A few minutes ago, my macbook pro (OSX 10.6.8) played what I think was the Skype incoming call chime. I didn't think Skype was running, and as I was Cmd-Tabbing through applications to see if I'd accidentally left Skype turned on, the webcam light briefly flashed. Skype wasn't running, but I double-checked by starting Activity Monitor, and didn't see any processes with Skype in the name. I'm not totally sure it was the skype chime, because I don't use skype often. I do have google chat running in gmail with video chat enabled, but there were no visible notifications in the gmail window. I suppose it could've been a deceptive flash ad in a browser tab, but it's the webcam light that creeps me out. Any ideas what might have happened? Should I find a malware scanner? Is that even a thing? The last ask.metafilter match for "osx malware" is almost 2 years old.
posted by moonmilk on Mar 14, 2013 - 4 answers

Company wants to group skype, and everything is working great Except the main conference room, which is about 8x bigger than the others. [more inside]
posted by one4themoment on Mar 13, 2013 - 5 answers

(Asking for a friend.) I need to find some sort of software that lets you both record yourself through a webcam (showing the image live in a window on the screen) and (not simultaneously) play a pre-recorded video in the same screen. Ideally it would have very minimalist buttons, or configurable buttons/toolbar. [more inside]
posted by lollusc on Jul 31, 2012 - 3 answers

I need an weather proof outdoor webcam. I have intermittent power and wifi. What are my options? [more inside]
posted by chillmost on Jul 22, 2012 - 8 answers

I'm looking for a USB webcam with really good low light performance and full manual controls (exposure, focus, etc). A digital camera or camcorder that can emulate a webcam would work too. Bonus if it's known to work well with software like Processing, OpenFrameworks, and/or Jitter.
posted by moonmilk on Jun 30, 2012 - 3 answers

The makerspace I belong to has a webcam but the system doesn't work very well; it's just an iSight plugged into a Mac mini. I'd like to set up a dedicated headless linux box with a bunch of cheap USB cameras instead. Recommendations? [more inside]
posted by Mars Saxman on Oct 5, 2011 - 5 answers

I am putting together a proposal for my English class. It proposes that cameras should be required in meat processing plants all along the "dissemble" line, and broadcast "to the public somehow," (probably via web-feed or something) . Is there such a thing, in any law, in any jurisdiction (even outside of the U.S.)? [more inside]
posted by Monkey0nCrack on Apr 10, 2011 - 15 answers

Best software/site for webcam seminar with students who pay to attend? [more inside]
posted by kenzi23 on Mar 22, 2011 - 3 answers

I seem to only be able to use my webcam when I am chatting online. I would like to be able to record and playback video. I am on a very tight budget, so cannot afford something like Camtasia (~$300), and even something like Debut Video Recording Suite (at $70) is too expensive. Anyone know of free or very cheap options available? Thanks!
posted by Betty's Table on Jan 1, 2011 - 8 answers

How to get my computer to acknowledge my web cam? [more inside]
posted by FakePalindrome on Nov 11, 2010 - 5 answers

This web cam as Windows XP desktop? Thank you.
posted by eccnineten on Oct 1, 2010 - 9 answers

I used to love corresponding with overseas penpals that I'd been matched up with at school, or whatever. Do people do this via video chat these days? Where and how? [more inside]
posted by AngerBoy on Jul 9, 2010 - 3 answers

Why is my laptop's webcam light flashing on and off, sporadically? (Is someone watching me?) [more inside]
posted by anthropomorphic on May 21, 2010 - 13 answers

How do I schedule automated webcam recordings on Windows? I have a laptop at the back of a classroom, and I want to be able to record classes by setting up a schedule beforehand. How can I do, essentially, a DVR for webcam recordings? [more inside]
posted by jumpfroggy on Apr 2, 2010 - 3 answers

What easy options are there in terms of software for setting up a simple temporary webcam video/audio feed on a (non-pro) Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard installation? [more inside]
posted by Unhyper on Feb 16, 2010 - 2 answers

Suggestions and thoughts regarding a webcam and a GPS for my elderly father-in-law? more inside. [more inside]
posted by mwhybark on Dec 29, 2009 - 6 answers

In Snow Leopard, has Photo Booth been upgraded to utilize the full resolution of the iSight or external webcams? I want to do one of those DIY wedding photo booth deals, but my 10.5 version of Photo Booth limits resolution to 640x480. Alternatively: will any piece of software on the Mac let me capture a still image from my Logitech 9000 at its full 2MP resolution? I have searched in vain for webcam software that doesn't limit me to 640x480. Help! [more inside]
posted by thejoshu on Aug 28, 2009 - 6 answers

How do I use a webcam with Windows Movie Maker on Vista? [more inside]
posted by peachykeen on Jul 1, 2009 - 2 answers

Is there some sort of adapter, like a small prism that I could clip on my laptop's built-in webcam so that I can record video behind the laptop (in front of me) of what I am looking at? [more inside]
posted by It's Austin, TX! on Jun 2, 2009 - 9 answers

What webcam or camcorder should I buy for my videocast?

I may run it as a youtube channel or as a vlog, but I want it to look and sound as good as possible. I intend to edit each episode with some yet to be determined video editing software and I am 90% sure I will be buying the Samson C01U microphone (possibly the whole podcasting pak).

Now I need a video recorder to match! [more inside]
posted by brenton on Feb 24, 2009 - 8 answers

On-demand webcam image serving on a linux server? [more inside]
posted by datacenter refugee on Dec 31, 2008 - 2 answers

Please help me buy a webcam! I don't know anything about webcams. [more inside]
posted by hot soup girl on Nov 23, 2008 - 7 answers