Secure Your Home

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Secure your home (Security)

To find out easy it is for an intruder to get into your home.

Imagine that you have locked yourself out and need to look for way to break in. it may surprise you just how easy it is and will encourage you to secure your home.

Think about having someone live in the house while you are away, either a trusted friend or a profesional house or web camera and using camera software (can broadcast internet video to view house from anywhere).

To discourage thieves climbing in accessible windows, plan roses, large cacti or other thorny plants just under the ledge. intruders will think twice before tackling the thorns.

if you live alone and worried about your safety, have a tape recording of a dog's bark and growl to play loudly if you hear someone coming or web camera and using camera software.

 

New Technology For Security Cameras

Video cameras are being installed in many new applications. Nanny-cams, police and home security networks, traffic jam monitors, and small-business webcams are just a few of the video monitoring devices employed by and for the average American.
A report from "Research and Markets" says that the global closed circuit television (CCTV) market grew at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 24.3% in 2007 and is forecast to grow at a CAGR of approximately 23% from 2008 to 2012.
Systems are available for the "do-it-yourself" type. Systems that can be installed with wireless transmission of the video signal helps in this regard. More sophisticated systems may require the utilization of a professional installation.
There are three types of CCTV technologies. The oldest technology units are analog systems. These systems have the lowest cost for the hardware, and are useful for some services.
The second type of CCTV is called hybrid technology. These systems capture the image with analog cameras, and convert the signals to digital format, which can be more economical if it is necessary to retain long periods of video. By digitizing the data, software manipulation of the image becomes possible.
The newest player in security cameras is the IP camera. This camera technology can be implemented anywhere where a computer network is available. Because the interface cables may be avoided, this solution can result in the lowest cost and quickest installation. This type of interface is also best when the distance between camera and host is significant.
Night vision cameras are becoming more common. There are two types of night vision cameras: those that can capture an image with little light, and those that have infrared lamps (most often IR LEDs). The distance that can be seen by an IR camera is proportionate to the output of IR light. While in infrared mode, an infrared camera will record only in black and white, but there are cameras available that can monitor with color during daylight hours. Sensors on the camera automatically switch from color recording to black and white according to the light level. Avoid using an infrared camera that is contained in a glass or acrylic front outdoor housing. Infrared light will reflect off the housing, creating glare that obscures the image.
Data storage is always a significant problem with CCTV. Video surveillance systems can be memory hogs (For example, video with resolution of 640 x 480 at 30 frames per second and I420 pixel format requires 640 x 480 x 30 x 1.5 = 13 MB data per second). For this reason, most systems include signal compression to reduce the required capacity. Even with signal compression, it will be necessary to decide on the period of data retention, and sample rate.
Video analytics is the technology of applying software techniques to the interpretation of the video image, so that a computer can filter the data, and call attention to a human operator if necessary. It is important to understand the current limitations of this technology. One should not expect that a CCTV system incorporating video analytics will replicate human perception. Video images of busy environments can be very difficult to interpret for a computer, but images that are more static can be more successfully measured. What video analytics can do is act as a "force multiplier", allowing a single human to effectively monitor many cameras.
Security cameras provide us with an additional layer of security, and as the technology improves, this layer will continue to grow in popularity and importance.

Brian Bradshaw's work incorporates more than 25 years working with advanced instrumentation and information technology. He specializes in designing Security Camera Systems for small and medium sized businesses in the Southwestern United States with offices in Dallas, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona. More information is available at B.V. Technology Surveillance Cameras and Video Analytics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Bradshaw

Web camera software identifies motion, sounds siren, captures snapshots, records video, and sends captured images by email

I'm using camera software. I
can broadcast Internet video to view my apartment
from anywhere.

With my new

web camera application, I can run a broadcasting broadcast
of my apartment viewable online. This opens up a number
of opportunities, the surface of which has not even been scratched in today's world. I can use
this webcast for surveillance purposes, allowing me to see what's going on in my room
at any time from a remote watching pc.

As long as I have the web camera
running and a remote computer with Internet access, I can view the home.
With the application and the webcam, I can change the settings to capture picture,
sense activity (if I don't want to keep the webcam running at all times),
or use a combination of a online feed and recorded video to realize a protection
system that takes full benefit of modern know-how.

With a capture card,
I can simply transmit relevant video and screenshots to use on
any pc.

With sensitive data on my computer
and expensive stuff in my home,
it only makes sense to have a protection setup that I can supervise whenever I feel that my privacy
is being compromised. If I owned a small firm or lived with roommates, I couldn't imagine
living without it.

