I have a built in webcam on my laptop, but I don't much like the software. I have searched and can only find software to stream it to a website. I was hoping someone could recommend some webcam software for me to us on my own computer. I will only use it to play around with and sometimes use for instant messengers.

Mike, you're being too hasty =P

Here is a good program for streaming and motion detection, which you said you've found.
http://www.yawcam.com/

Here is face recognition security software to mess around with.
http://www.bananasecurity.com/

Here is an online program that lets you mess around with filters and effects like a photo booth. It's a bunch of fun.
http://www.cameroid.com/

If you want to use your camera for video chat, most instant messengers have the software built in. All you need to do is press the "video" button.