Dropcam HD: Dropcam Internet Wi-Fi Video Monitoring Camera

It's been a couple of years since Dropcam's first release, The Dropcam HD offers improved video quality and wireless connectivity. The new Dropcam Pro sports a six-element, all-glass lens, which offers 2x sharper video than the previous-generation Dropcam during the day and 7x better performance in low-light conditions and at night. The device also has a 20 percent wider field of view than its predecessor, allowing it to view more of its surroundings. Dropcam Pro sets a new benchmark in home video monitoring with the following key advancements: Stunning video quality. Dropcam Pro incorporates a six-element, all-glass lens, a first in the home monitoring category, and a larger image sensor to provide 2x sharper video during the day and 7x better performance in low-light conditions and at night. Wider field of view. Dropcam Pro supports an amazing 130-degree field of view – 20% wider than the prior-generation Dropcam. Zoom. Dropcam now offers pinch-to-zoom with an enhance feature that supports up to 8x zoom for Dropcam Pro and 4x zoom for Dropcam. Better audio. Dropcam Pro has a new microphone with double the sampling rate and a new speaker for sound that's louder and clearer. Mobile setup. Get up and running without a computer. You can now set up Dropcam Pro directly from your iOS device (iPhone 4S or later, iPad 3rd generation or later, and iPad mini). Dual band Wi-Fi. Dropcam Pro supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks for improved wireless connectivity. Activity Recognition (beta). Using advanced computer vision and machine learning technology, Dropcam Cloud Recording can now recognize motion patterns in your video stream and group together like activities. Customers can name these activities and customize alerts for them. Bluetooth LE. Dropcam Pro integrates a low power Bluetooth LE radio that is used for mobile setup and allows Dropcam to integrate with additional devices. The Dropcam Pro model retails for $199 while the older Dropcam is still $149. Both devices are available today on Amazon.com

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AT&T 3G Microcell Wireless Cellular Signal Booster Tower Antenna

Tired of poor AT&T reception at your home, office, or when traveling on business. Get 5 bars of 3G or 4G service to your 3G and 4G cell phones (including the iPhone and Android) with 3G Microcell Wireless Cellular Signal Booster Tower Antenna. This AT&T Microcell is built by Cisco Systems, a leader in cellular network technology. The AT&T Microcell for the most part works very well. Setup is quick and easy - just follow the included "quick-start" guide and it will be up and running typically within 2 hours of setup. Note that this device requires an internet available through an ethernet connection. Most wired and wireless routers include 4 or more of these ports. Also requires installation close enough to a window to receive GPS signals for use during emergency (911) calls. Product Features Supports voice and 3G data for 3G and 4G mobile phones, including iPhone and Android Simple setup process using quick setup guide Status Indicators: Power, Ethernet, GPS Signal, Computer, Signal Works at home or the office (broadband internet connection required) Very high quality design and construction by Cisco Systems, a leader in cellular and network technology

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Improve Both Web Browsing Speed and Security with Alternative DNS

Did you know that a simple configuration change might be able to improve both your Internet browsing performance and security? It's free and takes only about a minute of your time! We're talking about "change your DNS server". Here's a brief introduction to what DNS is, how it affects your connection speed, and how you can easily change your computer's settings to use the fastest DNS possible. The Domain Name System (DNS) may easily roll off the tongue of your nearest network administrator guru, but the average user probably doesn't know or care what DNS is, or what it does for them. DNS is the glue that binds domain names and IP addresses together. Every internet service provider usually has their own DNS server, but it's not always the fastest. ften, the fastest DNS server is the one that's physically closest to your location. If you switch to a faster one, that means it looks up those IP addresses and gets you where you want to go faster than before. Users that are not known to the term DNS needs to understand that DNS servers are used to resolve the domain name to an IP address of the website requested. Whenever a website a requested through a browser, the request is sent to the DNS servers to translate the domain name to an IP address so that request can be sent to the IP address of the website servers. This is how DNS works and yes DNS does affect the browsing speed, because if your current DNS service takes hell lot of time to resolve the domain name and get the website server IP address then you will feel that your Broadband connection is working slow. Best of all, many alternative DNS providers are free for the public to use. Third-party DNS servers can also have other perks, like content filtering. We've talked about alternate DNS servers before, like OpenDNS, Google Public DNS and Norton ConnectSafe, but if you want to find out which one's right for you, you can do so with a simple program.

The best way to switch DNS providers is at your router, this way you only have to change it in one place. Once you change it on your router, all the clients on your network (assuming that you are using DHCP to automatically assign IPs to client devices) should point to the new DNS servers automatically.

Check your router's help manual for details on how and where to change your DNS resolver server entries. Mine were automatically set by my cable company and I had to disable the automatic DHCP IP grab on the WAN connection page and set it to manual in order to be able to edit the DNS resolver IP addresses. There are usually two to three places to enter the DNS Server IP addresses.

Before you make any changes, you should check with your ISP and your router manufacturer for specific instructions for your situation. You should also write down current settings or screen capture the settings page before you make any changes, in case the change doesn't work.

How to Determine and Set Up the Fastest DNS Server for Your Connection

On Windows: You can change Windows' DNS settings deep in the Control Panel, but the free DNS Jumper makes it a lot easier:

• Download DNS Jumper, and extract it to any location on your hard drive. It's a portable application, so there's no need to install it—just start it up.
• If you know what DNS server you want to use, pick it from the drop-down menu or type it in the boxes at the bottom. If not, hit the "Fastest DNS" button on the left. It'll check a number of different servers to find out which one is the fastest for you.
• When it's done, click the "Apply DNS Servers" button to use the fastest server.

