Web cameras or webcams are real time cameras that broadcast images across the Internet. They are often used in chat rooms, adult websites and for sending video messages. They are basically digital cameras that send images to a web server.
Web cameras may broadcast continuously or intermittently. Live streaming webcams are designed to work without computer "plugins" and are also available in various forms. Webcams were first designed for personal video messaging, but people soon realized the cameras allowed anybody around the world with a computer to view the images. There are literally thousands of webcams around the world that enable internet users to see into other people's homes and offices along with providing scenic views of cities, events, tourist attractions, weather conditions and highways. You simply plug your web camera into a computer and in seconds you will be capable of broadcasting your images over the internet.
Web cameras range in price from about $20 to several hundred.