Web Camera [WebCam]

Today there are millions of webcams that provide views into homes, offices and other buildings as well as providing panoramic views of cities (Metrocams) and the countryside. Webcams are used to monitor traffic with TraffiCams, the weather with WeatherCams and even volcanoes with VolcanoCams. Webcam aggregators allow viewers to search for specific webcams based on geography or other criteria.

A webcam (web camera) takes images and videos and sends them in real-time to another computer over the internet or a local network. It usually connects to the computer through the USB or PS/2 port, or over a wireless connection such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Most models can also take still images and videos when offline. They are well-known for their low manufacturing costs and flexible applications.

There two types of webcams which is wired webcam and wireless webcam. A wired webcam connects to a peripheral port using a cable. Some models have plug and play (PnP) installation, which allows it to operate without installing driver software. It often has a clip at the base that secures it to a table or a stand for stability. It has a relatively low frame rate, but it can still produce satisfactory images.

Meanwhile, a Wireless webcam connects to a computer using Bluetooth or a wireless network (Wi-Fi). It provides greater flexibility and freedom of movement, allowing various angles and positions relative to the computer. It is more expensive than a wired webcam. It may also come with a clip for stability

Webcams connected to PCs can act as web-accessible cameras with certain software. Usually this kind of software works with most webcams, since the software auto-detects the peripheral. Many different programs are available, free, open source, and proprietary.

Webcam software can be configured in many ways. Some software come with motion detection ability and time lapse capture options or both. Captures can be short videos in predefined length or still images. Thus, the software can essentially turn the web cam into a security camera. Many businesses and home owners can effectively use a simple webcam device to create their own security system with only a webcam and one of these types of software applications.

The captured files can be saved locally, uploaded to an internet server (via FTP or HTTP) (from which they can be made accessible to anyone over the web), or privately e-mailed to the user per predefined rules. Options for image size and quality, overlaying logos, and time stamping images are usually available. File names can be sequential numbers or current time. Some software allows automatic erasure of old files when not needed.

Some software can remotely control certain brands of cameras, allowing rotation and tilting. As webcam capabilities have been added to instant messaging text chat services such as AOL Instant Messenger, one-to-one live video communication over the internet has now reached millions of mainstream PC users worldwide. Increased video quality has helped webcams encroach on traditional video conferencing systems. New features such as lighting, real-time enhancements (retouching, wrinkle smoothing and vertical stretch) can make users more comfortable, further increasing popularity. Features and performance vary between programs.

Web conferencing support is included in programs including Yahoo Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), Windows Live Messenger, Skype, iChat, PaltalkScene, Ekiga, Stickam, Camfrog and Meetcam.

Some online video broadcasting sites have taken advantage of this technology to create internet television programs centered on two (or more) people "dialoging" with each other from two different places. Among others, BloggingHeads.tv uses this technology to set up conversations between prominent journalists, scientists, bloggers, and philosophers

Meanwhile the good effects about video chat is a good example of positive use, since it allows for cheap real-time communication from anywhere in the world. Webcasting is generally also a positive side of webcams, although terrorist groups also use it to spread their opinions. Webcasting has spun up a global community, based primarily on amateur video production. However, news websites like the BBC also produce professional live news videos. YouTube is yet another example of amateur production of extremely famous video material.

Even so they are negative effects such internet privacy is the biggest concern of webcams. Children and teens under the legal age of consent have easy access to video broadcasting hardware and software, worrying their parents. Adult webcam related material is also a large portion of the webcam related sites on the internet and can be easily accessed through search engines if no parental control is enforced.