On OS X: If you're on a Mac, you can change your DNS servers in your Network settings (see step 3 below). If you want to find the fastest DNS server, try a utility like Namebench. It isn't quite as fast as the Windows alternative, and you'll still have to apply your DNS settings manually, but it works:

• Download Namebench and start it up. Again, you don't need to install, just double click on it to run it.
• Make sure the top two checkboxes are checked, and choose your location from the "Your Location" dropdown menu. Then, hit the "Start" button to run the test. Mark down the result when it's done.
• Head to System Preferences > Network. Select your network connection in the left sidebar (AirPort if you use Wi-Fi, Ethernet if you use Ethernet), and go to the DNS box on the right. Type in the the two IP addresses you want to use (the ones Namebench came up with), and then close System Preferences.

If you don't feel that one service is doing a good job with filtering, you can always try another provider to see if they are any better.

Free & Public DNS Servers list
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Netgear Wireless Router AC 1750 Dual Band Gigabit (R6300-100PAS) Review

Make sure you get what you ordered..! Make sure you get the R6300-100PAS, not just R6300, the main reason to buy it was to get one USB 3.0 port, which is available only in Netgear Wireless Router R6300 v2. The NETGEAR R6300 v2 Smart WiFi Router with AC1750 dual band is the world's fastest WiFi router delivering AC1750 WiFi and Gigabit Ethernet speeds. This router offers ultimate performance in wireless coverage for large homes with 12 or more wireless devices. With the R6300 v2, get 3x faster access and more reliable streaming. The Netgear R6300 v2 delivers the speed and reliability needed for applications such as smooth, lag-free multiple HD video streaming, multi-player gaming, ultra-fast speed and a secure and reliable connection to the Internet. The Netgear R6300v2 also includes NETGEAR genie® home network manager for easy installation and home network management. Compatible with next-generation WiFi devices and backward compatible with 802.11 a/b/g/n devices, it enables HD streaming throughout your home. With up to 450+1300 Mbps† speed and simultaneous dual band WiFi technology, the Netgear R6300v2 avoids wireless interference, ensuring top WiFi speeds and reliable connections especially for dual band wireless devices like iPad and iPhone5. In addition, Beamforming+ technology boosts speed, reliability and range of WiFi connections. The dual-core 800 MHz processor delivers high-performance connectivity, while the USB 3.0 port provides up to 10x faster USB hard drive access.

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How To Setup A Remote Desktop Connection in Windows 8

With Remote Desktop Connection, you can sit at a PC and connect to another PC in a different location (the remote PC). Remote desktop is a long-time Windows feature that lets you access a remote PC, over your home network or the Internet, and interact with it in a full-screen or windowed interface as if you were sitting in front of that PC. The only difference is speed and, sometimes, graphical fidelity. This guide below will walk you through the process of setting up your Windows 8 computer to handle incoming Remote Desktop Connections from authenticated users and how to connect to a remote computer. Windows 8 actually offers a new-style (formerly known as "Metro") app for remote desktop connections, too, and it works on Windows RT as well as Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. Remote desktop requires two pieces, one on the PC you wish to remotely access and one on the PC you are currently using. (It may also require a third piece which enables connectivity over the Internet; more on that in a bit.) The PC that you wish to access remotely needs something called Remote Desktop Host, which is not available in the base, or core, version of Windows 8. This feature requires Windows 8 Pro or Enterprise. (If you are trying to connect to the base version of Windows 8, you will need to upgrade electronically to Windows 8 Pro or seek out a third party remote access solution like VNC. I recommend Windows 8 Pro.) The PC that you are using to remotely access another PC needs the Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) software, which comes for free with every version of Windows (including all Windows 8 versions.)

1. Make sure both PCs are powered up and connected to the Internet. They can't be in Sleep or Hibernate state, either. To prepare the "host," or the machine that you'll be taking control of
   
2. Enable Remote Assistance. Open the Control Panel, and type "Remote" in its search box. You could also right-click on Computer and choose Properties, and then choose Remote settings on the left panel. You'll open a Properties sheet with the top choice of "Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer." Make sure this box is checked.
   
3. Ask someone to connect. At the computer to be controlled, type "Remote Assistance" in the Start button's search box, and then click on Windows Remote Assistance. This opens the following dialog:
   
   Click "Invite someone you trust to help you."
4. Send the Invitation. Next you'll see three options for sending the invitation:
   
   You'll notice that the last (and best) option, Use Easy Connect, is grayed out on my screenshot: This will be the case if both computers aren't using Windows 7 or 8, with some corporate networks, and if your router doesn't support Peer Name Resolution Protocol. When I connected to a public Wi-Fi network, the option became available. In any case, send the invitation to the user of the computer that's going to do the remote controlling. And Easy Connect lives up to its name: If it's available, that's the one you should use.
5. Guest Connection. After the invitation to take control has been sent, the controller must start Remote Assistance just as in step 3, but choose "Help someone who has invited you." The first time you connect to a PC this way, you'll be asked to "Choose a way to connect to the other person's computer," with the choices being an invitation file and using Easy Connect. Choose the appropriate one:
   
   
   
   Note that after the first connection, the controller will see a different set of options: The login icons for computers he's already connected to and a blank one labeled "Help someone new." On a repeat connection using a contact's icon, the dialog will show a progress bar with the text " Searching for contact…"
   
6. Accept Connection. After the controller/guest has sent the request to view the host PC, the latter gets another confirmation. The controller/guest can then see the host's screen in a large window. He can view the other PC's screen to fit or at full size. Note that color settings were dumbed down for this to work, so don't expect to proof those pro photos. On a not-so-great Internet connection, the redrawing of the screen can also be painfully slow. A big help once this connection is made is that there's a chat box for both users. The controlled PC also has Pause and Stop Sharing buttons. Settings let him choose or turn off bandwidth-conserving features like color depth and window background. A fancy desktop wallpaper can slow down screen redrawing, so consider the dumbing-down options.
   
