Ask Slashdot: Linux-Based Home Security

Grady Martin writes: I got a new job. Everything about it is perfect, except for one thing: The overwhelming majority of affordable housing within driving distance lies in an area known for its high crime rate. A home security system would afford some peace of mind, and a system whose code I could tinker with would afford even more. What Linux-based options are available? What experience do you have with such systems?

Comments

Worry about everything else first

[Anonymous Coward]

Moved to a high crime area a decade ago and to this day have only had one issue (car break-in after leaving stuff visible). No home security system, no guns. In general, pull your head our of your arse and pay attention to your surroundings. Don't walk around flashing you iPad that's connected to your home sec system. Don't have ear-buds in listening to the hipster mix of the day. Everyone of my neighbors that's had issues was either 1. dealing drugs or 2. walking around flashing electronics and ignoring the world around them. Meet your neighbors, be friendly, be engaged.

Re:Needs to be Linux?

[chmod a x mojo]

Haven't you been reading the LKML? There is a bug in the 3.x kernel code that makes booting Linux on dogs fail, and Linus dropped support.

I personally would go for a security Badger, preferably a dead one so as not to have to feed it. The old install method found here can still be adapted to a modern kernel and userland with a few easy compiles, with several open source drivers available for modern networking hardware as well.

Badgers are also much more vicious than non specialized dogs.