Where To Start With DIY Home Security?

secretrobotron writes "I'm a recent university graduate from a co-op system which has kept me on the move every other semester, so I've never really had a permanent place to live, and I've never had the opportunity (or the capital) to buy expensive things. Now that I'm working, those restrictions on my life are gone and I'm living in an apartment with things I don't want stolen. I would love to build a DIY home security system, but I don't even know where to start since Google searches reveal things like diysecurityforum.com, which help only to an extent for a curious newcomer. Has anybody out there successfully built a home security system on a budget? If so, where did you start?" Related query: When similar questions have come up before, many readers have recommended Linux-based Zoneminder (last updated more than a year ago); is that still the state of the art?

Comments

a gun

[larry bagina]

and if that doesn't work: more gun.

Re:a gun

[SleazyRidr]

If violence didn't work, it's because you didn't use enough of it!

Re:a gun

[glueball]

A sticker on your door with the weapon of choice and a message saying "We don't call 911"

Re:a gun

[peacefinder]

"Screw a dog..."

Umm. I think you want 4chan.

Re:a gun

[WrongSizeGlass]

Actually, come to think of it, a well-trained dog is probably one of your better security options.

Indeed ... especially if he's well-trained enough to use a gun.

Re:a gun

[JustOK]

or nukes from orbit, just to be sure.

Re:a gun

[Idarubicin]

Actually, come to think of it, a well-trained dog is probably one of your better security options.

Since when is an option that requires me to handle dog excrement on a daily basis a 'better' option?

Re:a gun

[imakemusic]

And if that's not true you just need to apply it more.

What do you have

[Herkum01]

So...

What are you going to buy that is worth stealing?

Re:What do you have

[Monkeedude1212]

He's going to have a kickass security system that he doesn't want thieves to break in and steal.

Need more info

[PotatoFarmer]

In order to select the correct solution for you, we're going to need your address and a list of the expensive stuff you don't want stolen. Oh, and in case we drop by, please let us know the hours that you're usually at home. Would hate to make the trip out there only to find that you're away. Thanks!

Dogs and Guns

[bsDaemon]

German Shepherds, and a 12-gauge shotgun. You can probably use the gun for other things, like killing noisy turkeys, and the dog will make an excellent addition to your family and/or good way to attract chicks if you take it for the occasional walk in the park (although, if the dog is out with you, its not home watching the house. Maybe get two and have them work on shifts).

Re:What's that coming over the hill? Is it a monst

[Rockoon]

Dogs are useful and all, but bear ..

I totally agree. A bear is much better than even several dogs. Even in the case of several intruders, while the dogs could tackle them both simultaneously, the bear makes short work of even the largest thug.

Appropriate signage:

[fahrbot-bot]

• Trespassers will be shot.
• Survivors will be shot again.

Re:Sure...

[jamesh]

time travel

time travel? Now that's going to require a lot of explosives!