A webcam is a tiny video camera that can be fixed on top of your computer screen, pointing at you.

It plugs into the back of your PC. When you switch it on, the webcam will use your broadband connection to send live video pictures of you to someone on the other end.

If they have a webcam, they can send video straight back to your PC screen so you can have a live on-screen conversation.

You can also record what’s being sent to you.

With a good broadband package, you can attach video messages to emails, sending BSL messages to friends and colleagues who are away from their PC.

You can buy a webcam online, or from high street stores. Usually, it will come with some software you have to install. Step-by-step instructions should enable you to set it up in five minutes.

Good webcams offer clear video pictures in colour and usually have a built-in microphone.

Prices for personal webcams have dropped dramatically and now start from as little as £15. But make sure that the webcam is compatible with your computer and offers pictures at no less than 30 frames per second (30fps).

The clarity of the video – known as resolution - is measured in the number of pixels which make up each individual frame. Don’t buy a webcam with less than 640 x 480 pixels.

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