How to Install an Outdoor Surveillance Camera

As the price of outdoor surveillance cameras comes down and the camera technology improves, you may want to install one of these systems in your home. Many of the outdoor surveillance cameras on the market today are affordable and give you decent quality images. The directions here are for a wireless system and your surveillance camera may be set up slightly different.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Purchase an outdoor surveillance camera kit. Some kits come with two cameras and some come with up to eight cameras. Choose a setup that can let you monitor the outdoor spots you need to see. Make sure you have all the necessary accessories to install your outdoor surveillance cameras. If not, purchase them at this time also.

2. Install the surveillance program on your PC. Put the installation CD into the CD player. A screen opens that takes you through the installation process.

3. Read the User's Agreement. Take the default settings at each of the screen prompts to complete the installation process. Or you can do a custom configuration for the installation if you prefer.

4. Plug the USB receiver for the outdoor cameras into an electrical outlet near your PC. Connect the USB receiver to an available USB port on your PC.

5. Place a camera in a spot you want to observe. The outdoor surveillance cameras usually offer choices as to placement. You can attach the camera to a window or wall with a suction cup. Or you can install it with screws. Repeat this step until all the cameras with your system are in operation.

6. Watch the images on the camera from your PC's monitor. Adjust the camera's angle as necessary to get the images you want.