New apple user - what is iChat and how can I and can't I use it?

hi there -
just got my MBP this week, and never had an apple before. Loving it a lot, but on a learning curve with some features. The camera, mike, and chat capabilities are mysteries to me. I can use msn, googletalk easily, but with the camera and mike I'm wondering if I'm able somehow to link these into chatting to get/give real-time video/audio - yes? no? how? why not? etc...
It seems iChat costs money (beyond the trial period), and I'm not sure it even enables me to chat with PCs through MSN or GoogleTalk? I tend to think that if the hardware is there (which it is - I can see the camera!) then I should be able to get it to do what it is meant to do . . . But perhaps I'm naive and optimistic . . .
Sorry for starting at such a basic point, but I'm a little lost - can't even figure out how to use the camera at all!
many thanks
- Leif

Hi Leif,
Mostly well and good on the GoogleTalk bit, except that server name should be talk.google.com
OK the Mac Firewall if it is On.
Go to System Preferences (either from the Blue Apple iCon menu top left or the item in the DOCK which is aa square grey item with and Apple and a Lightswitch)
Select the Sharing pane.
Then the Firewall tab.
In Pictures
See from the Second pic on Text based instructions
Essentially you need to create a New item with the button on the Right.
Select Other in the drop down.
Enter the TCP and UDP ports (the second link lists them that you Can copy and Paste)
Give the entry a Name in the Description field.
Add the entry.
Next the Modem.
It will be helpful if you tells us what make and model you have and whether you have a separate router as well.
In these devices ports above a certain number (1024) behave differently to those below which is where Web browsing and email apps use and this is what needs sorting as the ones above have to be allowed or opened.
1:01 PM Wednesday; June 6, 2007

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