This month I decided to try and get the webcam working on my new computer.  Getting it started became an adventure.  I learned new ways to find and understand instructions, and I also learned that tech support can actually help!

When working with a new device, I like to have a printed document with that tells me the functions and what they can do.   My monitor came with only a software CD and a one-page “quick-start” guide, showing the front panel buttons on one side and the basic startup steps on the other.   Since I grew up with devices doing only one function, this was not enough information.

First, I thought the webcam program might have already been pre-installed on my computer.  To check, I just clicked on START.  The webcam was listed under programs, so I clicked on it.  Now I had a basic screen, but the buttons would not do anything.  Obviously I was missing something.  I needed a user manual.

Without a printed document, I didn’t know what the next steps were, or even where to go find them.  I decided to go to the monitor manufacturer’s site and search for the manual.  There it was!  I found it!  After downloading it, I found the section on starting the webcam.

I learned that I had to load some additional software.  It was on the CD that came with the monitor, and luckily I remembered where I had stored it.  I dug it out, inserted it, and began the setup again.

The installation process stopped without finishing, for some unknown reason.  Don’t you hate it when that happens?  I sure do.  Good thing that I know how to uninstall a program and start over.  The second time through, it worked fine. 

Now I thought I was ready to begin.  I opened the webcam, but still could not see myself.  I was able to see the options on the buttons, and open some other functions and see what they did.  But no picture.  Then I saw the error message at the bottom of the screen:  The webcam was not found.

I went back to the manual.   To my delight, I found both the error message and the resolution for it.  It said to make sure the monitor cable was connected.  I checked the cable and it was fine.  I looked at the chart again.  I had followed the instructions, or so I thought.  But still no picture.  Needless to say, by this time I was very frustrated!

Finally I contacted technical support, via the “chat” link on the manufacturer’s web site.  After telling them that I had already done everything that they were suggesting, I was escalated to the supervisor.  Suddenly the comment was made about a second cable.  Second cable?  How was I supposed to know about the second cable?

I looked at the monitor setup instructions again.   In the lower left corner, in very light print, was a step about connecting the USB cable.  I completely missed that step the first time through!  After finding the second cable, I turned the computer off, and then connected it.  Suddenly the webcam worked! 

In a user manual, I think the print should be easy to read – not blend into the background.  Pictures should be big enough, and clear enough, to see the details.  Maybe reading a manual online is better – then you can always zoom in.  But just in case, I now keep a magnifying glass handy.

see ya next blog,

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106
andrew@innertag.com
www.innertag.com