Why don't webcams have power switches?

[Wassercrats]

Why don't webcams have power switches to protect people who accidently leave their webcam application running or who may have spyware? Why don't they at least make covers for them besides the little knitted webcam cozy that I saw on Ebay. If I got a cover, I'd want it to have some insulation that blocks sound, and preferably no pompom.

I have to choose between making my own cover, maybe from a foam coffee cup holder, or installing a switch either on the webcam or along the wire. The webcam is plugged into the back of my computer and I wouldn't want to plug it in when in use and unplug it when not in use anyway.

[hobbes]

Some do, but the general expectation is that they should always be on. This of course doesn't make sense for personal (desktop) vs. security cameras, but that's the way the industry has evolved.

I have a couple of old Sun desktop cameras that do have slide covers which I find convenient. My Logitech cams from around the same time did not have this option.

[Wassercrats]

I wonder whether the video or audio quality would suffer if I installed a switch, but I think I'll try it. If I have to reverse the switch installation, instead of splicing two wires, I'd unsolder where the wire originally connected in the camera, then cut off the switch, then resolder the wire to the camera. I better check how easy that would be.

[Randall]

The webcam is plugged into the back of my computer and I wouldn't want to plug it in when in use and unplug it when not in use anyway. If you've got a USB webcam and XP, you can unplug it with impunity. It's not the kind of USB device that's going to give the OS fits because you didn't "stop" it first. So all it would take is a USB extension cord or a USB hub that's easier to reach.

And if you're going to play around with switches, I'd recommend experimenting on an extension cord anyway.

Randall

[Andilinks]

I'd just put it on a swivel and turn it to the wall when I wanted privacy though covering it with a plastic cup is also easier than installing a switch. Or just tape a flap over the lens.

Can't you use a software switch, that is a shortcut to its icon where you can disable it with a right-click?

[Wassercrats]

I was thinking about getting an extension cord anyway, so maybe, but I rarely use my webcam.Can't you use a software switch, that is a shortcut to its icon where you can disable it with a right-click?I don't know. If I can make that happen so the light goes off, I might be satisfied.

I'm also looking into the best way to suggest to the Consumer Security Division (http://csrc.nist.gov/) of the NIST that switches be required for webcams.

[Wassercrats]

Actually, spyware would probably be able to turn the camera back on if I used a software switch, so I still want a switch or a cup.

[hobbes]

Switch is your best option if it contains a microphone, realizing you may have to deal with Windows add/remove hardware notices.

[Andilinks]

At $39 this (http://mozillaquest.com/Hardware/Belkin/Belkin-4port-usb-switch_story01.html) may save some time and add functionality. A little comparison shopping may find a USB switch for less.

[Wassercrats]

I'll look for one for less because I only need one jack for one computer instead of the four and I could probably buy a switch for just a few dollars if I do it myself. If there were four downstream ports instead of four upstream ports, I think that would mean I could plug in more USB peripherals than I have USB ports and select which one to use with a switch, which I have a use for.