I. Equipment

A. Laptop Computer

Modern laptops and Netbooks typically have all the required hardware components (e.g. webcam, microphone, speakers) for video chat packaged into the unit.

1. Netbook Computer

A Netbook is a small, portable, internet enabled computer. Netbooks are low in weight (2-3 pounds) and low in cost ($200 – $600). When compared to a full-sized laptop, they feature smaller keyboards and screens (5” to 12” diagonal) and have a reduced computing power. Special children's editions of netbooks have been released by Disney as they are easier to transport than heavier traditional laptops. Various versions of the netbook are manufactured by companies such as ASUS, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, Dell, Acer, and Gateway.

B. Desktop Computer

Traditional desktop computers may need additional hardware components such as webcam, microphone, and/or speakers for video chat. Electronic department stores can offer guidance on particular needed hardware items for your computer.

C. Smartphone

Smartphones now offer you the capability to see the person you are talking with.

D. Tablet Computer

Some computer tablets (e.g., Apple and Android) have built-in Wi-Fi, webcam, and microphone for video chat as well. A tablet computer, or a tablet, is a mobile computer, larger than a mobile phone, integrated into a flat touch screen.

E. Video Gaming System

Many families are gaming online as a means to interact, text, instant message, voice or video chat for real-time communication. PlayStation 3 (PS3), Nintendo Wii, and Xbox LIVE offer the capability for multiple players to talk live through a system compatible headset while playing games online. Xbox LIVE also provides the opportunity to have live video chats with Xbox LIVE and Windows Live Messenger family and friends through Video Kinect. To use Video Kinect, you need an Xbox 360 console, Kinect sensor or an Xbox LIVE Vision Camera and headset, and an Xbox LIVE Gold Membership.

II. Ways to Communicate

A. Video Chat by Computer

In addition to all the needed hardware, you will need to subscribe to an Internet Service Provider (ISP). You will also need to download and install video chat software to your computer. There are many free video and voice internet based chat options such as Skype, google, ooVoo, Paltalk, yahoo, and aim. Computers at each end must use the same video chat software to communicate. For example, a Skype user can only video chat with other Skype users.

Apple offers a video chat app called “FaceTime” that can be downloaded to a Mac for $0.99 cents. The FaceTime app is built-in on the iPhone 4, iPad 2, and iPodTouch. FaceTime for Mac makes it possible to talk with anyone on an iPad 2, iPhone 4, iPod touch, or another Mac.

Some of the social networking sites such as Facebook and Google+ also offer video chat which have been named “Facebook chat” and “Google chat” respectively. To set up the video chat feature on your existing Facebook account visit www.facebook.com/videocalling and follow the directions. To set up the video chat feature on your existing Google+ account visit the Google chat help page at http://support.google.com/chat/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=159499.

Even if one computer has speakers and a microphone but no web camera, you can still have a voice chat or a 1-way video chat with the other caller via the internet. Since video chat uses the same internet plan that you use for web browsing, there is no additional cost for video chat to stay in touch with your family.

B. Video Chat by Video Gaming Device

Xbox LIVE provides the opportunity to have live video chats with Xbox LIVE and Windows Live Messenger family and friends through Video Kinect. Once the proper equipment is acquired, you will need to sign in to Xbox LIVE on your console and download “Video Kinect” under Social Apps. An Xbox LIVE Gold Membership is required. The Xbox LIVE Gold Family Pack offers four 12-month Xbox LIVE Gold memberships for $99.99 per year.

C. Mobile Chat Platforms

Mobile video chat works through the existing internet data plan of your device and requires two smartphones or smartphone platforms (on wireless broadband systems 3G, 4G, WiFi) and a free video chat app such as movicha, Fring, Tango, or Qik. Apple products (i.e., iPhone 4, iPad 2, iPodTouch) have a built-in video chat app called “FaceTime.” Each smartphone platform must use the same video chat app to communicate. For example, a Tango app user can only video chat with other Tango app users.

