checking web camera

[shariefbe]

Hello,
I am new to linux....i have the web camera with me...but i dont how to check that camera whether it is working or not...?how to check that webcam in linux?can anyone help me to check that webcam....what the procedure to check that webcam.....Thanks in advance

[danielsmw]

shariefbe,

There are lots of ways to interface your webcam with your computer in Linux. How easy, hard, or impossible this is really depends on:

1. What version/distro of Linux are you using?
2. What model webcam do you have?

If you can post these things, we may be able to help you configure it. As for checking to know whether it works or not, try installing Cheese. It runs under Gnome and is similar to OS X's Photo Booth program.

[shariefbe]

ya sure...i am using ubuntu 7.10.....and my webcam is CREATIVE.....but i dont know the exact model number......

[jmadero]

I would honestly recommend installing skype, go into their preferences, video options, and see if you can do a "test", if you can, the webcam is working, if not, most likely more needs to be done.

From my experience Creative has not been the most helpful for open source communities, this being said, if it's an older camera (by older I mean 1 year or more) than most likely someone has gotten it to work.

Open a terminal and type

sudo lspci

post what it spits out (assuming the camera doesn't work in skype)

Now to install skype follow these instructions:

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype


One last thing, any reason why you are still running the Gutsy Gibbon? Since then, two releases have been put out, one of which is a LTS (Long Term Support) release, you may want to consider upgrading to Hardy Heron, or, if you aren't as concerned about LTS, you should check out the newest release, Intrepid Ibex (Ubuntu 8.10)

[bigtomrodney]

The gstreamer-properties tool is good for testing your webcam, it should be included in your system. That is it has been the last while, not sure about Gutsy though.

[shariefbe]

ya....i used skype...its working..Thanks a lot