| When you use Skype to chat with your friends, you | | | | dark in some places but too light in others. |
| have the option to include video from your | | | | Once you can see yourself and you're ready to share |
| webcam. If you've read my Beginner's Guide to | | | | your video with your friend, close the settings menu |
| Skype, you'll know how to add a friend and initiate a | | | | and head back over to the left, where your contacts |
| normal VoIP call with them. In a normal VoIP call, | | | | list is. Click just once on a friend to get to their |
| you cannot see the other person; it's just like a | | | | profile. If they have a webcam as well, you will see |
| telephone call. | | | | the option "video call" presented on the right below |
| On a Skype call with video, you'll be able to see the | | | | their picture. Click on this and your call will begin. |
| other person clearly. It's amazing how much it can | | | | Unfortunately, Skype doesn't have built in conference |
| feel like you're in the same room when really you're | | | | video yet. To do this, you'll need to follow several |
| thousands of miles away. For those in long distance | | | | steps, but none of them are particularly difficult. |
| relationships or too far away from friends and family | | | | First, create a conference call. To start one of |
| to see them regularly, this is a great way to keep in | | | | these, click "new" on the left menu directly above |
| contact for free. You can only use video calling if | | | | contacts. Underneath this you'll see the option to |
| you are both connected to Skype through the | | | | have a group conversation. Choose this and add all |
| computer. You will need a webcam and a | | | | of your friends to your group conversation, which will |
| microphone. Some webcams have a microphone | | | | by default be an ordinary call. Skype will call all of |
| included; check to see if yours does before you buy | | | | them and connect you in one big conference call. If |
| a separate microphone. | | | | call quality is low, make sure everyone is using the |
| Before you invite your friends to start a video call | | | | most updated version of Skype. Different codecs |
| with you, first check that your webcam is working | | | | can throw off the quality of the call, so it's important |
| properly. To do this, open up Skype and click "call" | | | | to have the same version running on everyone's |
| on the top menu. A little bit down the list, you'll see | | | | computer. |
| Audio Settings and Video. Audio settings will check | | | | Next, you'll have to use a separate website to set up |
| that your microphone is working, while Video will | | | | the video conferencing room. This can be done |
| show you your own webcam video. | | | | through If you navigate to that website, you'll see |
| First, make sure you can see yourself clearly. If you | | | | the option to create a room. Type in whatever |
| have no video at all but your webcam is hooked up | | | | name you like and click "connect". You'll be taken to |
| properly, you'll have to troubleshoot on the | | | | your custom video conferencing room. Copy the |
| manufacturer's website. If your video appears too | | | | URL and share it with your friends that you're already |
| dark or discoloured, try turning on another light. If | | | | chatting with so they can join you. |
| you're next to a window and it's a sunny day | | | | I love this ability and host my own online book club |
| outside, move away. Webcams need even light to | | | | for free using Skype and Mebeam. I hope you can |
| work properly, so sitting underneath a window or | | | | use the dual focus of these programs to do |
| having a desk lamp on will often make the picture | | | | everything you want with VoIP. |