Headset
A lot of computers have built in speakers and microphones, but using these can lead to an echo and poor quality of sound. Sound quality improves greatly if you use a headset.
Analog headsets - you may have a headset with 3.5 mm audio cables, that require little setup other than plugging them in properly.
Analog Headset Setup
To use 3.5 mm audio, look to see if your computer has one port or two (when there are two, the cables and ports are usually pink for microphone or input and green for speaker or output). If your headset has a different number of cables than your computer, you may need to get an adapter to make it work properly.
- If your computer has one port, but your headset has two cables, you need to combine them. (Make sure the splitter you get says 4-pole or TRRS to be sure it can carry audio in and out.)
- If your computer has two ports, but your headset has one, you need to split them. (Make sure the splitter you get says 4-pole or TRRS to be sure it can carry audio in and out.)
USB headsets are Plug & Play - which means when you plug the cable into a USB port on your computer, it should automatically recognize it. If you have any issues, see the setup and troubleshooting sections below.
USB Headset Setup - Windows
- Right click on the audio icon in the Taskbar, then select Sounds.
- In the Playback tab, right click on your headset, then choose Set as Default Communication Device.
Troubleshooting
After following the setup steps above, if you are experiencing issues, try the following:
- Unplug the headset from the computer's USB port and shut down the computer (don't just restart) and then turn it back on.
- Plug the headset directly into the computer and not into a hub or docking station. If you are using a desktop, plug your headset into a rear USB port.
Here are some resources for troubleshooting application specific issues:
WebCam
Most laptops have built in webcams, but if yours doesn't, or if you are on a desktop, you may want to get a webcam to be able to participate in video conferencing.
WebCam Setup - Windows
Plug in the camera to your computer's USB port. Windows will try to find and install the appropriate driver. If Windows fails to find the driver, go to the camera manufacturer's website to manually download and install the driver.
To use the camera within other apps, select the Start button, select Settings > Privacy > Camera, and then turn on Let apps use my camera. - From there, turn on each of the listed apps where you want to use the camera.
WebCam Setup - Mac
Plug in the camera to your computer's USB port. If software is needed to get the camera to work, go to the camera manufacturer's website to manually download and install the driver.
System Preferences does not have an option for setting Camera preferences system wide. Instead, make sure you choose your camera as the video option in any video-capable app you are using.