DescentBB

I recently got a webcam and I'm interested in the best way to do Video/Voice/Text communication over the net. The box says it works with MSN Messenger but I'm thinking that there's a better option somewhere (preferably free, of course). Any suggestions?

Well, I think MSN is your best bet since world+dog has an MSN account by now..

try iview, great video-conferencing software and free. its like a mirc irc-client with video.

http://www.ivisit.com/

MSN will do it. My GF and I use webcams and mics to video conference using MSN almost every night. She lives 400 km away.

Anyway, there's a distinct difference between "Video Conference" mode and webcam mode. It seems to me that video quality is somewhat reduced in VC mode, whereas the quality is higher in webcam mode - but it is more involved to activate.

For webcam mode, you need to offer your webcam to your recipient, and then they have to offer you their webcam. Then one of you has to invite the other to an audio conversation. VOILA.

Please also be aware, that Firewalls will almost undoubtedly prevent your video from working. It seems to work through Zone Alarm just fine, but not my Router/Modem. I spent ages looking for the correct ports to open on my firewall, but never had any success. Now I simply turn the firewall off completely when I want to use the webcam, and turn it back on afterwards.... if I remember... :S