Is the GE MiniCam Pro good?

GE MiniCam 98651/ 98652 and Yahoo messenger config?

• I have a Dell Inspirion 9100 and just got a GE MiniCam 98651 or 98652 hard to say from the install CD and actual minicam. It installed fine and is working but cannot seem to sort out how to make it hook-up with Yahoo IM. Any suggestions are welcome. My honey is in Iraq and it would be great to have a virtual date :)

• Answer:

  Download the manufacturer's software ( by using the CD or from their website ) Once your webcam is working on your computer,you can configure it to Yahoo Messenger. Its good practice to disconnect and re-connect your webcam before you start - if you have been using it elsewhere the Yahoo software may have difficulty in locating it. Mine, I just unplug it from the USB and plug it back in, if yours is integral with the computer you will have to re-start the computer, unless the software has a feature for this. Of all the chat programs, Yahoo is the most painful software to set up but if you follow these instructions you should be ok. INTERNET CONNECTION Webcam connected Open messenger - on top toolbar. Left click ( > ) Messenger > Preferences > Connection - Select 'no proxies' or 'connect direct to the internet' depending on the version of messenger you have make sure your internet connection and country are correct in the lower two boxes > Apply > OK TESTING > Messenger > My webcam - the warning panel will launch, click 'OK' and your webcam will start. You should be rewarded at this stage with your happy smiling face. DEFAULT With webcam still running > Messenger > Preferences > Webcam > Camera Source - set your webcam as default using dropbox. > Camera Settings - adjust settings to suit. > Apply > OK Take a note of any additional software, if you have multiple choice for Camera Source, you may wish to uninstall any redundant webcam software later to prevent conflicts PERMISSION OPTIONS > Messenger > Preferences > Webcam - make your selections ( who you will allow to view you) > Apply > OK IN USE When you are both on line and wish to show your webcam > Actions > 'Invite to view my webcam'. This will launch an invitation on your contacts screen when they 'Accept' your webcam broadcast will start- There can be considerable time lag ( 1 minute) before they see you, so dont be too impatient ( You can check the status on the bottom left of your webcam panel. You can 'drag and drop' the frame to a convenient location by grabbing the top border. There is a shortcut ( webcam icon ) down by your pic as well Your contacts needs to configure their connection the same as above or they may get a "webcam not connected" message If you complete the above and still have problems - check to see if your cam is compatible with Yahoo YAHOO SPECIFICATION To find out what the requirements are for messenger webcams, check out the following. http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/messenger/messenger9/webcam/mstacamreq.html Any problems - click on my avatar and message me