Video conferencing and webcams

If you have problems getting going with Zoom or are concerned about its security then an easy, free and secure alternative is the open-source Jitsi Meet https://meet.jit.si/ which has apps for smartphones and works on Windows, Mac or linux with the Chrome, Chromium or the new Microsoft Edge web-browsers without the need to install a desktop client application.

Meanwhile, due to the current situation with Coronavirus lock-downs etc, video conferencing is being widely used for families, friends and colleagues to stay in touch – unfortunately this has led to a shortage of available webcams for those who don’t have one built-in to their computer screen or laptop.

Some options are to EITHER use the video-conferencing service’s app on a smartphone or iPad:

Jitsi Meet has iPhone/iPad and Android apps as well as working in Slack.

For Zoom there is info here on Android: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/200942759-Getting-Started-with-Android
and here on iPhone/iPad: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362993-Getting-Started-with-iOS

OR to use a smartphone or iPad as a webcam for their PC:

Info here – Android: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ip-webcam-android-phone-as-a-web-cam/
iPhone: https://techviral.net/use-iphone-as-webcam/

Another option might be that some digital cameras / camcorders can operate as a webcam via their USB cable – but you’d have to check the appropriate instruction booklet as it will vary by make and model.