Integrated Webcam

[Smish]

Totally stupid question coming. Forgive me, please.

So, I bought a new laptop today (Dell Inspiron) and it has an integrated webcam. I've never used a webcam and probably won't use it much. Anyway, my question is: will I know if it the thing is on? I talk to friends through instant messaging a lot at night, often in my bra (I ditch my clothes when I get home from work. I'm a little weird), and I'd prefer they not see me. So, um, they can't, right?

I'm embarassed to be asking, but I'll be more embarassed if everyone I know ends up seeing me half naked...

:)Smish

[brokenfingers]

A light should come on when it's operative. But I also know people who have taped theirs. Just in case.

[Smish]

A light should come on when it's operative. But I also know people who have taped theirs. Just in case.

Lol. Can you see me now? :D

[Jersey Chick]

With mine, I have to actually go and turn it on. And when I do on those rare occasions, a blue light hits me right at eye level so I can't possibly forget. :D

[benbradley]

With mine, I have to actually go and turn it on. And when I do on those rare occasions, a blue light hits me right at eye level so I can't possibly forget. :D
I don't know if that light is actually tied to camera activation, or turned on separately by software (in which case software can access the camera without turning on the light).

This story should keep you dressed in front of your laptop (AND putting electrical tape over the camera lens):
School Caught In Spying Scandal Admits Activating Webcams On Students' Laptops
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/22/harriton-high-school-admi_n_471321.html

Setting my stopwatch to see how fast this gets moved to P&CE.

[Smish]

I'm keeping a post-it note over it at all times. :rolleyes:

[Matera the Mad]

I love my desktop. In summer, I take off my clothes and it takes off its side panel and we're naked together.

IMO there is no way the cam is on without your permission -- meaning, check the settings of whatever software you are using to chat. And if you're still paranoid don't use whatever came bundled with the new computer because none of that stuff can be trusted anyway :tongue

[JimmyB27]

If by "probably won't use it much", you really mean "won't ever use it", you could go into 'Device Manager' and disable it entirely.

[Jersey Chick]

I don't know if that light is actually tied to camera activation, or turned on separately by software (in which case software can access the camera without turning on the light).

This story should keep you dressed in front of your laptop (AND putting electrical tape over the camera lens):
School Caught In Spying Scandal Admits Activating Webcams On Students' Laptops
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/22/harriton-high-school-admi_n_471321.html

Setting my stopwatch to see how fast this gets moved to P&CE.

But in that article, the computers were school issued. No one's had mine but me. I doubt I have anything to worry about.