Logitech's QuickCam Orbit webcam

Adding a Web camera to a computer setup isn't all that difficult.

Just remember, compatibility is key.

"The instant messaging clients are incorporating videos more and more, so it's been easier," says Lara Luepke, webcam editor for CNET.com, a technology news and reviews source. "USB connections on every computer are making it easier to just plug it in. They're making it more accessible for the average user."

Web cameras run from $20 to upward of $200. They're all pretty standard with image quality generally improving with price.

"Most people need a basic, $40 low-end one," she says. "You just want something that's going to look decent and so that the other person can see you."

The camera should be compatible with the computer. Logitech and Creative make popular brands of PC-compatible Web cameras, but smaller companies make fine webcams, too, she says.

Apple makes the iSight webcam, which is compatible with Macintosh computers and works best with Macs, in most cases, she says. Logitech also makes a Mac-compatible Webcam.

"When you're shopping in the store for a webcam, the specifications are on the back, the Windows or Mac logo and operating system requirements," she says.

Web cameras come with software that enables the user to take still pictures and make short videos that can be inserted into e-mails.

Some software also includes special effects that will superimpose the image of a shark or other animated character over your face and will track and mimic your facial movements and gestures, Ms. Luepke says.

Most people use Web cameras for video instant messaging via AOL, Yahoo or MSN's instant messaging programs, which are free and downloadable.

"Logitech has a partnership with MSN Messenger, so it works very well with that, but it will work with anything," she says.

The computer should have a USB port and most computers purchased in the past five years do have one, she says.

Install the Web camera disc driver and software. After that, with Windows systems, just plug the camera into the computer, which will detect it. Then, start using it with the software provided or open up your instant messaging client -- AOL, Yahoo or MSN -- and log on.

"If I have MSN Messenger and want to video chat via webcam with you, you would also need MSN Messenger," she says. "Usually the box has a video message icon, so that you can click on that and the other person has to accept your feed. It's really pretty easy."

Most cameras also have built-in microphones, so users can talk and see the other person without having to use the computer microphone, Ms. Luepke adds.

"As with any technology, as prices come down and ease of use has improved, they're growing [in use]," adds David Heidenreich, strategy and online planning director for Ripple Effects Interactive, a Pittsburgh-based Web marketing agency. "When your mom can plug it in and it works, that's when it's going to be in every house."

For more information about Web cameras, visit www.cnet.com.