What Is A Webcam?

Date First Published: 29th August 2023

Topic: Computer Systems

Subtopic: Computer Hardware

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty: Easy

Difficulty Level: 3/10

CONTENTS

Types Of Webcams
How Are Webcams Controlled?

Learn about what a webcam is in this article.

A webcam is an input device that connects to a computer to capture and record moving pictures and sound. It is most commonly used for video calls, remote work, online education, and taking photographs. Webcams can either attach to the user's computer or be placed on top of a desk. On desktop computers, webcams are used as a peripheral device and all-in-one computers, laptops, and mobile devices have a built-in webcam. However, a standalone webcam can still be used.

Most webcams connect to a computer using USB, but some use a Firewire connection. The computer should automatically detect the webcam after it has been plugged in. Sometimes, driver software may have to be installed for the webcam to be detected and work properly. Some webcams operate wirelessly and do not need a physical connection. Instead, they use Wi-Fi to record moving pictures and sound.

Types Of Webcams

The two main types of webcams are:

Basic webcams - These simple webcams are often built into devices. A simple basic webcam setup consists of a digital camera attached to a computer, usually through the USB port. They are provided by companies like Microsoft, Logitech, and Razer.
IP cameras - Also known as network cameras, these webcams have a different design than basic webcams. They are used for continuous monitoring, like in security systems, and pet monitoring. Unlike analogue CCTV cameras, they only require a LAN and no local recording device.

How Are Webcams Controlled?

Webcams have no onboard memory for image storage or any physical control buttons. Instead, they are entirely controlled within the operating system, meaning that the features of a webcam greatly depend on the operating system of the computer and the computer processor. The moving images and sound captured by the webcam are transferred to the computer, which often moves them to a server. The hard drive of the computer is used as the storage of the webcam.

This has also led to privacy risks as attackers can take over a webcam to take image and video recordings if the software is compromised or if they have the right type of malware. This is why some webcams have physical shutters that can be slid to cover the lens when it is not in use, making it physically impossible for the webcam to be activated without the owner's permission.