5 Steps to Building a Security System with a Computer
If you are looking for a cheap computer and easy to use security system for your home, consider using a private key component of home security systems. Buying a quality web cam will allow you to use your PC as a surveillance device to your home. You can even buy a web camera that offers the ability to prevent motion detection video recording when nothing is happening in front of the camera. The providess follow the practical guidance on how to turn your PC into a surveillance camera and security systems.
What you will Need
* A Windows compatible PC running Windows 98, and I, 2000, XP, Vista or Windows 7
* 1 or more webcam (optional – with motion detection capability)
* Dorgem – a, open-source freeware webcam utility that allows you to monitor your webcam even when you’re not on your personal computer.
Step 1 – Buy a Web Cam Quality
Buying a webcam for use with high quality security system based on your home computer. Producers need to consider is the Creative Labs, Logitech, Labtec and D-Link. Also, if you want to have motion detection capability, you need to buy a webcam with features.
Step 2 – Download Dorgem
Visit the website at http://dorgem.sourceforge.net/download.html Dorgem and download the latest stable version of the building. Download the version that contains the installation done.
Step 3 – Install Dorgem
After you download the program, launch the installation program by clicking on the setup file. You will then be shown a series of screens where you will be asked to select your webcam, adjust the picture settings for your camera and select the appropriate option. For example, if your camera has a webcam motion detection capabilities, you’ll want to select “Use Motion Detection” check box on the display options.
After selecting all the appropriate options, click on the store procedure. You will then be shown a dialog box where you can choose how to store video. Select “File” radio button and click “Ok”. Then select a name for the filing procedure, select a location or path to save the pictures. You can enter the directory path where the file name, or you can access your computer and find the appropriate directory or folder to store these pictures in then click “Ok” button. Storage settings window will appear. Just click the “Close” to close the window.
Step 4 – Test Program
Now, step in front of your webcam and record a few seconds the video. Then scroll to the file where you save the video and click on it. You should see the new video you’ve recorded.
To use the new surveillance system, you can start the program before you leave home and only allows the webcam to keep going. If you use the motion detection option in the program, the webcam will record only when there is motion in front of the camera. This will help save a lot of hard drive space on your computer.
Step 5 – Consider Web-Enable Security System
If you have a router and broadband connection, you can also set the program to act as a web server to display video as well. This will allow you to view the surveillance recordings captured from your webcam from any computer with internet access.