Camera

Most of your computers probably already have a camera built-in. To stick to the philosophy that we should spend our time on the core issues we will assume that you are using a Logitech C270 in what follows. Most web cameras will likely do just as fine and so will your built-in camera.

Testing the camera

Below are some simple ways for testing your camera on different platforms.

Linux/Ubuntu

• Run the program "cheese" (Cheese Webcam Booth)
  • To start it
    • Open terminal and type cheese and ENTER, or
    • Click the ubuntu icon in the top left corner and search for cheese and then click the cheese icon
  • If you have more than one camera connected you select which one to use under Preferences (upper left corner in the menu bar (not visible until you move the mouse there)
• Skype is another option for a quick test
• Virtual machine
  • You need to make sure that the Virtual machine has access to the camera. You do this via the "Devices" menu and the item "Webcams" and then select the camera from the host that you want to have access in the virtual machine.

Mac 

• Start "Photo booth" and see if you get an image.
  • You can select which camera to grab the image from using the Camera menu
• You can also use Skype for example

Windows

• What is this?