Forgot to mention, I have Verizon Fios and she has Verizon DSL if that matters.

What program are you using to talk with ?

I use Yahoo messenger and windows Live messenger and frequently others will send audio/video & I'll put on a headset to talk. While not always perfect its pretty close with maybe an occasional momentary video pause. Clearing Java cache in control panel and the regular browser cache seems to help if things aren't quite right.

We're both using Yahoo messenger and Windows Live messenger.

I regularly clear my temp files. Is this the same as clearing Java cache? Is not, how do I do that?

Thanks.

You both use the same one then i assume.. not one side Live Messenger and the other Yahoo.

Ummm,, java cache is emptied from its applet in Control Panel - you'll see Temperary Internet Files section on the window that opens,, If you click the settings button.. and check both boxes,, to clear it fresh.

Yes, we both use Windows Messenger when we're on together. And yes, I do clean up the temp file daily which sounds like it IS the cache from what you wrote.

Have you checked your actual connection speeds? Sometimes they're not as fast as the maximum advertised.

Try one of these speed tests.

I haven't used Windows messenger, but I've had decent results from Skype, even with somebody who had a relatively slow (I think 348kbps) DSL connection.

Are you using headsets? If you're using the built in microphone and speaker, you're likely to get a lot of echoing. Also, if you're using the built in microphone, are you sure you both have microphones? I knew somebody who could never get his built in mic to work and when he took another look at his PC's specs found out it didn't have one.

debi-
Webcams typically work without too much trouble, but it could also be some minor setting or incompatibility that might be hard to uncover. I also suggest you try Skype. It should work at least as well as what you're trying, and it has a fairly simple, intuitive interface. It might: 1) work, solving your problem, or 2) duplicate the problem, in which case you'll have narrowed it down to an equipment or connection problem.

Thanks everyone. I have a build in microphone, and I think mom does too because if I recall we tried this one other time and could hear each other, though the words where broken up - not clear at all. I'll have to double check on that one.

We don't use headphones but if you think they work better, I'll give it a try.

As for Skype, does it work the same as Windows Live Messenger? I'm game to try that as well. I know she is disappointed that the webcam isn't working (as I am) to our expectations. She's older and loves to be able to see her daughter this way when we just can't connect in person. And it allows me to see if she's okay (and not hiding it) as she's not 100% healthy, so I need to get this thing working properly.

Not being a laptop owner I might be talking nonsenses here LOL. However if possible try disabling both webcams for a while and listen to the sound quality. This will help define the issue perhaps. Then enable just one, disable it and enable the other. A pain of course but if it helps pinpoint the issue it might be worth the effort.

We find with Skype it is great but on the odd occasion a webcam will affect the speech causing garble chatting. Closing the webcams seems to fix it. Generally this is the same people each time - and of course the problem MUST be on our computers because they tell us so.

On the issue of echo we have not had that when talking to people with built in mics on laptops. On a desktop with a standalone mic in front of the speakers it can become bedlam

I've never used Windows Live messenger, so I don't know if Skype works the same way, but with Skype, you install it, pick a name, run it and let it know to use the webcam.

I think there are also some tests you can run to ensure you have a good enough connection.

A headset is definitely best for VOIP calls. If you're both using built in mic and speakers, when your mother talks, her voice will come out of your speakers and be picked up by your mic and sent back to her (and sometimes then be picked up by her mic and sent back to you and so on). This can set up a terrible echo effect that can make it very difficult to understand the conversation.

Did you run any speed tests to check if you have a fast enough connection?

debi I notice you said we don't use headphones in your response, what everyone is talking about are HEADSETS not headphones, the headsets have the mic built on to the headset so you have the ear pieces and the mic all in one unit. You can get them super cheap at walmart and pretty much anywhere that has electronics in fact I got a very decent one at the dollar general store in the cell phone section, it is the same plug in so you can use a cell phone head set, my cordless phone came with a headset also which has the same plug in.
I find it is much better when you use a headset also.
If you are on fios your speeds should be definitely fast enough I am on fios also and quite fast.

raven:

Thanks.....I think I meant to type headset, but typed phones instead. I do have a few sets here, so I'll check them out. My mom is on DSL so I presume any speed issues would be coming from her end.

I downloaded Skype, and need to walk her through the download from afar (easy for me, but she's not literate there) This way, at least we'll be able to compare it to Windows LM.

Thanks everyone for your help. Everyone here is so wonderful with knowledge sharing.

I never had any interest in a webcam. My granddaughter gave me one (inexpensive Logitech) for Christmas so we could see each other as we talk on Skype. Just using the microphone on the camera we hear each other very well and I can see and hear great granddaughter playing in the background across the room. Nice when she blows me kisses.