   
7. Request Control. The next step is to take control. The controller-guest has a big "Request control" button at top left. As with every step above, the user of the PC to be controlled has to confirm the request. One option here for the host/controlee's response, besides the simple yes and no, is the "allow user x to respond to user account controls." For detailed support, you'll probably want to check that box.
   And that's it. Remember, the next time you want to connect the same user, you'll have fewer steps, especially if the host/controlee PC checks the option to add Easy Connect requester to his contacts. But keep in mind that this method always requires a request to be viewed and controlled, so you won't be able to connect to an unattended PC. For that, you'll need to use one of the third-party options above or Windows' Remote Desktop Connection, involving a more business IT–level setup.

Source: http://www.pcmag.com/

Belkin WeMo Light Switch, Control Your Lights From Anywhere with the Home Automation App for Smartphones and Tablets

Turn your home lighting on or off from anywhere using your Android smartphone, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Belkin Wi-Fi enabled WeMo Light Switch. This light switch is designed to replace existing light switches for do-it-yourself installation and works with your existing home Wi-Fi network. You can turn lights on and off from anywhere--from across the house, from the backyard, or from the other side of the world. Using the free WeMo app for Android and iOS, you can program settings that turn your lights on and off at specified times. You can even have the light turn on at sunset and off at sunrise. The WeMo Light Switch works with your home Wi-Fi network and lets you turn lights on and off right from your Android smartphone, Android tablet, iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. Simply replace your existing light switch with the WeMo Light Switch and download the free WeMo app to control your home lighting. As long as your smartphone or tablet has an internet connection, such as Wi-Fi, 3G, or 4G (LTE), you can control the WeMo Light Switch wherever you are. The free WeMo App makes it easy to program your lights so they turn on or off at any time of day. Keep it simple by having your lights turn on at the same time every day. Or, if you prefer, create a customized schedule that turns your lights on and off at different times each day. Customized schedules can be easily adjusted using the WeMo App, even when you are away from home. The app has been designed so that simple tasks, such as scheduling a porch light to turn on after dark, can be accomplished with ease. The app also offers more involved scheduling options for those who want them. Programming your lights to turn on at sunset and off at sunrise is easy. To get started, simply enter your city name in the WeMo app. The sunset and sunrise times update every day, so whatever the season, your lights will come on when you want them to. You can also combine sun and time rules--for example, you can program your lights to turn on at sunset and off at 11pm every day. The WeMo app automatically adjusts for daylight savings.

A backlight makes the WeMo Light Switch easy to find at night. It is bright enough so you can see it when you're trying to find it, but still subtle enough to blend in. The switch responds to a soft touch, which is convenient if your hands are full or you're in a rush. A power icon shows when your lights are on, which is helpful if you have multiple light switches next to each other.

The WeMo Light Switch comes with its own elegant face plate, which seamlessly clicks onto the wall and hides all screws, achieving a modern and tasteful look that works in any home. If you prefer, you can use your existing single or multi-gang faceplates.

There are few things you should check to make sure the WeMo Light Switch will work for you:

• Make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi signal at the light switch.
• WeMo Light Switch works with any one-way connection lights. If more than one switch controls the lights, that's a three-way connection, and WeMo Light Switch isn't compatible.
• WeMo Light Switch requires a neutral wire. Watch Belkin's installation video for detailed steps on how to check your switch.
• Its not recommended to use WeMo Light Switch with a metal faceplate, which interferes with Wi-Fi.

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Price

How to connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod to your TV

Would you like to know how to connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod to your smart TV..? Before you go out and buy whatever cable is compatible with your iOS device, take heed. Some solutions will surprise you with unexpected quirks worth knowing first. With the right hookups, you can connect your iOS device to the big screen and play videos, music, and sometimes even games. Apple provides simple and convenient ways to get the content from select iPad, iPod touch and iPhone 4 devices onto your smart TV. Using a digital A/V adapter and an HDMI cable, you can make a wired connection to your smart TV. Using an Apple TV set-top box and AirPlay functionality, you can create a wireless connection. Both setups will allow you to view a variety of movies, videos and photo slideshows, stream music and more on your smart TV. AirPlay via Apple TV For those of you with an Apple TV set-top box (2nd generation), you can use the AirPlay functionality built into your iPad, iPod touch and iPhone (these are devices that have an iOS, Apple's mobile operating system). Simply connect your Apple TV and iOS device to the same network device, connect your Apple TV to your HDTV via HDMI cable, enable AirPlay on your iOS device's screen, and everything you do on your iPad, iPod touch and iPhone will be mirrored on your HDTV.

Wirelessly play movies and home videos, view photos and video-enabled apps on your HDTV screen. Wirelessly stream your music collection, as well as music services like Pandora, over your HDTV speakers, speakers connected to an AirPort Express, or any AirPlay-enabled speakers.

Please remember to have the latest firmware and software when using AirPlay for the best possible experience. This includes the latest iOS for your iPad, iPod touch and iPhone, as well as the latest firmware for your Apple TV or Apple AirPort Express.

Using a digital A/V adapter

For a more portable, less-expensive solution, Apple offers a digital A/V adapter that works with products like the 4th-generation iPod touch, iPhone 4, iPad and iPad 2 (these are devices that have an iOS, Apple's mobile operating system).

The digital A/V adapter basically gives you an HDMI port on your iOS device and allows you to connect to an HDTV using an HDMI cable. Once the connection is made, your content will be mirrored between your iOS device and your HDTV, while you maintain full control using your iOS device.

For the iPad 2, whatever you can display on it will appear on your HDTV with a resolution up to 1080p, except for movie playback, which can display up to 720p. You can even play video games quite successfully with this setup, as you use the iPad2 as your controller, while you watch on the HDTV.

