How to Set Up “NannyCam” Surveillance with Skype
You can use Skype to set up a "NannyCam" or surveillance camera. By setting up Skype to use camera for video surveillance, your NannyCam can help you make sure that your kids at home are fast asleep by 8:00 p.m. Here are some quick and easy ways to set up a surveillance camera at home.
1
Create a special Skype Name for your NannyCam.
Be sure to set your Skype Sign In settings to Sign me in when Skype starts and Start Skype when the computer starts. This way, if your computer reboots, your NannyCam starts up automatically.
2
If you are already logged in to Skype, you can change these settings by choosing Skype→Sign Out from the Skype menu.
A login page appears where you can set these options.
3
After you sign in with your NannyCam Skype Name, add your regular Skype Name to your Contacts list.
The Contacts list for the NannyCam consists of only one person, you. Of course, you may want to include your spouse's Skype Name alongside yours. Whatever the case, the list is very short.
4
In your NannyCam's privacy options (Tools→Privacy), be sure to set the Only allow people in my Contact list to contact me option.
Setting this option ensures that only you and your spouse can connect to the NannyCam.
5
Click onTools→Options→Calls. Click the Show advanced options button. Check Answer incoming calls automatically and Start my video automatically when I am in a call. Click Save.
6
Test your NannyCam by connecting to it over Skype from one of the other computers in your home, or even from work. Log in under your regular Skype name and call your Skype NannyCam name.
You should see the room where your NannyCam is focused.
Be sure to adjust your webcam to point to the specific area of the room you’re watching, and make sure that the lighting level is adequate. Remember, most webcams give some visual signal that they are transmitting, such as an LED that lights up. You can adjust the audio volume levels for the computer speakers next to the NannyCam so that you have a little PA system, or you can turn off sound altogether.
A lot of doggy day cares now allow you to use Skype to check on your canine family members while you are away, too.
Skype Glossary
account
1. (noun) The formal establishment of a relationship between the user and a software product that lets the user make use of the technology. 2. (noun) The representation of the details of the user’s relationship with the software, particularly showing what services of the software the reader can use.
Skype Glossary
beta version
An early version of software that is not in its final release form. Consequently, beta software is sometimes prone to quirks and bugs.
Skype Glossary
Bluetooth
A short-range technology used for transferring data wirelessly. It is commonly used for wireless mice, keyboards, and other consumer products.
Skype Glossary
call history
The record of an individual’s Skype calls.
Skype Glossary
case sensitive
An indication that software differentiates uppercase from lowercase capitalization. For example, if JohnDoe123 is a case-sensitive password, typing in JOHNDOE123 will fail.
Skype Glossary
conferencing
Hosting or participating in calls with multiple contacts using Skype, which can also extend to landline and mobile phone calls.
Skype Glossary
CrazyTalk
A program that allows you to create animated faces that are synchronized to move as you speak.
Skype Glossary
credit
The method by which you purchase time in advance and later spend it when using various Skype features.
Skype Glossary
End User License Agreement
Sometimes referred to by the acronym EULA, the contract a user agrees to in order to be able to use a specific software. This contract, or license agreement, defines the rights and restrictions of the user regarding the software.
Skype Glossary
firewall
A security program or machine that enables users to use a computer or network while also preventing unauthorized access from other parties over the Internet.
Skype Glossary
GMT zone
The GMT — or Greenwich Mean Time — is the system by which the majority of the world sets time according to global lines of longitude, starting with 0 being the meridian that runs between the poles through Greenwich, England and all other time zones being +/- hours in relationship to the 0 meridian.
Skype Glossary
GSM
Global System for Mobile Communications are the most widely used communications standard for mobile phones in the world.
Skype Glossary
IM
Instant messaging is a form of real-time typed communication between two or more people over the Internet or another network.
Skype Glossary
PayPal
1. (noun) The service that is used to securely make financial transactions over the Internet. 2. (noun) The company that provides the service.
Skype Glossary
profile
Your online Skype identity, including information that is private, shared with your contacts, or shared with the world.
Skype Glossary
proxy settings
The settings used to connect to other computers through the Internet or another network by using a proxy server, as in a networked business environment.
Skype Glossary
Skylook
An add-in that allows you to use Skype seamlessly with Outlook.
Skype Glossary
Skype Global Rate
A single low rate that applies equally to a set of more than 30 popularly called countries, as opposed to the individual county-by country rates that are otherwise charged.
Skype Glossary
Skype Name
Your unique name on Skype that you use to sign in and that others use to contact you.
Skype Glossary
SkypeIn
Your personal Skype online number that people use to call your computer.
Skype Glossary
SkypeOut
Calls made from Skype to mobile and landline phones.
Skype Glossary
SMS
Short Message System is a communication service that allows you to send text messages to and from cell phones and other devices.
Skype Glossary
USB
1. (noun) A rectangular port — universal serial bus — on a device that enables you to connect another device to it. 2. (noun) A cable that connects devices using a USB port. 3. (noun) The technology by which the connection is accomplished.
Skype Glossary
VAT
The Value Added Tax applied in European countries to goods and services.
Skype Glossary
VoIP
The Voice over Internet Protocol technology that allows you to send voice communication over the Internet.
Skype Glossary
voucher
A certificate or number, either purchased or provided as a free promotion with phones or other devices, that can be exchanged for Skype credit.
Skype Glossary
XML
A tag-based markup language that is widely used to create documents and Web services.
Skype Glossary
ZIP files
Files that have been compressed to reduce their size, thereby making file transfer and storage faster and easier.
