Webcam question

How does one go about setting up a (secure) web-cam? (The first two links in Google are blocked by our company website as “pornography related” so I’m not doing THAT again! :eek: :o )

I have an HP laptop with a built-in camera in the screen. I’d like to be able to use it to monitor a pet when I’m at work. (I’m concerned about her health.) What do I need? Can it be done cheaply or for free? How secure can it be? I’d like to be able to allow select others to view the webcam as well.

I’m on XP. What else do you need to know?