For the original iPad, iPod touch and iPhone, only slideshows or video-enabled apps like Netflix (subscription required), YouTube or your stored videos can be displayed. These devices support movie playback and any streaming content up to 720p.

Using a composite AV cable

For older TV, Apple Composite AV Cable will route video-enabled apps, photos, and music to your older TV. It's compatible with just about every device that uses the old dock connector, but don't expect HD resolution -- video maxes out at 480i.

Connect an iPod, iPhone or iPad to your television with the Apple Composite AV Cable, gather up your friends and watch videos or slideshows together on the big screen. You can also connect the Composite AV Cable to your stereo or powered speakers for a room-filling audio experience.

The Composite AV Cable connects to your device or Universal Dock via the 30-pin dock connector and to your TV, home cinema receiver or stereo receiver via the composite video and red/white analog audio ports. The cable also features a USB connector that you can plug in to a power source.

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Boost Your Wireless Signal

In the modern home, we often have multiple Wi-Fi devices, such as laptops & tablets. Your home wi-fi network can be fickle, with connectivity coming and going without restraint. If you're having problems with your wireless network, here's a few tips to help you improve the signal.

The main keys to improving your wireless network’s signal are positioning your router properly — taking obstructions into account — and reducing interference from other wireless networks and household appliances.

Switch channels Wi-Fi routers operate on specific channels. You can change the channel of your router by going into its interface. All routers have different ways to access the interface, so check with your manufacturer. A good, free tool Tools such as inSSIDer or Wifi Stumbler will show you how many routers are broadcasting in your area and the channel they use. Please note these are third party applications which we do not offer support for. Update router firmware Perhaps the easiest way to improve your router's performance is by ensuring that its firmware and driver are up to date. Check often for firmware updates for your router. Update adapter firmware Just like routers, network adapters on PCs and laptops also are subject to firmware updates. Remember, good wireless range and performance is dictated not just by the router but by the network adapter on clients Move your router Choose a central location to help the wireless signal reach all areas of your property (or the areas where you are mostly likely to want to connect from). Ideally, position your router high up in the room, perhaps on top of a book shelf, with no immediate obstacles around it. Don't be tempted to hide it away in a cabinet - it needs to be out in the open and free from obstructions like walls and furniture. You can purchase custom length Ethernet Cat 5 cable from Amazon or any place that services computers (although if you do that, this is technically no longer a free options) if you need more flexibility in centrally positioning the router.

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Set up a second router as an access point or repeater

You can set up just about any router as a wireless access point. To do so, you need to connect the second router's LAN port to the primary router's LAN port. On the second router, you will want to give it the same addressing information as the primary router. For example, if you primary router's IP address is 192.168.2.1 and its netmask is 255.255.255.0; then you could make the second router's IP 192.168.2.2 and use the same netmask. It's also important that you assign the same SSID and security on the second router and turn DHCP off on the second one as well.

Upgrade the antenna

Consider a hi-gain antenna, which you can position so that the Wi-Fi signal goes in the direction you want.

Use Repeaters/Extenders

A wireless repeaters/extender can extend the range of your Wi-Fi signal by 'bouncing' it over a greater distance.

Get new Router/Adapters

The fastest current 802.11n Wi-Fi connections max out at around 150Mbps with one antenna, 300Mbps with two and 450Mbps with three antennas. 802.11ac connections will be roughly three times faster - so that's 450Mbps, 900Mbps and 1.3Gbps respectively.

Secure your connection

If you don't have a Wi-Fi password then anyone within range of your router could be 'stealing' your broadband. Not only will this slow you down, but could also land you in trouble with the law if the freeloader is up to no good online - their connection would be traced to your property.

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How To Set Up a Laptop to Wireless Router

Wireless technology really advances the whole World towards the modern and the new ways of communication between the two places or the people of the present era, Most people set up a wirwlwss home network so that they can share folders, files, and an internet connection across all computers in the home.

The most common home network setup includes an ISP modem, router, network cables, and computers or other network-enabled devices (such as printers or game consoles).

Routers are basic and inexpensive pieces of network equipment. Using a router with a laptop isn't very different than using it with a desktop except that you are more likely to use the wireless functions. Wireless routers almost always have in-the-box instructions for setup. Although vendors give different instructions for setting up their particular devices, there are a few conventions to follow that can be used to setup any wireless router. The question is, how to use wireless router with your laptop? However, this general procedure will guide you through the process for the common kinds of home network equipment. Set Up Your Wireless Router on a Windows 7 Connect the wireless router to your modem using an ethernet cable. Connect your wireless router to a power source. Wait about a minute, and then continue to the next step. Click the network icon in the notification area; the icon should look like a series of vertical bars, or a tiny PC with a network adapter alongside it. Select your wireless network from the list of available networks to complete the setup process. By default, your network name will be the name of your router manufacturer.

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Set Up Your Router Using the Setup Software

• Make sure that your wireless router is completely disconnected from the modem, the computer, and the power source.
• On your Laptop, insert the disc that came with your router, or download and run the latest version of the router's software from the vendor website.
• Follow the on-screen instructions. The setup routine will ask you to connect components (including your modem and Laptop) in a certain order, and it may request that you temporarily connect your wireless router to a computer via an ethernet cable. You will also create a wireless network name and password at this point. If something goes wrong, you may want to consider manually configuring your wireless router.

Manually Configure Your Router Without Setup Software

• Connect your wireless router to the modem, using an ethernet cable.
• Connect the wireless router to a power source. Wait about a minute to ensure that your router is fully operational.
• Connect the wireless router to your computer using an ethernet cable.
• Log in to your router’s Web interface by opening a browser and entering the IP address of your router into the address bar. The IP address should be listed within your router’s documentation; if you can't find it, most routers use a common IP address such as http://192.168.1.1, http://192.168.0.1, or http://192.168.2.1.
• Enter the default username and password, which you should find within your router’s documentation. Alternatively, visit Port Forward’s Default Router Passwords page.
• Use the Web interface to set up a network name and password.
• Disconnect your computer from the wireless router and then reconnect wirelessly.

