How to Disable a Webcam

If you’re a parent, there are a few reasons why you may want to disable your webcam, all of them having to do with safety. Video instant messaging and websites like Chatroulette aren’t always child-friendly, and you may decide disabling your webcam is your best recourse.

Note that these steps are for integrated webcams only. If you have an external webcam, disabling it is easy -- unplug the USB cord that connects the camera to the computer, and hide the camera somewhere your kid won’t find it! (Just kidding. You can also use these steps to disable an external webcam, but you'll probably have better luck simply by removing the device.)

To begin, go to the Start menu on your desktop and click on "Control Panel."

Click on “Hardware and Sound.”

Click on “Device Manager.”

Click on “Imaging Devices” and select your webcam by double-clicking on it.

Click on the “Driver” tab and select “Disable” to disable the webcam.

Click “Yes” when asked if you really want to disable it.

Your webcam is now disabled. To re-enable the webcam, simply click on “Enable” in the same window.

How to Install and Connect a Webcam to Your PC

Lay Out Your Webcam Materials

Before you start any project, big or small, such as connecting a webcam, it's important to know what you're going to be dealing with. So lay out your webcam materials so you have a clear picture of what you need to do.

Most webcams will have a USB connection, a software disk for their drivers, and, of course, the actual physical camera, where the lens is, which you'll need to put somewhere where you can see it (and where it can see you!)

Install Your Webcam Software

Unless otherwise instructed, insert the disk that came with your webcam before you plug it in.

Windows will recognize that you are attempting to install software, and a wizard should pop up to guide you through the process.

If it doesn't, simply navigate to "My Computer," or "Computer" via the Desktop or Start Menu, and click on your CD drive (usually E:) to get it to run the files on the disk.

No Disc? No Problem! Plug and Play

Many times, hardware (including some webcams) will come with no disk for drivers to install at all. There can be all kinds of reasons for this, but the biggest is, Windows has a (usually) great talent for recognizing and installing hardware with no software needed.

If your web camera didn't come with a software disc, simply plug it in and see what happens. Most often, Windows will recognize it as new hardware and either be able to use it, or guide you through the process of searching for drivers (either online or on your computer) to use it.

Of course, absolutely nothing might happen when you plug it in, in which case you'll probably want to read the instruction manual or visit the manufacturer's website to locate some driver software for the webcam. This is also what you should do if you've lost or thrown away the disc that came with your webcam.

Find Your Webcam's USB (or other) Connection

Most webcams will connect with a USB cord or something similar. Make sure you locate it on your computer. It's usually on the front or the back of the computer, and looks just like it should -- like a tiny rectangle ready to receive your USB cord.

Plug your webcam in, and watch the magic happen. Your Windows machine should either help your installed software auto-open once you plug in the webcam, or you can browse to it via the start menu whenever you're ready to use it.

Of course, first you'll want to figure out where to put your webcam...

Keep Your Webcam on a Flat Surface

You don't have to be a professional photographer to take effective webcam videos or photos, but a few tricks of the trade do apply.

Your webcam should be placed on a flat surface, so that your pictures and videos don't appear crooked or skewed. Some people use a stack of books, or even a tripod == especially if you're interested in aligning your webcam to shoot video of something other than what's directly in front of your screen, which is where many people prefer it to be.

Find Your Webcam's Monitor Clip

Depending on the style and model of your webcam, it may or may not have a convenient and adjustable clip on it in order to attach it to your monitor.

It is most people's preference to attach their webcam to the top of their monitor, because it allows them to be recorded as they're looking at their PC monitor. This is helpful if you're recording a webcast, a video diary, or chatting with friends or family on your web camera

Clip Your Webcam to your Monitor

Whether you're using an older CRT monitor, which has a convenient flat surface for your webcam to sit, or a new flat panel display, most webcam clips can accommodate both styles of monitor.

Shown here clipped to a flat panel display, having your webcam in this position is probably the most useful and versatile place you can put it. And, of course, it's easy to take it off and place it somewhere else if you need to.

This is actually one feature that puts desktop PC webcams a step above standard laptop webcams, since they tend to be stuck in the same place centered at the top of your monitor. Of course, the trade of is, your laptop PC is portable itself, so it's not a huge deal.

