How can I video chat with Windows XP?
by dannyvda on February 8, 2009Q: I have a new Dell studio 15 w/web cam. I am leaving on a trip with grandkids & would like for them to be able to video chat with their parents. They have emachine with Windows XP. What do we need to do?
Tags: video chat, Windows XP
Here is a basic procedure:
1. Make sure that microphone and webcam drivers are properly installed on both computers. You can download the appropriate drivers for your Dell from: http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/
2. Install IDENTICAL chat software on both computers. Popular free chat services include Windows Live Messenger http://messenger.live.com/, Google Talk http://www.google.com/talk/, Skype http://www.skype.com/, and Yahoo Messenger http://messenger.yahoo.com/.
3. Create a free account on each computer for whichever service you choose.
4. I strongly recommend that you do a few test chats before you go on your trip — just to make sure that you are using the best settings.
Does this help?
robert (Geek) says: on February 8, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Google has some new and free voice & video chat software you can try: http://mail.google.com/videochat
Just make sure you test it out before the trip.
Please let us know if this is helpful.
Mark (Uber Geek) says: on February 9, 2009 at 6:44 am
Mark is correct. Although accessible from the link that I included in my previous post (click on the video camera icon), Google’s free video/voice service is technically part of Google Gmail, not Google Talk.
My guess is that free video/voice will eventually become part of Google Talk. Indeed, when installing Google’s voice/video software, you’ll see a Google Talk logo.
Please keep Mark and me informed on your progress.
robert (Geek) says: on February 9, 2009 at 11:14 am