Audio and Video (A/V) communications over the Internet by Y2K were becoming fairly commonplace. Now it is even easier, and the quality is pretty spectacular. If you you register with a chat service like Yahoo!, Google, Skype, Windows Live, etc., you instantly have the capability to text chat, talk, and cam with anyone similarly connected over the Internet... and usually for "free".
Many PC's these days, especially Notebooks, All-in-One's, Tablets, etc., come with a webcam already installed and ready to go. Installing a webcam these days has pretty much never been easier.
As for buying a communication setup, my favorite personal preference are Logitech Webcams and Headsets. In selecting a cam, the least expensive one with a glass lens will generally be the best buy for your money. As for headsets, any one that is "voice recognition" quality will work very well (typically, $20 will get you a really nice one).
:-)