Note:

Your laptop must have an internal or external wireless card to connect to the Internet wirelessly using your wireless router and laptop. Placing your wireless router in a central location in your home or office, away from walls, will increase the signal strength throughout the building.

Make sure each computer that has Internet access is well protected from security threats. At a minimum, each computer should have its Internet connection protected by using a firewall, and Windows should be updated with the latest critical updates from Microsoft Windows Update.

Thank to : Justin Phelps, PCWorld
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Select a Security System for Home

Home security system is a matter of concern for all. A good security system in a home should deter criminals, protect you when you're home, alert you to events, and provide rock solid evidence should something happen. Whether you need a simple home security system or require fortress-like protection for your castle, there are many companies and features to choose from. All the while, your security camera system should be easy to install and easy to use. This guide shows how to select the right security system for your home. It will provide you key points to consider that will uncover your true needs, and help you select the right gear to match your needs and your lifestyle. Identify the purpose for the video camera You should be the survey of your house wherein you find out all the weak spot and the vulnerable places of your house from where the intrusion can occur. Next step should be deciding the location of the control panels of the alarm system and they should be easily accessible. If you want an outdoor camera, choose one that is weatherproof and resistant to vandalism or damage. Decide if you want a wired or wireless security camera. You need to decide whether you want a wired system to be installed or wireless security camera.

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A wired system will need many renovations and also the keypads need to be closer to the windows so you are limited in many ways however, it is economical. Choose a wired camera if you don't plan on moving it and want the cords out of the way. Use a wireless camera if you want to move it around the home.

Evaluate lighting in the location of the security camera

Check the lux rating to determine how much light the camera needs. A lower lux rating means the camera can capture clear images with less light.

Make sure to take night and day photos of problem areas to identify security problems. If new lighting isn't an option, infrared security cameras can function where light is scarce.

Choose the range of the security system.

You should not waste your money on something that has specs, which are more that what you require for your house. Check the capacity of the system to make sure it can handle the amount of cameras you need.

Consider the option of recording the view from the security camera.

Look for a VCR attachment with the camera if this is a priority. Verify that the system will work with your VCR.

You have to decide how sophisticated your home alarm system needs to be.

Choosing a home alarm system is not just limited to external intrusions by thieves and burglars but it should also cover the internal threats like gas leakages, fires, bathroom flooding, etc. the security system must include emergency buttons like panic buttons and personal emergency switches.

Consider using motion detectors in areas where multiple windows are accessible from ground level. This can also cut down on total cost.

You should see to it that the home alarm system has a user friendly interface. It should not be complicated and can be operated by the oldest as well as the youngest member of the family. Entering passwords, changing codes and using the panic button.

Taking these considerations into account will help you to select a home security system that will meet your specific needs and function properly in your home. 

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Easily Share Files Between your Mobile Phones and Computers

Your digital data – like files, photos, documents, music, ebooks and videos – are spread across devices. If you're trying to share files between your computers and your mobile devices, you can save a lot of time if you follow the tips below.

The guide explains how you can easily and quickly exchange files and other data between your computers, mobile phones and tablets: E-mail Files The popular and most obvious solution for sharing files across devices is email. Send a file to yourself from one device and then download that email attachment on the other device. Usually, there are file size threshold limits on most e-mail servers. It can also be incredibly time consuming to e-mail big files back and forth, so keep that in mind. You can use e-mail to share files, but it only works best for the smaller ones. Use an External Drive for File Sharing A lot of people look at external hard drives as safe places to keep their data in case their computer crashes, but external drives can also be used to share files between computers within your home network. This way, you can keep everything in one central location, so that you don’t have to burden your computer or mobile devices with huge data files. Share Files in the Cloud You may use file storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive or SkyDrive to transfer files from one device to another via the cloud. Whether you use Dropbox, Google Drive, SkyDrive, or another cloud storage service, you can drop the file into the cloud storage folder on your computer and open the associated app on your phone. This will give you access to the file without having to transfer it to your phone manually or take up any of your phone’s internal storage. Then there are web-based apps to help you move files between your computers and phones. There’s ge.tt where you can upload files from the browser and download them on any other device. JustBeamIt is another web-based file transfer service where there are no limits as the file content is streamed directly from the source to the destination and not stored on third-party servers. Google Keep - You can write, or paste, text inside Google Keep and it instantly becomes available on all the other devices. Google Keep is web-based but they also have an Android app.

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Hopper and MoPad are other good web-based alternatives that can again be used for sending links and text snippets across devices.

AirDroid is one of the most convenient. Install the AirDroid app and you’ll be able to access your phone from a web browser, giving you the ability to copy files back and forth. You can also set up Windows networking or create an FTP server to allow your phone to access your PC’s storage.

SuperBeam is another useful app for transferring files between Android devices. Select file(s) inside any file manager app and choose SuperBeam from the Android sharing menu. It will generate a QR code that you can scan with SuperBeam on your other device and the file transfer will happen automatically. If the two Android devices are not connected to the same Wi-Fi network, SuperBeam will transfer files using Wi-Fi Direct mode.

Mac OS users can consider installing Droid NAS, an app that will make your Android phone /tablet appear in Finder and you can then easily browse or transfer files over Wi-Fi.

