Setting up a Webcam

First things first.
Most cameras come with an installation guide.
Read this guide, and follow the instructions.
Be sure to follow the installation process in the sequence given, as doing it out of sequence can sometimes cause issues.

Going by camera type, heres how to setup your webcam.

When installing a USB camera to a computer most of the time its easier to install the software before you plug the USB cam into your computer. Once your software is installed and your camera connected you should check that you can view it correctly.Its that easy. Some cams are plug-and-play, so you won't even need to install any software.
Once you know the cam is working you can use it with our software, with an instant message program such as Skype or MSN Messenger, or for with any number of other applications.

For a Network camera, usually you will plug the camera directly into the network. The camera will be assigned an IP address on the network automatically. You won't know this address, but you can find it out by using special software that comes with the camera. Simply put the software on a PC on the same network as the camera, and it will find its address. Once you know its address you can then access the camera from an internet browser to adjust the settings to your preferences.

Once your camera is broadcasting. You may need to set up some port forwarding if you are behind a network or firewall, so that anyone outside of your network can see your camera.(This will not be necessary for anyone using the free version of EyeSpyFX Webcam)