Once Connected, Browse to Your Webcam Software

Once you have connected your webcam and placed it where you want it to go, it's time to turn it on and see what it can do!

Because you've already installed the software that came with your webcam, using it is as easy as opening up the Start Menu and browsing to your webcam program, shown here as a "CyberLink YouCam" program. Obviously, yours will be associated with the brand and model of your own webcam.

What Are Webcam Frame Rates?

You may already know that the higher a webcam's frame rate, the happier you'll be with your device. But what is a frame rate, and why do you need to pay attention to this number?

What It Is

Simply put, the frame rate is the number of pictures a webcam can take and how quickly it can then transfer them to the computer's screen. Frames are measured in "frames per second" (or fps). So if your webcam says it has a 30 fps, that means it can take 30 pictures every second and then transfer them to the computer screen.

How It Works

Once a picture (or frame) is captured by the webcam, it creates a JPEG file of the still image. When the webcam has a low frame rate (15 fps or below), the webcam can only transmit a series of these JPEG still images. When the frame rate is higher than 15 fps, the webcam can actually stream video using the computer's Internet connection.

Frame rates generally range from 10 fps to 60 fps. You should try to stay closer to 30 and higher if you don't want very choppy video.

Note: In order to stream video, you not only need a webcam with a decent frame rate (15 fps is the absolute bare minimum), but you also need a high-speed Internet connection.

Outside Factors

Although the number on the box may say one thing, what your webcam actually captures may be different. Certain things can affect a webcam's frame rate, such as the capabilities of webcam's software program, exactly what you are trying to record, the resolution of the webcam, and even the amount of light in the room. Likewise, running multiple devices via your computer's USB ports can also slow down the frame rate.

The Future

It's safe to say that frame rates will continue to rise in conjunction with the webcam's resolution, which also determines how sharp the video will be. As high frame rates and high-definition resolutions become more commonplace, the prices will drop and the low-frame-rate webcams will likely disappear. It will not be long before 30 fps becomes the bare-bones minimum for an entry-level webcam.

7 Important Webcam Features

Here are seven details to pay attention to when shopping for a webcam:

1. Frame rate: A decent webcam will have at least a 30 frames per second (fps) frame rate. Anything less than this is just out of date and can result in juddering images.

2. Resolution: Many webcams now have 720p and 1080p high-definition capabilities. What's important to note is that you will need an HD-capable monitor in order to witness the true high definition.

Most webcams are also now able to capture still images, and the capabilities of this function can be determined by the number of megapixels the model promises to capture. As with standard digital cameras, however, the quality of an image is affected by more than just megapixels.

3. Autofocus: Autofocus works by automatically focusing (duh) the subject while it moves around. Although this can be an invaluable feature, it can also hang things up while the camera takes the time to focus. Some webcams allow this feature to be turned off -- a handy option should you need it.

4. Microphone: Check if the webcam has a built-in microphone. How strong of a mic you require will depend on the type of videoing you'll be doing. Most video chatting (such as Skype) can be done adequately with a webcam's built-in mic. If you'll be recording webisodes or other higher-tech films, you may want to invest in an external microphone.

5. Video effects: Do you like to use avatars or special backgrounds while recording? Some models come with software that allows you to get silly with your filmmaking.

6. Lens: A high-end webcam will have a glass lens while a more moderately priced model will have a plastic lens. As with microphones, whether this difference matters will depend on the type of recording you'll be doing. Most plastic lenses are perfectly adequate for Skyping.

7. Construction: Are you using a laptop or a desktop computer? Do you have a lot of space on your desk, or will you need something that can clip to your monitor? Will you need a rotating head, or do you plan to remain stationary while filming? When choosing a webcam, you will need to decide just how much maneuverability you require from the body and lens.

Another factor to consider is the durability of the webcam A plastic webcam may be fine if you don't plan to tote it around with you, but an all-metal construction will hold up longer for travelers.