Apple does not provide access to the iOS file system except for the media gallery. You can use the excellent Documents app to transfer documents, photos and other files from the computer to your iPad and iPhone over the Wi-Fi network. The Documents app can be mounted as a network drive on your computer and files can be moved across iOS devices via drag-n-drop. The app also has a built-in browser to help you download and store web files including file types that aren’t supported by the default Safari browser.

iOS doesn’t support Bluetooth based file transfer so if you are to transfer photos or videos from the camera roll of your iPhone to an iPad, Dropbox is probably a good choice. For single files, web apps like ge.tt and DropCanvas.com are perfect for the job.

Mobile apps like Bump and Hoccer that let you exchange files between Android and iOS devices, or between your computer and your mobile device, with simple gestures. In the case of Bump, select a file on your mobile phone, tap the space bar of your computer with the phone and the file will instantly become available in the computer’s browser. For Hoccer, you can place your two phones side by side and drag a picture from one phone to another.

No matter which method you use to share files, you can save a lot of time if you're trying to share files between your computers and your mobile devices.

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Tips to Buy a New Heating and Cooling System

When you purchasing a heating and cooling system, it’s important to buy the most energy efficient system.  Purchasing a heating and cooling system will be an expensive purchase initially, but over time the expense will be offset by the efficiency of the system. You can cut service costs drastically and keep your heating and cooling systems working efficiently by doing some maintenance and quick fixes yourself. It's means your utility bills can be lower. Energy efficiency is good for the environment, too. Getting the correct size Regarding size of air conditioning and heating equipment, the goal should be to get the optimum size and features for your climate and situation. You can ask the store representative or contractor. Become familiar with effiency standards. Look for an energy efficiency rating label on any system product that you are considering purchasing. Products that meet certain energy efficiency criteria will have the ENERGY STAR logo. Do a home energy assessment Inspect your home and do an energy audit to measure the efficiency of your present heating and cooling system. The process will be a beneficial step towards making your heating and cooling system more efficient and less costly to operate. Your utility company may offer free or low-cost energy assessments, or it may recommend a local company or organization to do them. Check with your state or local government energy or weatherization office for recommendations, or visit energysavers.gov for more resources.

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Contact your local utility to request additional information for sizing the heating and cooling units

Many utility companies offer and provide some type of financial incentive for those that are considering installing a more efficient heating and cooling system. Ask what type system you need and what size is appropriate, also ask about any rebates for energy-efficient units. Many units offer cash-back rebates for purchases in addition to government rebates for energy-efficient appliances.

Compare Heating & Air Conditioning Systems

Look at the different models and ask the store representative questions including how much space a unit can heat or cool, efficiency of the units (SEER and AFUE rating), extra equipment and features, energy rebates and incentives.

Select a professional contractor

Find a contractor who's licensed and reputable, and remember that the Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel a contract if you sign it in your home or at a location other than the contractor's permanent place of business. Avoid contractors that are reluctant to offer references.

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Simple Tips to Build a Wireless Network Without a Router

Build a Wireless Network Without a Router can save money, but isn't always as reliable as a standard wireless router. A lot of people don’t know that if you run Windows 7, Windows Vista or even Windows XP, it is possible to build your own wireless network at home or office without using a wireless router or a wireless access point. Most new desktops and laptop computers are already equipped with internal network adapters so you are ready to go without a router. If your computer doesn’t have built-in wireless capabilities, you can either buy a USB network adapter that plugs into the USB port of your desktop or go for a wireless adapter that directly plugs into your notebook’s PC Card slot. Desktop users can also opt for an internal wireless PCI card but you’ll have to open the computer case in order to install this network adapter. In order to build your own wireless network you will need the following: A broadband Internet connection; A wireless network card installed on each computer that you want to connect to your wireless network; In this tutorial we will show you step-by-step how to build this kind of wireless network, also known as ad-hoc. Using the Microsoft Windows operating system, go to "Start -- Connect to -- Show All Connections." Right-click on the wireless connection, and choose "Properties." If you don't see an option for "Show All Connections", go to "Start - Control Panel - Network Connections."

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Click the "Wireless Networks" tab. Choose "Add" to create a network. Type a name for the network in the "Network Name (SSID)" box. Choose whether to use a wireless network key or not. Use "Open" for "Network Authentication." Choose either "WEP" or "Disabled" from the "Data Encryption" drop down. Choosing "WEP" will allow you to create a network key that will be required to connect to the network. This method is more secure. Enter a 5- to 13-character network key in the "Network Key" and "Confirm Network Key" boxes. You alternately can check the "The Key is Provided for Me Automatically" check box if you want Windows to create and use a key for you automatically.

Check the "This is a computer to computer (ad-hoc) network" check box to create the ad hoc network. Click "OK" when finished. If the box is grayed out, press "Advanced" in the "Wireless Networks" tab and choose "Computer to computer (ad hoc) network."

Enable ICS on the router computer, which will allow you to share your Internet connection.

Right click your Internet connection while still in the "Network Connections" screen. Choose "Advanced." Check the "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection" check box. Choose "Wireless Network Connection" and press "OK."

Select the shared network from other computers to connect. Right click the wireless networks icon in the notification tray. Press "View Available Networks." Select the appropriate network name and press "Connect."

Note:

Ad-Hoc wireless networking is available on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 while Virtual WiFi, which is much easier to setup, is available on Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008.

To set up Ad Hoc networking, your main computer needs to have an Ethernet based Internet connection as well as a Wireless (WLAN) network adapter. In the case of Virtual Wi-Fi, the Ethernet card is optional so you can turn a laptop into a hotspot even if your laptop itself is connected to a Wireless network and not to an Ethernet cable.

