Home monitoring systems deter intruders, as well as record suspicious activity. If you don't have an external webcam, get a wireless, high-definition model that has a 720p or 1080p resolution. Since the webcam will record through glass, the HD resolution will produce a clearer picture, and the wireless feature will keep you from having to run lengthy Ethernet and USB cables in your home.
Instructions
Setting up a Wireless Webcam
1. Gather your wireless network information including the Service Set Identifier (SSID), as well as the router's WEP or WPA key. The SSID is the name you chose for your wireless network when you originally set up the router. Depending on the router, it may have a WEP or WPA key. If you don't know the router's WEP or WPA key, contact the manufacturer.
2. Plug the power adapter into the wireless webcam and plug the opposite end into an electrical outlet.
3. Turn on the wireless webcam.
4. Insert the webcam installation disk into the computer's disc drive. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the webcam driver and software on the PC.
5. Select a window in your home that has a clear view of the area you want to monitor.
6. Place the wireless webcam on the windowsill and angle it to the area you want to monitor outside.
7. Connect the webcam's power adapter to a nearby electrical outlet. If the power adapter cord cannot reach an outlet, use an extension cord.
8. Download and install free webcam surveillance software, such as iSpy, Vitamin D Video or YawCam.
9. Launch the surveillance software.
10. Click the "Settings" button and select your webcam model. A live image will appear on the screen. If you are unable to clearly view the outdoor area you want to monitor, adjust the angle of the device.
11. Choose configuration options. Many programs allow you to set up motion detection, save recordings directly to a PC or upload the video online. Depending on the program, configuration options may be on the main screen or under the "Settings" option.
Setting up a Wired Webcam
12. Connect one end of the USB cable in the webcam and plug the opposite end into an open USB port on the computer.
13. Plug one end of the into the webcam and plug the opposite end into the Ethernet port on the PC.
14. Insert the webcam installation disk into the computer's disk drive. Install the webcam driver and software by following the on-screen prompts.
15. Disconnect the webcam from the PC by removing the Ethernet cable, as well as the USB cord. Disconnecting the webcam will prevent you from damaging the device and your computer when moving it to a different location.
16. Determine the area you want to monitor, including selecting the window that has a clear view of the area.
17.Place the webcam on the windowsill. Angle the device toward the area you want to monitor.
18. Plug the Ethernet cable and the USB cord into the webcam. Snake the cords along the baseboard of the wall to avoid injury. If the cables don't reach the computer, measure the distance between the end of each cord and the PC. Many companies offer USB extension cables and Ethernet cables that extend more than 200 feet.
19. Connect the Ethernet cable and the USB cord to the PC.
20. Download and install a webcam security application such as YawCam, iSpy or Vitamin D Video. Open the software when the installation process is complete.
21. Click the "Settings" button and select your webcam model from the available list. The live webcam image will appear on the screen. Adjust the angle of the webcam to capture the best view of the specific area you want to monitor.
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