SneakyMcC Posted January 28, 2006 Report Share Posted January 28, 2006 Thinking of getting a webcam for the kids. Are there any issues? Security. Good or bad spec's. Are they compatible with other makes. Fanx! Sneaky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danksy Posted January 28, 2006 Report Share Posted January 28, 2006 Most just plug into the USB port Security can be an issue in that some trojans, and activex controls can relay pics from your webcam without you knowing it to somewhere else (just cover the lense if you are that bothered!) Compatability I guess is dependent on the application you are using, I have used a few webcams with no issues for video conferencing with my mum and dad using both MSN messenger and SKype with no problems. Resolution does vary between webcams, as do extras such as built in microphones etc. The higher the resolution you get the more useful it could be as a camera, but bear in mind that unless you find an application (and the bandwidth) to stream at higher resolution and frame counts (frames per second) then its unlikely the receiving person would get much benefit. Personally I would go for one with a built in mic (for ease) and one which is easy to attach to the top of your monitor (desk, etc.etc.) and to make small adjustments. I have a Trust 380 which works Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danksy Posted January 28, 2006 Report Share Posted January 28, 2006 Just did a google and found this link which seemed to have a few pointers on how to setup, reviews etc. linky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danksy Posted January 28, 2006 Report Share Posted January 28, 2006 Feck me, just looked at that site, he looks scarey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyMcC Posted January 28, 2006 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Security can be an issue in that some trojans, and activex controls can relay pics from your webcam without you knowing it to somewhere else [/ QUOTE ] This is what made me ask. Whats the SP on this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danksy Posted January 28, 2006 Report Share Posted January 28, 2006 Get a decent Firewall / Anti virus you will be fine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted January 29, 2006 Report Share Posted January 29, 2006 I've got a Creative Live Cam... works really well and had no problems with it. Read a few reviews before I got it, most complained about Logitech bundled software being poor. I can do safety capture with mine and all sorts. Its only £30 and should be all that you need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyMcC Posted January 29, 2006 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2006 Fanx Gang! I'll have a looksee at the Creative Live Cam then! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cameo Posted January 29, 2006 Report Share Posted January 29, 2006 I don't know how old your kids are but I would be very, very wary of letting them use such a device without supervision. There are lots of "odd" people out there in the virtual world who can be very beguiling and persuade trusting people (let alone children) to do things they wouldn't ordinarily do. I'm not saying they're all bad just that you should be careful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyMcC Posted January 30, 2006 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2006 Thanks, yes indeed. This point is still very much under discussion… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bounce Posted January 30, 2006 Report Share Posted January 30, 2006 I agree with cameo about the safty issues, but if you are using skype or msn you can choose not to be contacted, i have been using msn for years and i have never been contacted by anyone i didn't give my name to, my 13 year old uses msn with her friends, of course i check whats going on but theres never been a problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danksy Posted January 30, 2006 Report Share Posted January 30, 2006 If you are concerned with safety issues, why not put the PC somewhere where you can see it whilst the kids are using it? PS I have a trust webcam that captures at 640x480 and I think at 30 fps. It was only £20, and is working fine apart from some problem installing the drivers initially Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyMcC Posted February 1, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2006 The PC is in the lounge, but it was only by chance that we found my 6yr old trying to buy a horse on the www Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danksy Posted February 1, 2006 Report Share Posted February 1, 2006 [ QUOTE ] The PC is in the lounge, but it was only by chance that we found my 6yr old trying to buy a horse on the www [/ QUOTE ] Feck me !!! sounds very enterprising Seriously though, I have this all to come Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyMcC Posted February 1, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2006 Enterprising? In recent months she asked if she could invite her friends over for some kind of science project. I think she fancied playing school teacher really. She wrote out the invites. We posted the sealed up envelopes. When her friends parents turned up to drop their kids and started giving us £1 coins, my daughter was summoned for an explanation “These things cost money Daddy” was her reply. Her and her best friend set up the friends bedroom as massage parlour( !!). My daughter gave her mum a massage and then charged her 20p! At my turn I asked her to walk on my back and got charged £1! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danksy Posted February 2, 2006 Report Share Posted February 2, 2006 Sounds like she'll be a millionaire by the time she's 30 Not sure about the choice of profession though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyMcC Posted February 5, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 Tell me'bout it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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