How to Set Up an IP Camera

Combining today's digital technology with the Internet, it is easy to set up and install a wireless IP camera and monitor it from anywhere in the world you can get an Internet connection. It's a simple process that can be done in minutes. If you ever wanted to watch your home, check up on what your pets are doing or keep an eye on your kids, this is how to set up a wireless IP camera.

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• IP camera
• Computer with Internet access or a 3G-enabled PDA or smartphone

1. • 1
     Figure out what you want to spy on. This will determine what type of camera you employ and where you will place it. Some places you might want to consider are the baby's room, the living room or your spouse's or girlfriend/boyfriend's car.
   • 2
     Choose the camera. You can go to IPCameraSupply.com and find a variety of IP cameras for your needs. Most of these range between $110 to $3000 as of 2009. Many of these are Wi-Fi-enabled and create video feeds, so some of these can be monitored via the Internet with a computer, while others just need a 3G device, such as a smartphone or PDA.
   • 3
     Install the cameras. The majority of the smaller cameras that are disguised as everyday things run on batteries, and all they need is to be put in place and switched on. The wall-mounted security cameras must be attached to a wall using mounting screws and plugged into a power source.
   • 4
     Connect your computer to the wireless camera. All you need to do is connect the wireless video receiver to a power supply, then run the cable that comes with it to your television or VCR. The cables are color-coded, and you just plug the corresponding color into the correct hole. You can also plug the receiver into the USB port in your desktop or laptop computer and use it as a digital video recording device.
   • 5
     Monitor your cameras on the Internet. These wireless IP cameras can be connected to the Internet by using HomeCamera.com. You can sign up for a free account and install the software on your computer. Once installed, you will need to keep your computer turned on. You'll be able to access your cameras from any laptop, PDA or Web-enabled mobile phone.

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