I don’t have a lot of friends, but I do get a lot of e-mail.

My inbox is under siege daily, in particular from a girl named Jenny who wants me to check out her new webcam. As much as I lust for her nubile, barely-legal bod, her solicitation brings up a much more pressing point – I need a webcam of my own.

The webcam, like most entertainment innovations, was pioneered by the porn industry. Today the technology is used in the business world to connect associates that are half a world apart, and even by Syracuse University to broadcast a live feed of the Quad from atop Link Hall. But don’t concern yourself with such noble aspirations. You can still use it to put your dorm room online.

Before going on air though, you’ll need to invest in some hardware. First, decide how much you’re willing to spend – prices range from less than $30 to upwards of $200.

For a cheap fix, check out the $22.95 Veo Connect. It’ll do the job, but expect video quality reminiscent of scrambled pay-per-view. The Creative Webcam Go is more expensive, but a better value – it clocks in at $129 and doubles as a digital camera.

Your best call, though, is the $80 Logitech QuickCam Zoom. The camera features high resolution, automatic zoom and a built-in microphone. It’s also compatible with Windows Messenger and Yahoo Messenger, so if you know any of the three people who use those, you’re in business.

Once you’re all plugged in, you need a web host for your voyeuristic new hobby. Some cameras – most Logitech models included – come with a program that allows you to send your live feed directly to a friend. If your camera doesn’t have that option, or if you’re into a more public display, you can set up a site on Yahoo.

Head to geocities.yahoo.com, set up a free account and use the online page-building software to open yourself up to the world. When it’s all set up, e-mail everyone you know, put it in your profile and call your mom – and if it gets really popular, start charging a subscription.

Site of the Week: Syracuse University Webcams

emc.syr.edu/tour/webcams.html

That’s right – even SU is on the webcam bandwagon. This site features the official Quadcam, an additional Bowne Hall Quadcam, the Hall of Languages webcam and the Martin J. Whitman School of Management Construction Cam. Now if only they’d add a new one in my 8:30 a.m. class…

Game of the Week: MiniPutt

www.addictinggames.com/miniputt.html

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just a golf cart stunt driver, MiniPutt is good for hours of healthy, indoor fun. So when your busy schedule keeps you off the course for a few days, hit up the cyber-links with this irresistible little game. The physics aren’t quite right, but it’s still packed with 18 holes of miniature golf favorites – and there’s even a clown! Your putter is controlled by a simple series of mouse clicks, and after a few rounds of practice you’ll be on your way to that PGA Tour card.

Published on September 29, 2003 at 12:00 pm