We use iVisit (gotten free at iVisit.com) and a Philips (Vesta one end, 2UCam Pro other, both USB) with *OK* results. There are numerous times when various glitches prevent conferencing, but when it works (maybe 50% on first try) it's magic. We tried CUSeeMe but the codec and perr to peer connection on iVist is far superior for a dial-up (what we use).
This is definitely pushing it for newbies (my Mom), but it still can be done.