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Archive Yahoo Messenger Version 5 WebCam |
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Tuesday, 18 November 2003 |
This review is based on Yahoo Messenger v5.0... I don't have access to using the
supercam feature.. on a dialup :-|
Webcam support in Yahoo Messenger came to us all in version 4.1 so you dont have
the webcam feature available on your current messenger then chances are your either
running version 4 (to get the latest version of messenger you need to access the
download area at [Yahoo!
Messenger]) or you're running a Mac or UNIX version of messenger.. if this
is the case the news is all bad as it seems that Yahoo is not intending to make
this feature available either of those version.
The system requirements are pretty straight forward to support a webcam..
Pentium 200MHz +
min 32 ram (64 is stated as preferred)
Windows 98/NT/2000/Me/XP
Microsoft Internet Explorer (version 4.0 or later) try to get yourself version
5.5 or above.. there really is a big difference between 4 and 5 and as 6 is the
latest 5.5 is a good compromise for those of you who aren't ready to make the
leap to 6 yet :-)
Testing, Testing...
Assuming that you already have a webcam.. and that you have it plugged in of course
;-) the next step is to test it's compatibility.. easily done as Yahoo provides
a service that does just that.. pop along to [Yahoo
Webcam Help] to take the test.  You'll
get a prompt about running the software.. just what is it? It's a 480kb ActiveX
control called Yahoo WebCam Upload Wrapper that downloads to the following path
(depending on your system of course)
C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files
and can of course be deleted later of you so choose. Now if you want to run the
test your only option is to hit Yes to install and run, once it's downloaded if
all goes ok and your cam is compatible you'll see your webcam image showing on
the page...
 if
you hit the options button it lets you fine tune the settings so play around until
you get an image you like the look of.. remember that the time of day does play
a vital role in the quality of your image.. lighting is everything so watch for
windows, back lighting, placement of overhead lights in the room etc etc a little
tweak here, a little tweak there.. but ultimately you're now ready to go live
with Yahoo Messenger and show your friends what you really look like.. don't you
just wish you hadn't said you were that 20lbs (or years!) lighter and where oh
where did those blue eyes go ;-)
Going Live...
launch Yahoo Messenger and you're ready to roll the real you out the door...
 In
the main messenger window (where your friends list is), from the control menu
hit Tools, then Start
My Webcam, wait for it to connect, the broadcast
button should show as depressed, if not hit it manually..you should
now be seeing the image that is about to be broadcast to your friends.. if you
like to plan ahead this way will perhaps appeal the most as it gives you a chance
to set it up first.. do some last minute touch-ups and adjust the lighting for
optimal viewing.. use this method if you have multiple
Identies as it can save a bit a confusion.. to select the ID you wish
to broadcast under hit File, select Change
Identity and select the ID you
wish to use from the list. You can only broadcast under one ID at a time.
 You
can invite users to view your cam in a vareity of ways..
right click on a name from your friends
list and select Invite to view my Webcam..
or if your already having an IM with someone then your cam is only a few clicks
away..you can either go for the direct approach and it use the Webcam
Icon from the top of IM window..
 or
you can head to Friends on the control menu
and then hit Invite to View My Webcam.
 If
you're not big on inviting people and your just happy to sit back and let others
come check out your cam your best option is to set this as your status
message when you have your webcam running... from the main Messenger
window hit Login, select Preferences,
hit the Webcam category then hit the box beside
"Change my status message.." and
enter the message you'd like shown.. if your short of words leave text field blank
and View My Webcam will be displayed by default
While you're in this category set your preferences for who
can view your cam, your options are...
 -
>Allow everyone to view my webcam
->Always ask my permission for someone
to view my webcam
-> Allow only the following users
to view my webcam, with this option whenever anyone else tries to view your cam
you'll receive a permission prompt before access is granted. While you're being
sent the webcam request (graphic shown above) the following message is being displayed...
so if your unsure who is trying to view your cam you have plenty of time to check
out their profile.. if in doubt hit No and IM them for further information about
whether you know them or not. If your aok with the request then simply hit Yes
for the transmission to proceed.
At all times you have complete control over who views your cam and at any stage
you can either shut down the broadcast or simply remove a person from viewing
your cam.. to see who is watching your broadcast
hit File, select Webcam,
hit Who is watching me. This will generate
a list of all the ID's who are currently tuned in.. to
remove a person (rather than shutting down your cam) simply click
once on their name and hit Remove.
more coming soon :-)
external site links..
Yahoo! Site
[Yahoo! Messenger]
[Yahoo!
Messenger Webcam]
[Yahoo!
Messenger Webcams Help Section]
[Yahoo!
Messenger List of Supported Webcams]
Webcam sites..
[www.logitech.com]
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 22 November 2003 )
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