An online webcam refers to the device that transmits visual images to computers. Computers convert the transmitted images into electrical pulses or digital information. These digital images can be transmitted through the Internet to other servers connect to online web chatting networks. Many online webcams may have focus adjustment features and vary in their designs.

If you have a webcam installed on your home or office computer, it is possible to broadcast over the Internet what your webcam "sees." Webcam broadcasting has many practical uses. If you want to host your own online “TV channel,” you can do that using your webcam. You can also turn your webcam into a simple yet effective surveillance or security camera. These are just some examples of the things you can do with webcam broadcasting technology.

You do not need expensive or complicated software to do webcam broadcasting. There are a lot of free software programs that can serve these purposes. If your computer uses Windows, then you can use the free program called "Windows Media Encoder" that can be downloaded from the Microsoft website.

If you are not running the Windows OS, a simple search will show you a lot of programs that are free and easy to use. Programs like the Windows Media Encoder are very simple to use. Simply read the help file provided or search the Internet for various tutorials on how to use these programs.

Since your computer will act as a mini-server for your webcam, you will have to make sure that it can be accessed by people over the Internet. If you are behind a firewall or router, then you have to do some tweaking first.

If you only use a software firewall, all you have to do is free the port that your webcam server will be using. In most firewalls, there are pop-up notices that tell you about the program trying to access the Internet. Simply allow it and you are done.

When behind a router or hardware firewall, you have to do a process known as "port forwarding." The computer you are using has two IPs, one for your LAN (Local Area Network), and one that is used outside your network, or the WAN IP. Configuring the router to forward requests from other computers to the WAN to your LAN IP must be done in order to access your webcam broadcast.

Some online webcam sites provide features such as audibles, various emoticons (animated and still images), profile pages, voice conversation, picture displays, sound effects, environment settings, file sending and receiving, invisible modes, contact sharing, status messages, avatars and many more.

Online webcams are used by many people around the world for various communication purposes. Many people can use online webcams to discuss business matters, keep in touch with close friends or relatives or meet new people. They can be accessed from home computers, Internet shops and devices that have wireless Internet connections.

The most common use of webcams today is video streaming through video chatting or conferencing. Video streaming requires that two or more parties be online for it to take place, but there are times when the person you want to talk to cannot go online, so here is a simple solution.

Most webcams on the market are capable of taking both still pictures and video. These webcams usually come with bundled software that can do both of those things, and even more, depending on the manufacturer of the device. If you want to send a video message to a person who cannot make it online, you can simply record your video message using your webcam and send the video file through email.

Video recording software varies depending on the brand of the webcam, but has the same function – to record your videos. If you want to send a video message to someone, simply switch on your webcam, launch the right software, and start recording. If you do not know which program to use to start your video recording, simply refer to the manual that came with your webcam, or access the webcam help menu.

Newer webcams today have built-in microphones, so if you have one that has a mic, you will have no need for a separate one. Before you start recording a message, make sure the area you are in has good lighting conditions so that the video will be clear. Remember to speak loud and clear when recording so that your message can be easily understood.