Computer Applications I

1
Computer Applications I

• 2.01 - Use web cameras and video conferencing
  applications.

2
Webcams and Video Conferencing

• A webcam is a camera that captures video for
  Internet transmission.
• Webcams can also be used to record video directly
  into a computer system or to take snapshot
  pictures.

3
Webcams

• Some webcams have built-in microphones.
• Others do not have built-in microphones.
• Some are made specifically for laptops.
• They come in all shapes and sizes.
• Some are even built right into the computer.

4
Webcams Camera Prices

• Webcams come in a wide price range.
• Usually the low end price is around 19.95.
• The mid range price is around 39.95.
• The high end price is around 99.95

5
Webcams Camera Software

• Software comes with the camera.
• Software is usually upgraded online once it is
  installed.

6
Webcam Setup

• Depending on the camera, the picture size can be
  adjusted for several formats.
• The smallest size is usually 160x120 pixels like
  the example here.
• The next size up is usually 320x240 pixels all
  the way up to a full screen.
• Although most cameras work well with the default
  settings, they usually have some advanced
  settings where you can make various adjustments.
• You may have to adjust room lighting to achieve a
  real good quality of photograph or video.

7
Capturing Photographs and Video

• To take a snapshot, click the Take a Picture
  Button. Hold your pose for a few seconds to
  ensure that your photo is not blurred.
• To create a video, click the Record Video
  Button and start talking.
• Notice this picture is set for 320x240 pixels.
• Be sure to smile!

8
Photo and Video Names

• The software usually automatically saves the
  photos and videos in a gallery.
• Default names such as Picture 01, Picture 02,
  Video 01, Video 02, etc. are usually assigned.
• You should get in the habit of saving your photos
  and videos to a folder and giving them meaningful
  names so that you can manage them better.

9
Webcams and Video Conferencing

• Photos are usually saved in .JPG format.
• Videos are usually saved in .AVI format.
• If you rename the photos or videos and put them
  in a folder, you can easily attach them to email
  and send to your friends, relatives, or business
  colleagues.

10
Desktop Video Conferencing
Yahoo
MSN
AOL

• Desktop video conferencing is supported by
  Instant Messenger (IM) hosts and is just an
  extension of instant messaging.

11
Desktop Video Conferencing ? AOL

• America Online (AOL) is referred to as AIM for
  the instant messenger. It can be downloaded free
  from the AOL website. Video conferencing is then
  an add-in component. You can only see your video
  or your chat partners video by selecting the tab
  circled above.

12
Desktop Video Conferencing ? MSN
MSN instant messenger supports 1-to-1 video
conferencing.

• Microsofts IM is referred to as MSN for the
  instant messenger. It can be downloaded free
  from the MSN website.

13
Desktop Video Conferencing ? Yahoo

• Yahoo Messenger can be downloaded from the Yahoo
  site. It permits setting up groups for multiple
  participant desktop video chats.

14
Multiple Participant Desktop Video Conferencing
using iVisit

• Yahoo Messenger can be downloaded from the Yahoo
  site. It permits setting up groups for multiple
  participant desktop video chats.

15
Attachments and Other Options
Even without a camera, most IM software supports
the use of audio.

• Just like email, you can attach files through
  your IM software. Consequently, you can send
  documents for review and discuss them using your
  desktop video conferencing or audio conferencing
  chat sessions.

16
Desktop Video Conferencing

• As more and more people become familiar with
  desktop video conferencing, it is becoming a very
  productive communications tool for the workplace.
  Multiple participant conferencing permits group
  involvement which can save corporations a great
  deal of time and money when several people can
  meet in cyberspace as opposed to conducting
  physical meetings of the past.