How to Buy a Home Security Camera that Connects to the Internet

New technology allows some home security cameras to transmit video or pictures to a computer located anywhere in the world through the Internet. Before purchasing a security camera, follow the steps below to find a device that offers the features you need.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Determine if the camera is capable of connecting to the Internet.
   
   

2. Check which software (if any) is needed to send videos or pictures over the Internet.
   
   

3. Ask if the particular security camera can send videos or just still pictures and decide if this distinction is important to you.
   
   

4. Figure out if videos or pictures can be sent from the camera to only one computer or if they can be transferred or forwarded to other computers.
   
   

5. Research whether the security camera and software are sold as a package or separately.

Tips & Warnings

• Some security cameras are capable of transmitting to a main computer located within wiring distance. These cameras are not necessarily capable of transmitting images over the Internet. You can purchase and install special software to email the video or photos to a pre-arranged email address where you can then retreive videos or photos. In this case, the camera is not actually connected to the Internet.