Streaming online video and audio from capture device
using camera server application

Security software

If you find yourself with a need to record security video with a camera over an area,

web camera
computer software

may be the right choice for you. Using this software, it is possible to set up a
camera to detect motion and begin recording once it does.

Depending on your needs, the sights and sounds that are picked up by the camera may be stored on a hard drive, or if the captured video
needs to be accessible off-site, can be broadcast using the server's streaming
feature to a web site.

Depending on the quality of the camera and the viewer's video card, the picture that is recorded may be as clear as a high-definition television signal.
Using a install like this, it is possible to provide a measure of protection for an area while
the economics of the situation do not justify hiring a security business or setting up a professional monitoring system.

This

do-it-yourself approach

can save money while not compromising on protection.

Web camera software identifies movement, triggers
alarm, captures images, records video, and sends captured images by email

Web cameras
are not bad for more than just making internet communications
more practical. They can additionally be
an extremely valuable instrument
for exploit in home or corporation security.

Application
is now accessible that can sense movement and use
it as a trigger for countless events.


The way that
it works is to analyze the picture sent by a webcam that is either attached by USB
or via a video capture device for movement. When it picks up
that motion, it can then acquire any number of events,
including triggering an siren.

An other popular software, though, is to either
send live images of what is happening in the field that is covered by the webcam
or to even webcast using live streaming accurately what is
happening with both sound and image. If installed stealthily,
this application could even be used for covert surveillance.

Given the
large amount of devices that either have a webcam attached
or can support one, this is an excellent way to inexpensively and easily defend
the area across that property
from invasion or burglary.

What is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is defined as an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation.
In layman's terms, having a home inspected is akin to giving it a physical check-up. If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation.
As a home buyer/seller or real estate professional, you have a right to know exactly what a typical real estate inspection is. The following information should give you a better understanding of exactly what your inspector should (and should not) do for you during the course of a home inspection.
First and foremost, an inspection is a visual survey of those easily accessible areas that an inspector can clearly see. No destructive testing or dismantling is done during the course of an inspection, hence an inspector can only tell a client exactly what was clearly in evidence at the time and date of the inspection. The inspectors eyes are not any better than the buyers, except that the inspector is trained to look for specific tell-tale signs and clues that may lead to the discovery of actual or potential defects or deficiencies.
Inspectors base their inspections on the current industry standards provided to them by their professional societies. These Standards tell what the inspector will and can do, as well as what the inspector will not do. Many inspectors give a copy of the standards to their clients. If your inspector has not given you a copy, ask for one, or go to the American Home Inspector Directory and look for your home inspectors association.
The Industry Standards clearly spell out specific areas in which the inspector must identify various defects and deficiencies, as well as identifying the specific systems, components and items that are being inspected. There are many excluded areas noted in the standards that the inspector does not have to report on, for example; private water and sewer systems, solar systems, security systems, etc.
The inspector is not limited by the standards and if the inspector wishes to include additional inspection services (typically for an extra fee) then he/she may perform as many specific inspection procedures as the client may request. Some of these additional services may include wood-boring insect inspection, radon testing, or a variety of environmental testing, etc.
Most inspectors will not give definitive cost estimates for repairs and replacements since the costs can vary greatly from one contractor to another. Inspectors typically will tell clients to secure three reliable quotes from those contractors performing the type of repairs in question.
Life expectancies are another area that most inspectors try not to get involved in. Every system and component in a building will have a typical life expectancy. Some items and units may well exceed those expected life spans, while others may fail much sooner than anticipated. An inspector may indicate to a client, general life expectancies, but should never give exact time spans for the above noted reasons.
The average time for an inspection on a typical 3-bedroom home usually takes 2 to 4 hours, depending upon the number of bathrooms, kitchens, fireplaces, attics, etc., that have to be inspected. Inspections that take less than two hours typically are considered strictly cursory, "walk-through" inspections and provide the client with less information than a full inspection.
Many inspectors belong to national inspection organizations such as ISHI, ASHI, and NAHI. These national organizations provide guidelines for inspectors to perform their inspections.
All inspectors provide clients with reports. The least desirable type of report would be an oral report, as they do not protect the client, and leave the inspector open for misinterpretation and liability. Written reports are far more desirable, and come in a variety of styles and formats.
The following are some of the more common types of written reports:
1. Checklist with comments
2. Rating System with comments
3. Narrative report with either a checklist or rating system
4. Pure Narrative report
Four key areas of most home/building inspections cover the exterior, the basement or crawlspace areas, the attic or crawlspace areas and the living areas. Inspectors typically will spend sufficient time in all of these areas to visually look for a host of red flags, telltale clues and signs or defects and deficiencies. As the inspector completes a system, major component or area, he/she will then discuss the findings with the clients, noting both the positive and negative features.
The inspected areas of a home/building will consist of all of the major visible and accessible electro-mechanical systems as well as the major visible and accessible structural systems and components of a building as they appeared and functioned at the time and date of the inspection.
To locate a home inspector near you go to the American Home Inspector Directory a national database of home inspectors. Their directory list home inspection companies by state or zip code. Search for you home inspector is free. They have members from ASHI, NAHI. ISHA and independent inspection organizations.

