Setting PC Up For Video Conferencing ?

Robert11 · 22 May 2016

Hello,
This is a bit off of what I usually ask here, but have gotten such great advice in the past, let me take the liberty of asking for some help with this.

Son has to have a "video conference" with his Instructor for a new Course he is taking.
Neither him, or I, have ever done anything like this before.

How does he go about it ?

What is the cheapest reasonable camera (and I guess he needs a mic too; do they come as a package ?)
for him to buy to hook up to his desktop pc ? (Brand/Model ?)

Is it a simple plug in and go, or is there a lot of software to set up ?

Any caveats to using and getting started with ?

Thanks again for help; much appreciated.

Bob

Edwin · 22 May 2016

A decent webcam and Skype should be all you need.
Logitech C920 is a good cam, a little pricey but you won't be happy with a cheap one.

Setting PC Up For Video Conferencing ?-hd-webcam-pro-c920-gallery.png

Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam for Windows, Mac, and Chrome OS

Download Skype for Desktop

AbAppletic · 22 May 2016

Hello.
Webcam:
It depends on what webcam you have. Some require a driver, which usually comes in a CD with the product. The driver setup will be easy. Windows install some webcam drivers automatically sometimes. As for the webcam, all you need to do is connect it via USB.
Microphone:
You should buy a headset. It is the easiest to setup. Just be sure to buy the right one, not a cheap 5$ one, but a 20-50$ headsets are usually great. You won't need to setup any drivers, Windows will just prompt you to test your microphone by saying text that appears on your screen. Then your done. Be sure to buy the right input that your computer supports.
Software:
Skype is perfect. Very easy to use. Or you can use google hangouts, which is also good. You need good internet for video calls on an software.

NavyLCDR · 22 May 2016

Let's not forget we're talking very infrequent use here.

HD Webcam C270 Simple 720p video calls

On sale at Best Buy for $23:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/logitech...&skuId=9928354

It has a built-in microphone and any pair of headphones/earbuds can be used to receive the audio, if the computer built-in speakers are not good enough.

Check with the school to determine what software will be compatible with their videoconferencing.

bro67 · 22 May 2016

It is done through the portal that he logs into. Nothing needs to be done to his computer, other than install any software that they require for connecting to the system they use for the students if they have one. Most go through the browser, so nothing else has to be done.