Internet Accessible Home Security Systems?

PenguinRadio asks: "I'm about to embark on trip and while the thousands of dollars of computers are protected by a PIX firewall and whatnot from viruses, I'm now kind of wondering about the physical security of my 'server room' that I've built in my house. Basically, an Internet accessible burglar/fire alarm. Has anyone found a good residential security system that can be remotely checked or monitored from the other side of the world? I'd especially like the capability of look in on any security cameras (rather than setting up a simple webcam) and monitor any alarm logs. ADT and Brinks didn't seem to have anything readily visible on their website, and I'm not quite up for an X-10 version of a security system."

Comments

Why not X10?

[user no. 590291]

At least if nothing's happening while you're gone, you can scope the scantily clad chicks with the hidden "security" cameras :).

Whippee!

[BortQ]

While it might be cool to have, I don't really see how it would be helpful. What could you do if you logged in and saw something amiss?

A burglar alarm that alerts the police or a security company would seem to offer better protection. And it would be hack-proof (unless you can get the ability to patch your internet-accessible system remotely).

Re:Whippee!

[netringer]

What could you do if you logged in and saw something amiss? A burglar alarm that alerts the police or a security company would seem to offer better protection

Erm....You could call the police, which is what the security company would do.
You could then call a trusted neighbor or relative to check out your place (also what the security company does.)

PING!

[Ieshan]

Have one configured to ping a webserver you operate every 30 minutes?

If someone steals it, it'll stop pinging right quick...

Re:PING!

[zorkmid]

Actually ping works pretty well. I have nagios monitoring my home servers from work (home servers monitor work servers as well). It's set to SMS my cell whenever anything goes wrong.

A few months ago nagios zotted my cell with system unreachable message. Called home and my GF told me she'd unplugged the power strip to plug in her Synthesizer. She proclaimed me "scary creepy" for knowing what she'd done only moments after she'd yanked the cable.

here you go!

[XO]

Linksys Wireless-B Internet Video Camera

• Sends high-quality live video wirelessly to a Web browser anywhere in the world
• Broadcasts over Wireless-B (802.11b) network or over 10/100Base-T Ethernet cable
• Built-in stand-alone Web server for remote video viewing from anywhere
• In security mode, it automatically e-mails an alert with images to your designated addresses
• Supports up to four users simultaneously
• Access the camera anywhere in the world via the Internet
• Dimensions: 3.35x6.1x3.15" (8.5x15.5x8cm) (WHD)
• Weight: 0.53 lbs. (0.24 kg)
• Warranty: 1-year
Specifications:
• Ports: one 10/100 RJ-45 port, one power port
• Control: one reset button
• LEDs: ready, act/link, LAN, wireless
• Security: user authentication & WEP encryption
Minimum Requirements:
• PC with 550MHz or faster processor
• 64MB RAM memory
• Microsoft Windows® Internet Explorer® 5.5 or higher for Web viewing and Web-based configuration
• Cable/DSL connection for Internet viewing
• CD-ROM drive
• Windows® Media Player 7 or higher
• Wired or wireless network adapter with TCP/IP protocol installed
• Windows 98 SE, Me, 2000, XP
What's in the Box:
• Wireless-B Internet video camera
• Setup CD-ROM with User Guide
• Quick installation guide
• Power adapter
• Ethernet network cable
• Camera desktop stand
• Registration cards

motion

[�berhund]

The first thing that comes to mind is the "motion" project. It's a nice motion detection program for webcams. Saves drive space by only saving frames where something seems to be moving. You can also have it make movies of the motion frames, which makes it really easy to "check the logs".