| In the computer era today, personal computer is | | | | even use the web camera that you usually use for |
| more than just a tool to accomplish office tasks or | | | | chatting to perform remote monitoring and |
| to play games. There is actually a close relationship | | | | surveillance. |
| between information technology and home security, | | | | Using your PC as a surveillance system doesn't mean |
| since you can use your PC to help you protect your | | | | that you have to stay in front of a computer to get |
| home. With computer, many security tasks can be | | | | an immediate warning when there is something bad in |
| done automatically. | | | | your home to occur. Some types of webcam |
| In the past few years, the traditional way to record | | | | security software even provide SMS-alert facilities. |
| an access violation is to use video security equipment | | | | This permits you to use your cellphone to get an |
| by connecting video cameras to a TV and VCR. The | | | | instant warning if there is an access violation at your |
| VCR will then record everything captured by the | | | | home. |
| video cameras. As the price of a VCR is quite low | | | | Depending on the software you use, there are |
| today, you can use it for security purposes at a little | | | | various types of security tasks that can be |
| cost. There are also magnetic media-based recording | | | | accomplished with the help of your PC. For example, |
| devices with a time-lapse recording feature. This is | | | | you can make your PC sound an audible alarm |
| useful to extend the time in which the device can | | | | whenever it detects a motion near the door or |
| perform recording. | | | | window of your house. |
| You can also perform the job by using your own PC | | | | However, if you want to use your PC as a home |
| easily. In this case, with the help of surveillance | | | | security system you should spend enough time when |
| software, the computer can record any events | | | | selecting the software package. Although most |
| digitally. It differs from VCR, you will be able to save | | | | brands of software provide similar features, there |
| captured videos in a digital format which is easier to | | | | are some activities that can only performed by a |
| archive and edit. Moreover, such system can also be | | | | particular brand. Some brands of software are more |
| set up to start recording when it detects any | | | | expensive than others, but they likely provide a |
| movement. | | | | higher degree of protection. |
| There are many other advantages of using a PC as a | | | | An affordable PC based security system like this is |
| security system. Today's modern PCs are designed | | | | especially useful when you are not at home. For |
| to be able to get connected to various devices. For | | | | instance, when you are at work or are on a vacation. |
| instance you can connect spy cameras to your PC | | | | This system allows you to concentrate on your tasks |
| and perform covert surveillance. With a video capture | | | | or to enjoy your vacation away from home, because |
| card to convert analog to digital signals, this system | | | | it will send you a notice instantly of something |
| can be set up very quickly. If you want you can | | | | undesirable happen in or around your home. |