1. WiFi

Video chat can be used free over a Wi-Fi connection. Wi-Fi is a mechanism for wirelessly connecting electronic devices to the internet. A device enabled with Wi-Fi, such as a personal computer, video game console, smartphone, tablet, or digital audio player, can connect to the internet via a wireless network access point. An access point (or hotspot) has a range of about 65 ft indoors and a greater range outdoors. Multiple overlapping access points can cover large areas.

Wi-Fi provides internet service in private homes, businesses, and public spaces at Wi-Fi hotspots such as airports, hotels, restaurants. The Wi-Fi connection can either be free-of-charge or have a fee, dependent on the location. Since video chat uses the same internet data plan that you use for email and web browsing, there is no additional cost to video chat to stay in touch with your family. However, be sure to check with your personal carrier regarding the size of your data usage plan as overage fees can be very costly.

2. Mobile WiFi

a. Wireless Internet Card

All Netbooks and laptops on the market today support Wi-Fi wireless networking. Wireless internet cards - also called laptop cards, wireless modems and PC cards - are devices that insert into your computer to give you access to the internet over a wireless carrier’s cellular network. Most wireless internet cards now support 4G data speeds, and are convenient if you want to access the internet wirelessly anywhere, anytime, without a Wi-Fi hotspot or a wired connection. The wireless internet card can easily be moved from one computer to another, but it can only be plugged into one computer at a time.

b. MiFi

An alternative to the wireless internet card is a MiFi, which stands for “My Wi-Fi.” A MiFi is the approximate size of a credit card and has a built-in wireless internet card. The MiFi allows up to 5 Wi-Fi enabled devices to connect simultaneously to the internet and works at a distance up to 30 ft. Think of it as a mobile hotspot that you control. MiFi can be used with any WiFi enabled device such as a laptop or netbook, tablet, camera, PDA, and portable gaming system.

c. Mobile Wifi Data Plan

To use a mobile hotspot such as a wireless internet card or MiFi, you will need a data plan subscription from a wireless carrier. Mobile data plans are supplied under contract in the same manner as mobile telephones. Mobile hotspots are offered by many mobile phone carriers in the United States such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint. Most carriers’ standard data plan offers 5 GB (or gigabytes) of data use per month for about $60 per month. This information is intended as a guide and actual usage and rates may vary.

Many smartphones with an internet connection can be turned into Wi-Fi hotspots in a similar way to dedicated MiFi devices. A caveat of doing this is that it will drain a phone's battery more quickly, so plugging the phone into an external power source is recommended. Also, be sure to check with your personal carrier regarding the size of your data usage plan as overage fees can be very costly.

D. Social Media

1. Social Media Sites

Many families are taking advantage of free social media sites such as Facebook, Google+, MySpace, YouTube, and Twitter to stay connected. These sites offer families the capability to communicate, share photos and share videos in real time. Facebook and Google+ also offer video chat which have been named “Facebook chat” and “Google chat” respectively. To set up the video chat feature on your existing Facebook account visit www.facebook.com/videocalling and follow the directions. To set up the video chat feature on your existing Google+ account visit the Google chat help page at http://support.google.com/chat/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=159499. Please note that your internet device will need capable hardware such as a webcam, microphone, and speakers in order to fully utilize the video chat function.

Sesame Street Family Connections also offers a free and private place where families can post messages, create and share artwork, make music, upload photos and record videos.

2. Internet Share Sites

If the idea of using a social networking site scares you, some families opt to communicate, share photos and share videos through other free personalized internet share sites such as Pinterest, Shutterfly, Flickr, or Photobucket.

3. Blogs

Some families also stay connected through “blogging” on the internet. The word “blog” is an abbreviated version of the term “web log.” Blogs can be maintained by individuals or groups with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as pictures or video. There are many free blog communities such as WordPress.com, LiveJournal, Blogger, or thoughts.com that allow you to upload photos, videos, podcasts, and chat with friends and family.

4. Social Media Security

Please note that every social networking site has various privacy settings for your account. Be sure to set the Default setting to “Friends” to restrict access to your account. It is also helpful to revisit the accuracy of your account settings periodically.