I laughed at this one, that's a great idea and I'm sure would work like a charm for a home computer... but this one's in my office and very visible so I need something a little less obvious and a little more professional looking. If I were a doctor, though, I would definitely do that.
Disable built in cam in Windows (also check BIOS settings); then glue something over the lens with SuperGlue. Buy the cheapest USB camera you can find; hopefully with a resolution of 640x480. Use the USB cam when a cam is needed. Otherwise, you are OK.
That's a good idea, too. The built-in one in the laptop is a little difficult to position properly, since I normally use an external monitor. I could get one that will mount on the external monitor, that has a cover that flips up or down. Good thinking on the poor resolution, that should help discourage people from wanting me to have video on. Here's the best part about the Zoom meetings for me right now - in my office building there are security bars on the windows. I have my camera positioned so that you can clearly see the window behind me, which not only makes it hard to see my face (because of the bright background) but also makes it look like I am in a prison, or a mental ward.
I'm telling you. One piece of scotch tape does a damn good job. It's hardly even noticeable and you probably have a roll on your desk. Here's what it looks like on my laptop and through my camera:
I work for a government agency, and after several years of people asking for better laptops, we’re all magically getting new laptops with built in webcams now. they promise it’s not to spy on us at home. Uh huh. that said, masking tape has worked well, and my direct supervisor (who was hired in April, and i have never actually met) called to tell me that the folks in my position are the least of his worries, and just asked for my cell number so he can find me if i step away to put kids on the bus, etc. I like this guy.