the output video stream. It is possible to output only part of the video
image using the crop options. It would be a good idea to adjust the image size
in the program so that it corresponds to the image size in the target software.
The 'Video Output' button above the preview window allows you to enable the
feature with a single mouse click."
2. You can download a free, time-limited evaluation
copy of
"Willing
Webcam at
http://www.willingsoftware.com/
C.
If the "Willing Webcam"
software application works as claimed,
then
you can use high-tech IP cameras such as the Zonet
ZVC7630W
with free software applications such as "Yawcam".
See
http://www.zonetusa.com/products-71.aspx
for
details about the amazing ZVC7630W which is mentioned
on
page 65 of the October 2010 issue of "MaximumPC"
magazine.
XX. Speeding
Up Your Windows Computer So That It Works
Better With Your Webcam
A. Webcams use up a lot of RAM and CPU cycles.
B. If you or a computer technician performs
"speed up
tweaks" on your computer, the video from your Webcam
will
probably be significantly better in quality.
C. To speed up a "Windows XP" computer,
see
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/speedupWindows/
...
D. To speed up a "Windows Vista"
computer,
see
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/speedupWindows/
...
E. To speed up a "Windows 7" computer,
see
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/speedupWindows/
XXI. Preparing and Enhancing a
Computer for Serious Security Operations
A. When
you purchase a computer that is intended for
use
as a desktop computer for your home or business,
it
will not be "robust" or "hardened" enough to act as
a
reliable security system.
B. Use "Add or Remove Programs" or
"Programs and Features"
to
remove any manufacture-specific software applications
(such
as Logitech's "QuickCam", Microsoft's
"Microsoft
LifeCam", or Phillips "VLounge" that were
installed when you installed the Webcam.
C. BIOS/CMOS Configuration Settings
1. Turn on the power to the computer.
2. Press the key sequence that lets you into the
"Setup"
or
"BIOS configuration" screens of the computer.
3. Get into the "Power" menu.
4. For the "Restore on AC Power Loss"
item, select
"Power
On" so that the system will return to an
"On"
state after an AC power loss.
5. Exit from the CMOS/BIOS setup screens,
telling
it to save your settings.
D. Set "Power Options" for the "Windows"
operating system
1. Turn on the computer.
2. Wait for the "Desktop" of Windows to finish
loading.
3. Click on
"Power Options" in the "Control Panel".
4. A "Power Options" window will be
displayed.
5. For the currently selected plan:
6. Click on "Change Plan Settings".
7. An "Edit Plan Settings" box will be
displayed.
8. "Put the computer to sleep" should be
set to "Never".
9. Click on "Change advanced power
settings".
10. Click on the + sign to the
left of "Sleep".
11. Make
sure that the "Sleep After..Setting"
is
set to "Never".
12. Make sure that the "Allow hybrid sleep..Setting"
is
set to "off".
13. Make sure that the "Hibernate after..Setting"
is
set to "Never".
14. Click on the "Save changes" button, if you made
any
changes.
15. Click on the "X" in the upper right hand corner to
close
the "Edit
Plan Settings" box.
E. Set your Webcam recording/motion detection software
to
automatically start whenever Windows starts,
if
your Webcam software has such a setting.
Otherwise,
put a shortcut to the "executable" file of
Webcam
recording/motion software in the "Startup"
folder
of "Program Files".
For
example:
To
make "Yawcam" software start up automatically
whenever
the computer is powered on:
Use
the right mouse button to drag from Yawcam_x86.exe
in
C:\Program Files\Yawcam\
into
the "Startup" folder at
C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\
Start
Menu\Programs\
When
the mouse cursor arrives at the "Startup" folder,
release
the right mouse button.
Use
the left mouse button to click on "Create shortcut here"
on
the popup context menu.
F. Provide a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
for the
computer
and all critical networking equipment to prevent
intruders
from inactivating your computer system and/or
your Internet connection by turning off electrical
power
to
your home or business.
For
examples, see
http://www.tripplite.com/en/products/product-series.cfm?
...
. G. Provide a means to remotely reboot the computer,
if
and
when it malfunctions:
"The
Power Stone" device lets you use a phone to
call
the phone line that it is attached to.
Then,
you can use the keypad of your phone to command
"The
Power Stone" to reboot your computer.
See:
http://www.faxswitch.com/powerstone.html