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The presence of a webcam atop your computer no longer needs to lead to a raised eyebrow from your house guests or a saucy wink from visiting tradesmen. Though of course, it cannot be denied that webcams are used for voyeuristic and adventurous adult viewing, the webcam has numerous other, innocent uses that are very practical and don't actually require the removal of clothing.

If you haven't yet purchased a webcam, you will find they range in price from $15 to well over $195, but can pick up an excellent quality webcam for around $75. In this price range the picture quality and resolution are usually very high. Video cameras can also be used as webcams, but because the set up can be cumbersome and drain the battery quickly, you will find it more economical to buy a separate webcam.

If your computer already has a webcam installed or you have one but have no idea what you would do with it, other than the 'wink, wink, nudge nudge' option, here are a few family friendly ideas for how you can step into the digital age with your webcam:

HELP SELL YOUR GOODS ON THE INTERNET

Use the still capture function to take digital photographs of goods you want to sell on sites like eBay. Many of the webcams available today have more than adequate photo quality. Those grainy black and white blurs of the past are long gone, now the pictures are quite crisp. Make sure you have the item well lit and use the webcam functions to compensate for indoor lighting. Though a digital camera will always take a much clearer high resolution photograph, many websites require lower resolution formats and so your webcam is a good option and eliminates the extra steps of reformatting and uploading the image into your computer before it can be used on the internet.

GET YOUR FACE ON THE INTERNET

When you create a personal profile on an online social network such as Myspace, or Facebook,use your webcam to snap a recent photo of yourself immediately. You are likely to have more positive interactions with others if you have recent photographs of yourself posted that change regularly. Use your webcam as a cheap alternative to a digital camera. You can use the capture option on your webcam to take instant digital photos of yourself. Get creative and move the webcam away from computer desk. If you have your webcam attached to a laptop you can take pictures outside and even take photos of your pets, children or house to share with your online buddies.

KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY LIVING OVERSEAS

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