Setting up a webcam for dummies

In My Humble Opinion
1

If I wanted to set up a webcam for home surveillance purposes (so that I could check on my house from the web), what would I need? Also, how would I keep someone from accessing it (except me, of course).

I don’t think I’d need streaming video. Maybe 30 or 60 second updates.

How difficult would it be to have multiple cameras?

2

chirp chirp
Anybody?

3

I’m too busy breaking into houses to help, sorry. :slight_smile:
And the fact I dont know.

4

The webcam is connected to thigh bone. The thigh bone is connected to the, ah, oh, sorry.

You need:

Part One

  • A webcam.
  • Cabling to connect the webcam to your computer in your home.
  • Software on your home computer so you can view everything your webcam sees in realtime.

Now sit back in your comfy chair at your computer and watch who comes to your door, in real time. Snore.

Part Two

  • A web site.
  • A hidden directory of the web site known only to you so you can view images taken by the webcam.

Part Three

  • A permanent Internet connection from your home computer to the web server so your home computer can transmit those images from the web cam to the web site.
  • Software residing on your home computer that takes a snapshot at regular intervals of the live image and transmits (FTPs) the image to the hidden directory on your web site.

For what you want to do, webcams are really inexpensive. All should come with the software to accomplish all of Part One. You may need longer cable connecting the webcam to your computer, though.

Establishing and setting up a web site is not difficult. Find a host and pay the monthly fee. Those free web sites are not a good move to make with a home survellence system. Besides, it takes money to save money in this case.

Your Internet connection is up to you. A permanent connection is best. If you want a dialup connection, thinking you will save money, forget it. You would need a dedicated line just so your home computer dials up the connection every five minutes (or stays online 24/7 to do the same). There is plenty of open source software that will take a snapshot of the live streaming image and transmit (FTP) single images to your web site.

Multiple cameras can be a pain. It may mean multiple line inputs into your home computer. It also means multiple FTP instances to upload the images to your web site. There are packages out there using multiple cameras. They should be cheaper than buying separate single camera options.

5

I have a cable modem, so connection is not a problem.

I don’t have a website although I could get a free one. Why would they not be good for this purpose? Security?

How about wireless cameras?

6

There is nothing wrong with free web sites. Just remember you get what you pay for.

Wireless camera are fine, too. Just change the configuration from the default settings, unless you don’t mind others viewing your camera’s images as well.

7

Thanks for the info. I’ll have to look into it some more.