Glad that fixed it, but don't be shocked if it happens again. The message you got sounds like a program conflict and/or another program (other than Skype) is using your camera even if it is not visibly open. A hard shutdown killed all apps and the OS "fixing" the problem, but that app will likely do the same thing again in the future.
Almost every month, every week, every day there is something new. It's just the same with real life...and the best way to deal with issues is just to forget most of them because they don't contribute to real human values. Or deal as they come without letting them affecting us.
We all use our computers differently, we all have different tasks we like to perform...and this world of ours that we created is just that...an imperfect human creation.
Thanks to our father's fathers and everyone else between...including Steve Jobs (RIP) and Bill Gates. ...Plus all the programmers, hackers, and all that jazz. ...Everything's for sale.
Everyday I have to reboot my browser, and I don't even bother wasting my time in finding the reason(s) why...life's just too short and precious.
We learn as we go, and the magic is in going...then the ultimate destination...exhausted batteries. ...We, as humans who create machines for our work, for our entertainment, are continuously facing the challenges of those same creations that enslaved us.
Searching for the answers of all our dilemmas and technical issues is a challenge in itself...sometimes so simple other times we just declare abandon.
But all together we can work it out for a better world everywhere on our planet, for all our children's children and their children's children.
The technological world of computers is nothing compared to the real challenges our human race is facing in the real world.
Yes, a simple reboot (power on/off) can restore many PC issues. It's not the first time that I resolved some issues like that...with my laptop, PC, android, audio/video electronics. ...And even with myself in real life. :b
Thank you for your support...it inspired me @ embracing life with more fervor towards the things that count most...deliverance from superficiality. ;-)
We are all explorers, some of us total adventurers...I fit this, so I know the risk. :b
And other folks, like in my own family, they wouldn't dare to click this key or that one or to even download a new app like Skype.
Dad (RIP) never touched a computer of his entire life. Mom, don't try to teach her new things with her laptop she'll freak out and feel totally disoriented just by hearing a new word like Skype. You probably know what I mean...
My first ever PC didn't last more than two weeks...blue screen of death. We learn much more severely on our own than by being told by others.
Our best teachers are the ones who encourage us in exploring on our own.
Sorry for all that philosophical stuff...it's what I gain of it all @ the end...I just can't stop living while my beating heart. - Sting
Laptop seems to be working ok, today. :b