How to Set Up a Webcam

So you’ve finally taken the webcam plunge, and now all you have left is setting it up. While many webcams are now plug-and-play, it can help to follow these step-by-step instructions on how to install them.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 5-10 minutes

Here's How:

1. Install any software that came with the webcam before plugging in the device. To install the software, load the CD into the CD drive of your computer. The setup process should begin immediately.
2. If the process doesn’t begin, go to your Start Menu, click on My Computer, and double-click on the CD icon (typically your “D” drive).
3. Follow the prompts to install the software. If you are missing the included software, you can often download it from the company’s website.
4. Once you have finished installing the software, or if you cannot find any software, plug the webcam into an available USB port on your computer. The webcam’s cable should have a small metal rectangle at the end -- this is the USB cable. Your computer or laptop should have a port that matches this rectangle. The ports are usually on the left or right side of a laptop; it can vary for a desktop computer. Be sure to check the back of a desktop computer if you can’t find it.
5. Find the best spot for your webcam. The best spot will depend on the type of webcam you have, the type of computer you're using, and your work surface. If your webcam has a clip, you may find it best to clip it to the top of your laptop screen. If you have a monitor, however, you may want to situate it flat on your desk or atop the monitor. Books can help you raise the webcam if necessary.
   Some webcams also come with stands, while others have bodies that can be rotated. All of these features can help you achieve the best angle.
6. Launch the program or software you wish to use with your webcam. To launch the software that came with your webcam, go to the Start menu, find the software and click on it.
7. Once your webcam begins to display video on your monitor, you can further adjust the camera for the ideal view.

Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 Review

Microsoft makes HD webcams even more affordable with its LifeCam HD-3000, a successor to the HD-5000. Able to shoot 720p video at a 30 fps frame rate and take 4-megapixel still images, the HD-3000 not only drops its price but it also drops what made the HD-5000 so frustrating: Auto Focus

At a Glance

The Good: Affordable, clear picture

The Bad: Microphone picks up ambient noise

Setup

The HD-3000 is easy to set up and get going. The model is plug and play, so just insert the USB cord (which is quite long in true LifeCam fashion) into a spare USB port. If you'd like to download the accompanying software, you can do so at this time, or you can download it via the included CD.

The webcam has a plastic head with a rubber clip to affix to a laptop screen. If you're using a desktop computer, you can mold the clip into a C-shaped stand.

Performance

I tested the HD-3000 side by side with the HD-5000 and found that the image quality was nearly identical. Colors are bright and accurate, and I receive adequate lighting from a single window and an overhead light.

There was a bit of a lag when shooting in 720p, as there is with the HD-5000, but it's not long enough to be frustrating. If you are truly bothered by it and don't require HD video, you can always drop the resolution down a bit. The webcam comes with seven preset resolutions.

Thankfully, this LifeCam model eliminates Auto Focus -- a main point of contention with the HD-5000. Although quick-moving objects in front of the camera don't cause the HD-3000 to constantly refocus itself, they do trigger the device to shift the displayed lighting (the picture jumps to lighter and darker shades). Even so, this is overwhelmingly less noticeable than the HD-5000.

As with the HD-5000, the newer model features Microsoft's new TrueColor Technology. Using the included software lets you adjust brightness, contrast, saturation and white balance, among other things.

(As always, how vivid the colors appear can be affected by the type of monitor or laptop display you have.)

Microphone

The HD-3000's built-in noise-canceling mic proved to be more sensitive when compared with its predecessor. Both are perfectly adequate for Skyping, but the HD-3000 picked up more background noise.

Both microphones claim to be noise-canceling, although Microsoft doesn't provide many details on what exactly this means. Noise-canceling is a popular term for microphones -- you see it a lot in Bluetooth headsets, where it's very important to pick up only the caller's voice and not the noise in the background.

The HD-3000 certainly has a sensitive mic, and this probably won't be an issue if you're using the webcam in your (mostly quiet) home. But it's something to consider if you'll be using the device in a noisier environment where ambient noise could pose a distraction.

The Bottom Line

At a $39.95 MSRP, the HD-3000 is a great buy for an easy-to-use HD webcam. While it's not perfect (re: mic and lag concerns), it's well worth its price tag.

Web Cameras & Video Inputs

Whether you're making a feature film or just video chatting with a friend, the way you record your videos and put them on your PC matters. Read web cam reviews and video device tutorials to find out out which are the best, which are the cheapest, and where they overlap.

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