If your webcam reports something similar to this:
Code:
$ lsusb Bus 001 Device 005: ID 2770:9120 NHJ, Ltd Che-ez! Snap / iClick Tiny VGA Digital Camera
Ubuntu has, however, a bug that needs a workaround:
Code:
$ sudo modprobe -rv gspca_sq905 $ sudo modprobe -v gspca_sq905
After this you can use XawTV or VLC to see video from your webcam:
XawTV must not need any configuration. Just install and run it.
With VLC, use the "Open Capture Device" (Ctrl+C) menu and point the "Video device name" to /dev/video or /dev/video0.
aMSN must also recognise the webcam without any issues.
See the mentioned bugreport for tips on making Skype work with it (I haven't tested it).
You may also be able to download still photos or record your own movies with xawtv. Notice that these procedures were not confirmed by me on the most recent versions of Ubuntu.
Recording movies with VLC should work without any issues.