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Best Practices to Secure Your Wireless (Wi-Fi) Home Network

Wi-Fi home networks with Web access are particularly vulnerable to viruses and hackers. Securing a wireless network is very important because if you don't, your neighbors can not only borrow your Internet connection, but also access your files and check up on what you're doing. Wireless Networking has made it so easy for you to use the computer, portable media player, mobile phones, video game consoles, and other wireless devices anywhere in the house without the clutter of cables. Here a few simple things that you should to secure your wireless network: Open your router settings page You need to know how to access your wireless router’s settings and then enter the correct user name and password for the router. This is different for each router, so first check your router’s user manual. To find your Gateway IP Address and connect to it in Windows: Click Start > Run > type 'cmd' > Click 'Enter' Once the Command Prompt window opens, type 'ipconfig /all' and hit 'Enter' Locate the line labeled 'Gateway' and make note of the number that follows. It will look similar to '192.168.1.1' Open Internet Explorer (or your favorite browser) Enter the Gateway IP Address into the address bar and click 'Enter' To find your Gateway IP Address and connect to it on a Mac Open your Finder and run 'Terminal' inside of Applications > Utilities Once the terminal window opens, type 'ipconfig -a' and hit 'Enter' Locate the line labeled 'Gateway' and make note of the number that follows. It will look similar to '192.168.1.1' Open Safari (or your favorite browser) Enter the Gateway IP Address into the address bar and click 'Enter'

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Create a unique password on your router

The first thing you should do to secure your network is to change the default password of the router to something more secure. Don't use easily guessed passwords for your WPA2 or router access passwords. The best way to generate a secure key is to use an offline random number generator or write the entire alphabet in uppercase and lowercase and numbers 0-9 on separate pieces of paper, mix the paper up and randomly pick up pieces and return them, mixing them up again each time; each character you pull out becomes a character in your key.

Change the Service Set Identifier (SSID) from the default to something unique

This setting is usually under the basic wireless settings in your router's settings page. The SSID (or Wireless Network Name) of your Wireless Router is usually pre-defined as "default" or is set as the brand name of the router. The default SSID for ease of configuration is a simple name, which the hackers can easily determine.

Enable Network Encryption on your access point

To enable encryption on your Wireless network, open the wireless security settings on your router’s configuration page. This will usually let you select which security method you wish to choose; if you have older devices, choose WEP, otherwise go with WPA2. Enter a passphrase to access the network; make sure to set this to something that would be difficult for others to guess, and consider using a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters in the passphrase.

Filter MAC addresses on your Access Point or router

MAC Address filtering will register the hardware MAC Address of your networked devices, and only allow devices with known MAC Addresses to connect to your network.

To enable MAC address filtering, first make a list of all your hardware devices that you want to connect to your wireless network. Find their MAC addresses, and then add them to the MAC address filtering in your router’s administrative settings. You can find the MAC address for your computers by opening Command Prompt and typing in “ipconfig /all”, which will show your MAC address beside the name "Physical Address". You can find the MAC addresses of Wireless mobile phones and other portable devices under their network settings, though this will vary for each device.

Disable wireless administrating

Change the setting that allows administrating the router through a wireless connection to 'off' (meaning that you need to connect with a LAN cable for administration).

Reduce the Range of the Wireless Signal

Minimize leakage of wireless signal by placing router and access points in the center of your home. Setting up these devices in a balcony or near a window/door sends the signal outside, where it can be easily used by other appropriately configured devices.

Upgrade your Router’s firmware

You may need to upgrade the Firmware of your Access Point or Router to make sure that your router is running the latest firmware.

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Installing a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats make the best economic sense for every home. Depending on the programmable thermostat, you can select day and night temperatures and even a setting for every day of the week. you could realize a savings of up to $180 on your yearly energy bills.

Maybe you've always wanted to install a programmable thermostat, but have been a little intimidated by the thought of any DIY project that involves wires.

Let's look at how to install a digital programmable thermostat. Remove Coverplate Turn off all power at main electrical panel. Pull off cover from existing thermostat - Depending on the style, you may be able to simply pull the cover off or you may have to loosen a set screw first. Remove Old Thermostat Unscrew thermostat from its wall-mounted sub-base.Once the cover is removed, you should see a glass tube filled with a silvery liquid. This is the mercury, so be careful not to break the glass. Use caution when handling and check with your local recycling company for disposal instructions. Label the low-voltage wires to identify their screw-terminal locations using masking tape and then disconnect the wires. Remove the thermostat base by loosening the mounting screws. Make sure that the thermostat wires do not slip back into the wall, as they can be very difficult to try and fish back out. Install New Thermostat Install the new wall plate, if there is one. You may need to drill new holes for the new model. Use a level to mark where the holes are to be drilled. Use drywall anchors, if necessary. Insert the plastic anchors that came with the thermostat and make sure that they are flush with the wall. Connect the wires to the appropriate screw terminals on the thermostat base following the installation diagram in the new thermostat's owner's manual. Follow these instructions carefully. Insert batteries into the thermostat and snap on the cover, if needed. Restore power and program the new thermostat as directed.

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Manufacturer's installation instructions might differ slightly for each model. Because of the variety of manufacturers, your heating and cooling system may not match your thermostat instructions exactly. If you have any doubt about the electrical connections, contact the manufacturer.

When shopping for your new thermostat, check the thermostat package to ensure it is compatible with your home's system.

Cloud Computing Security Risks

Cloud computing is becoming more and more popular today and is ever increasing in popularity with large companies as they share valuable resources in a cost effective way. At the same time, leaks and thefts are occurring with increased frequency.

Cloud computing is a paradigm rapidly being embraced by government and industry as a solution for cost-savings, scalability, and collaboration. Cloud computing offers real alternatives to IT departments for improved flexibility and lower cost.

The technology is of course not without its flaws. One of the main issues is security. Cloud computing and web services run on a network structure so they are open to network type attacks. One of these attacks is the distributed denial of service attacks.

