I require an extremely simple messenger application with webcam support

[The Stig]

I've been tasked with the job of helping out a friend who, armed with a netbook with a webcam, has gone travelling "the world".

In his infinite wisdom, he regrets not teaching his parents before he left, and now regrets it as he would like to stay in touch with them to stop them worrying, etc.

Initially, I was going to use MSN Messenger for the job, but then upon installing the latest build (I use a none standard/old build) on my test machine I realised "holy shit what a mess" and decided it's not a good idea to teach his parents how to use it without using up a sufficient amount of my own time.

Is there any kind of application out there that is PURELY for just simple webchat + webcam (with audio) support that doesn't throwing in shit like games, profile pics, blogs, the whole lot? It has to be free too and I do not mind having to sign up (simply) for an account.

I searched online but instead got millions of dating websites (online webcam chat program, and other variants of the same).

[Norellicus]

Does google talk do cameras yet? I know they do voice...

If so, try that

[Jedimasta]

Skype, iChat, and you can also video chat using a Gmail account.

[Ragnell]

Skype is best

[Khamsin]

Skype is best

That's more of an "online phone with video and text support", than an "instant messenger with video and voice support" like he was asking for.

Although if he doesn't need IM features like having a list of online contacts readily available to engage in multiple text chats at once or the ability to send and receive IMs without being at his computer and responding to them at his leisure, and instead wishes to initiate a call as with a phone that must be answered before a conversation can take place and will not need to communicate at any other time than when both parties are actively at their computers ready to talk, then he can use Skype.

[The Stig]

I thought about Skype, I do remember it being simple but doesn't it require registration/subscription? Or is that for internet -> home/landline calls only? (so internet -> internet = free)

I only used Skype a few times and the few times I did use it I just basically told a friend to set it up for me so we can use it WITHIN the shared house so we can communicate while playing LAN games.

[Roaringhedgehog]

skype is free reasonably simple has webchat phone chat voice chat and text chat i use it to speak to my brother and his family in canada so does my mum and dad too. it doesnt have all that crap yahoo and msn does with games and shit.

it also allows you to put credits on to ring actual phones if you have to prices are prety cheap depending on country too. you can also buy a phone which connects via usb if the ppl dont like using web cam or some dodgy mic my mum and dad had the phone for a while. if they leave it pulgged in and loged on when you call/try contact them it just rings like a normal phone they press teh pick up button talk when finished press hang up same stuff like a moblie seamed very simple.

if my dad can use that crap am sure most ppl could.

as they other guy said msn and yahoo have more fetures like im from phones and shit adding to there complexitiys.

imo i prefer skype over MSN and Yahoo i have all 3

[Roaringhedgehog]

I thought about Skype, I do remember it being simple but doesn't it require registration/subscription? Or is that for internet -> home/landline calls only? (so internet -> internet = free)

I only used Skype a few times and the few times I did use it I just basically told a friend to set it up for me so we can use it WITHIN the shared house so we can communicate while playing LAN games.

gota register yeah with a email acc no subscription.

you can IM people on your contacts list, web chat with them voice chat or phone actual land/mobile numbers or send texts tho these last 2 do require you to add credits to the accont

[bungiefan]

I thought about Skype, I do remember it being simple but doesn't it require registration/subscription? Or is that for internet -> home/landline calls only? (so internet -> internet = free)

I only used Skype a few times and the few times I did use it I just basically told a friend to set it up for me so we can use it WITHIN the shared house so we can communicate while playing LAN games.

Registration is free and simple, and required like any other IM program. Fees are only for services involving real phones. Computer-to-computer services are all free. It's simple enough that my mom uses it, and she used Word like a manual typewriter until a few months ago (when she took a computer skills course), not knowing about things like Find or Find/Replace, and having written and published two books like that.

[The_OG_Nelta]

OOVOO

WHAT THE HELL GUYS? SERIOUSLY

[The Stig]

Thanks for the info all. OOVOO looks interesting too, will check it out. Once I decide it's simple enough I'll begin the "teaching"

[hagun]

Maybe I missed something, but what is so difficult about using a webcam to chat on MSN? I haven't used a webcam in ages but I don't see how it's difficult to learn and use if the person has an IQ over 10.

[The Stig]

They're nosy people. I don't want them to eventually ask me to teach them how to play games or make a blog or make a profile pic or ... anything. I'm protecting myself of all possible questions.

[SephYuyX]

How about plain old Microsoft Net Meeting lol?