Article Submitted by: The American Home Inspector Directory American Home Inspectors Directory Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Plank

Why a House Inspection is Important

here are a couple reasons why having a house inspection is important before putting your house up for sale. The inspection will inform you what repairs you need to make in order to get more money out of your home.When there is a serious buyer for your home, they will hire an inspector to see if there are any problems with your home. So with this possibility, you should have your house looked at first.
A house inspection is used to notify people of any issues or repairs that need to be fixed. Before putting your home for sale, you should have your house looked at before others get the chance. You want to be able to fix the problems so people are more likely to purchase it.
A big no-no is doing the inspection yourself. You need to hire an inspector because they are professionals. They also have no attachment to your home, so they can have an objective viewpoint, to bring you aware of what others will notice with your home as well.
In order to have a successful sale of your home, the real estate agent needs to have a staging of your home. In order for it to be a success, repairs can't be viewable; everything needs to be fixed.
When everything is complete and the house is staged for showing, there is a greater chance you'll get a higher price. When things are fixed, you are able to have more confidence in your home when talking to potential buyers.
If you perform a house inspection, you'll save a lot of hassle at the time of closing. Often issues pop up, but it can be resolved with the house inspection.
House inspections are important and you should have your house looked at before selling it. You want to have the chance to fix any problems before potential buyers see defects in your home. If they see defects, they are less likely to be interested in purchasing it.

Peter Bryant has been writing articles about inspections for the past four years. He also enjoys writing about NYC real estate topics, like Chelsea apartments and Roosevelt Island apartments.
Peter Bryant

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Bryant

Bathroom

Home inspections on bathroom. A good organized bathroom is a wonderful and real blessing.  The bathroom is nice if easy to achieve by keeping everything as handy as possible.

It's good idea if:

• A clean towel, they can be stacked in the bathroom cupboard.  You may need extra cabinet, shelves or hooks, but it will prove a more efficient storage option
• It is easier to use makeup if having in a cupboard or on a shelf, somewhere between elbow and chin height and preferably next to a large mirror.
• Installing a triangular shelf  in a corner
• A shelf  above the bathroom door to hold spare towels
• A shelf in the shower recess to hold shampoo, face and body sponges and nail brushes
• A shelf above toilet or a set of shelves around the toilet to store spare toilet rolls, air freshners and other items
• Set the cabinet into recess of the wall to make use of the extra space

Keep cupboards and drawers in order by storing bits and pieces together in straight edged, containers. A plastic cutlery tray makes a handy organizer  for item such as makeup, scissors, and dental floss while hair brushes and accessories could be kept in an ice ream container.

The Best Home Inspection Checklist Should Have These Items

I don't know how many home inspection checklists I've seen over the years, but most of them don't have the really important items on them. I just looked at one the other day that had a place to check off bathrooms. In other words, there was a small box to the left side of the word, bathrooms and if everything was okay in the bathrooms, you would check that box off. These are the kinds of house inspection checklists you need to avoid, but I can't tell you how many homeowners would use something like this.

That's not how it works with a good house inspection checklist. Let's get real here, in order to inspect a bathroom, you're going to inspect the pipes, fixtures, cabinets, toilets, tile, shower doors, bath enclosures, flooring, lights, walls, windows and even the door.

I did look in any book; those were all items that I found rattling around in my head. You can't just poke your head in the bathroom and check off the box next to the word bathrooms and then do the same thing in the kitchen. That's not how it usually works, if you really want a good home inspection.

The best house inspection checklist should have items like the ones listed above under the bathrooms section, on a separate page specifically for bathroom inspecting. You're going to need an itemized list of individual parts and sections of the home to inspect.

There's a lot more to a good house inspection than most people ever think about. I use a good home inspection checklist to inspect my home annually and I recommend that you should do this also. Most of the time, you can't find a good home inspection checklists on the Internet, that you won't have to pay for. Even if you had to pay over $100 for one of these checklists, it would be worth it.

Find out What Causes Problems with Your Roof and What You Can Do about Them - Roof Framing Repairs. Seriously, Here's an Excellent Home Inspection Checklist. Thanks For Reading My Articles. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Vandenberge