A
webcam is a
video camera that feeds or
streams its image in real time to or through a
computer to
computer network. When "captured" by the computer, the video stream may be saved, viewed or sent on to other networks via systems such as the internet, and email as an attachment. When sent to a remote location, the video stream may be saved, viewed or on sent there. Unlike an
IP camera (which connects using
Ethernet or
Wi-Fi), a webcam is generally connected by a
USB cable, or similar cable, or built into computer hardware, such as laptops.