How to use a webcam online?

How to test & use the integrated webcam on an Alienware Area-51 m15x laptop?

• I bought a used Alienware Area-51 m15x laptop. It's a heavy beast with with lots of features, including an integrated webcam that is built into the top center of the lid. The laptop is running Windows 7 Ultimate just fine. But I can't figure out how to take a picture or a video with the integrated webcam. I'd like to be able to use it to take still pictures, take videos, use for conference calls, etc. What application(s) must be loaded and running in order to use the webcam? Is there a way to tell from the Operating System software that the camera is working properly? ~ thanks for your answers ~

• Answer:

  In the days of Windows XP, there was a setting in the Control Panel called Cameras - although I am not sure it remains in Windows 7 - which will load up your webcam as first camera connected. Other programs that can read your camera include Windows Movie Maker, Microsoft Messenger, Skype (and other IM clients that support video chat), plus your camera will probably have it's own program that will be somewhere on your Start Menu (possibly under the Alienware tab, if you can see it).