There are hundreds of web cameras on the market, but few offer the same ease of use

as the USB Terratec TerraCAM.

With a comprehensive software package included in the price, this is the most cost- effective way I have found to get reasonable quality pictures online.

Installation of the Terratec TerraCAM is a breeze. USB (Universal Serial Bus) offers true plug and play for most peripherals and speeds up data handling. Just plug the camera into the USB port and follow the on-screen directions.

The camera includes a cool application all-owing the user to monitor their PC and its surroundings.

The images can be emailed to anyone in the world or loaded on to a web site to make online surveillance a practical possibility.

Quality is not the very best but the application does a useful job and can add valuable security to your workstation. Those who do not yet have a web connection will still find plenty of uses for the Terratec TerraCAM.

It can be used as a stills camera and delivers acceptable quality (640 by 480 VGA resolution) images that could be very useful for ID cards.

Terratec kit is developed and delivered by Germany's largest producer of sound cards and computer audio equipment and is good quality.

The Terratec TerraCAM is reasonable value for money and, although not a top- flight web cam, more than adequate for most purposes.

Price £59.

Contact: 0118 982 1612.

Feel good factor:

7 out of 10.