How to video chat or videoconference over the Internet

Videoconferencing over the Internet is now easier than ever thanks to recently developed software. All you need to get started is a computer, a webcam, and an Internet connection (AOL counts as an Internet connection).

There are several free software products that are available for videoconferencing over the Internet including Camfrog Video Chat and ICUII but the most popular is Microsoft NetMeeting. If you are using a computer with Windows XP NetMeeting is preinstalled on your computer. Go to the start menu at the bottom left of your computer that says “Start” on it. Click it then find a an icon that says “Run” next to it. Choose that icon. A small window will appear. In that window type in the word “conf” without the quotes and then press enter or “ok”. Now NetMeeting will start for you automatically. NetMeetingHQ.com has an information page which helps you get started with the software.

To find people to video chat with on NetMeeting Videofrog has a chat room that usually has 30 or 40 people online, plus a huge NetMeeting user directory. NetMeetingServer.net also has a similar service.

If you use MSN Messenger you can now video chat with that software. Just IM someone you want to talk to and click “Start Camera” on the right side of the IM window.

iVideochat.com has a new website that allows you to videoconference through your web browser. No downloads are required.

One thing that is required to video chat with (if you want people to see you) is a webcam. We offer many different webcams and microphones. Please click one of the categories at the upper left of this page to buy one. We only sell cams which work well with NetMeeting.

We hope this page helps you. If you have any suggestions feel free to contact us. Thank you and good luck.