According to analyst firm Gartner, cloud computing is fraught with security risks. Customers must demand transparency, avoiding vendors that refuse to provide detailed information on security programs. Ask questions related to the qualifications of policy makers, architects, coders and operators; risk-control processes and technical mechanisms; and the level of testing that's been done to verify that service and control processes are functioning as intended, and that vendors can identify unanticipated vulnerabilities.

The 3 main aspects of cloud computing are software as a service, platform as a service and infrastructure as a service. Here are seven of the specific security issues Gartner says customers should raise with vendors before selecting a cloud vendor:

Privileged user access. Sensitive data processed outside the enterprise brings with it an inherent level of risk, because outsourced services bypass the "physical, logical and personnel controls" IT shops exert over in-house programs. Get as much information as you can about the people who manage your data. "Ask providers to supply specific information on the hiring and oversight of privileged administrators, and the controls over their access," Regulatory compliance. Customers are ultimately responsible for the security and integrity of their own data, even when it is held by a service provider. Traditional service providers are subjected to external audits and security certifications. Cloud computing providers who refuse to undergo this scrutiny are "signaling that customers can only use them for the most trivial functions Data location. When you use the cloud, you probably won't know exactly where your data is hosted. In fact, you might not even know what country it will be stored in. Ask providers if they will commit to storing and processing data in specific jurisdictions, and whether they will make a contractual commitment to obey local privacy requirements on behalf of their customers. Data segregation. Data in the cloud is typically in a shared environment alongside data from other customers. Encryption is effective but isn't a cure-all. "Find out what is done to segregate data at rest. The cloud provider should provide evidence that encryption schemes were designed and tested by experienced specialists. Recovery. Even if you don't know where your data is, a cloud provider should tell you what will happen to your data and service in case of a disaster. Ask your provider if it has "the ability to do a complete restoration, and how long it will take. Investigative support.. Investigating inappropriate or illegal activity may be impossible in cloud computing.Cloud services are especially difficult to investigate, because logging and data for multiple customers may be co-located and may also be spread across an ever-changing set of hosts and data centers. If you cannot get a contractual commitment to support specific forms of investigation, along with evidence that the vendor has already successfully supported such activities, then your only safe assumption is that investigation and discovery requests will be impossible. Long-term viability. Ideally, your cloud computing provider will never go broke or get acquired and swallowed up by a larger company. But you must be sure your data will remain available even after such an event. "Ask potential providers how you would get your data back and if it would be in a format that you could import into a replacement application."

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Conclusion:

loud computing technology has been improved and network technology has also been

improved a real golden opportunity exists for the future. Each cloud solution must however be tailored to each company but they can all benefit from the numerous advantages the technology brings to the table.

By embracing a new ecosystem of cloud-based security solutions, businesses can safely extend their virtual security perimeter while still complying with privacy regulations.

Source: http://www.idi.ntnu.no/emner/tdt60/papers/Cloud_Computing_Security_Risk.pdf

X10 Home Automation: Get Started on your Remote Control Home!

X10 home networks use the electrical wiring of the home for communication. It's an industry standard for home automation networks. Make your house look lived-in while you're away and even wake up each morning by scheduling your bed-side lamp to turn on! Easily expand your X10 automation system and customize it to your exact needs and wants!

The technology behind X10 has been developed over several decades and remains popular today despite competition from other standards. X10 utilizes either wired power line or wireless radio communication methods. With X10 home automation kits and software you get everything you need! Turn lights on and off from anywhere in your home, turn security lighting and sprinkler systems on and off when you choose, dim lights – even if they couldn’t dim before – and much, much more! Control your lights, appliances, home theater and more by remote, motion sensor or PC with X10 home automation kits and accessories! This is cool stuff! X10 Equipment X10 equipment is the best-known (and probably best-selling) home automation equipment around. It may surprise you that it is also very inexpensive, and that inexpensive computer interfaces are available, and that there are (free) open-source software packages to work with that computer interface. An X10 home automation environment utilizes sensors and control devices that communicate with each other and manage various household appliances. X10 devices most commonly interface with: lights - turn on and off, or change the brightness level, on demand or on a timer security cameras - detect motion and automatically activate thermostats - raise and lower temperature settings according to homeowner preferences

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X10 Network Protocol

Several X.10 protocol commands work specifically with lighting systems to control their brightness. Others also support temperature control and security systems. X10 devices communicate over either wired power line or wireless radio links.

If you are interested in more details about the protocol, please go to the following web page: http://www.x10.com/support/technology1.htm

X10 Devices

Devices communicating using the X10 protocol can then be controlled by your Linux system. This brings sprinklers and timers, thermostats, humitiy sensors, motion sensors, security gates, security cameras, nany cams, lighting (simulated home occupation), home theaters, ... under the control of your Linux computer. Plug-ins also exist to support the MP3 player XMMS to create an MP3 juke box controlled via a remote (RF or IR). Sixteen home codes each supporting 16 devices for a total of 256 devices on a single electrical network can be supported. X10 networks have limited range, are insecure (no encryption) and may be suceptible to electrical noise. The network is required to all be on the same 2 phases of a 3 phase input circuit which enters the house (typical).

X10 devices can transmit (TX), receive (RX) or both (2 way). The X10 devices which receive signals generally turn devices on or off. Some may receive a level accociated with the "on" (dimmer). The two way devices can report their status (on/on level/off).

Device	Capabilities	X10 model number
Appliance module	on/off	AM486
Lamp module	on/off/dimable	LM14A
Motion sensor		MS13A
Firecracker	DB9 serial port transmitter	CM17A
PC receiver	Serial port device	MR26A
Computer interface	Two way controller TX/RX	CM11A
Remote	Infrared (IR) and Radio Frequency (RF)

Source: http://compnetworking.about.com | http://www.yolinux.com