Best webcam software for Windows XP Pro?

[JohnGray]

Browsing vaguely through a local computer store, I found a goodly selection of webcams, many of which came with Microsoft's NetMeeting. I then read on one of the manufacturer's websites that Windows XP does not support NetMeeting - nice one, MS!

I would like to use a webcam on XP Pro to "videoconference" with a remote person, being able to see him/her and talk to her/him in real time -- and vice versa, of course. Rather like the "videophone" that BT tried to foist on us unsuspecting UK people some time ago, at breathtaking expense and minimal bandwidth!

What free - or nearly free - software do people recommend as an alternative? Does it have to be the same at both ends (presumably yes?)? I don't have a great problem with bandwidth, unless 1 Mbps is inadequate for the purpose... <img src=/S/snail.gif border=0 alt=snail width=21 height=17>

[JohnGray]

Mark - are you saying that NetMeeting actually runs under XP? 'cos if it doesn't, it doesn't really matter just how wonderful it is...

I'll extend the <font color=448800>"free, or nearly free"</font color=448800> to <font color=ff8c00>"not more than the price of the webcam"</font color=ff8c00> if that draws in any other enthusiastic endorsements!

[WyllyWylly]

Yes, not only does Netmeeting work in XP, XP ships with it. Hidden. There's push from Redmond to make you use Messenger instead, but Netmeeting is hiding.

1. <LI>Click on the Start menu.
   <LI>Select Run.
   <LI>Type "conf" (without quotes) in the open field and hit OK.

NetMeeting will fire right up (or should). You'll have to go through the setup wizard the first time you run it.

[WyllyWylly]

When you go looking for free or nearly free, just remember: you often get what you pay for. Netmeeting, IMHO, is one of the best around. I also use WebCam32 for other purposes, but I don't believe they offer a videoconferencing option. Check out their product listing anyway, you may find something you like!

<hr>unless 1 Mbps is inadequate for the purpose...<hr>

It might be....video takes up a lot of bandwidth. But if you set the image size and resolution at a low enough rate, with compression, you should be OK. Again, this is another area where Netmeeting shines.

Good luck!

[JohnGray]

Yes, you are entirely correct; CONF starts Netmeeting!

Which, therefore, is preferable in the XP environment - Windows Messenger or NetMeeting? HAs Microsoft put anything into Messenger that improves on NetMeeting?

Thanks for the pointers!

[WyllyWylly]

I think which one's preferable is really a matter of personal choice. Microsoft is pushing Messenger, who knows their reason for doing so - but to me, Netmeeting is an excellent product and for videoconferencing would be my first choice. It would require that the other person (or people) be using the same application, but it's bundled with all versions of Windows in recent times. Yahoo Messenger also allows the use of a webcam, and in practice seems to handle it fairly well.