Setting Up Your Security System
Please find the below handy setup tips for your security system
- For best results do NOT point the camera towards a light source such as the sun or light.
- Also do not have the camera in a shaded area looking out into a well lit area as this will display poor results. Example: If the camera is hidden in a mailbox, because the mailbox is dark inside the camera sensor will try to adjust according to the available light. But if outside the mailbox there is good light like sunshine, you will get poor results. The light to the camera sensor in the front of the camera needs to be the same as the light at the focal target for best results.
- Power for Wired and Wireless Cameras, both types of cameras require a power source, although the camera maybe weatherproof the connections to the AV cable and power adapter are not. Please make sure that these connections are in a water or moisture free environment.
- Over time the lens or front case glass may become dirty, please use a lint free cloth to clean both. Similar cloth that would be used to clean a CD Disc.
- Power adapters: all power adapters are for indoor use only and must be shielded from outdoor elements. When using an outdoor camera, please use extension cords to power the camera and keep cables away from the outdoor elements.
- When installing the camera, before screwing in the mounting bracket, check the image on the screen to see if the picture is clear from direct sun or light.
Setting Up Your IT System
Tips for Keeping Your Computer Running Well.
If you own a car you know that you need to change the oil now and again, generally every 2000 Km. If you own a house you know that you need to change the furnace filter every 3 to 6 months. In addition, while most people who own cars and a house have a computer but do not maintain their systems. Your computers must be maintained as diligently as your car or furnace!
Here are some tips for helping you maintain your computers.
- Back up your data! There are several ways to do this. CD or DVD burners work or you can purchase a USB backup hard drive. USB backup drives are simple to use. You simply plug the hard drive to a USB port and install some software. Most devices have a simple button for executing the backup. My adage is that you should back up your data that you would miss if your whole computer were to melt down.
- Lock down your wireless network! Too often users setup a wireless network with the default settings and relaxed security. This presents a risk to your computers and security. The simplest way to secure your network from most people is to enable WEP encryption. This makes it so that if you want to connect a wireless computer to your network you need the WEP encryption key. Set the key on the router and then configure your wireless computer to the same key. When the system tries to get on the wireless network, if it does not have the correct key it will be blocked.
- Memory. If you are using Windows XP, the box says that the minimum required memory is 64MB. In my opinion, this is analogous to putting a lawn mower engine in a car. Sure, it moves but boy is it slow. To get good performance from Windows XP, I recommend a minimum of 512MB of memory. The easiest way to see how much memory you have is to right click on 'My Computer', and go to 'Properties'. At the bottom right, it lists what the CPU manufacturer and the CPU speed. Next to that lists that you have xxx MB of RAM. To see what kind of memory you need go to www.crucial.com and use the Crucial Memory advisor tool. If you are using Windows 95, 98 or ME I would recommend a minimum of 256MB of RAM.
- Turn off the computer or leave it on at night? There is no right answer for this. Some say that it is better to leave it on; some say that it is better to turn it off. One advantage of leaving your system on is that when you need to do something it is ready to go. An advantage for turning it off is that you conserve power. Another option is to go to the Control Panel and select Power options. You can tell the system to turn the screen off or spin the hard drives down after a certain amount of time. You can also set it to go into 'Standby' after a certain amount of time. Find the solution that works best for you.
Handy Security tips
What can I do to safeguard my loved ones and protect my property?
- Lock your doors and windows.
Burglars look for the easiest target they want to get in and out quickly. Breaching a lock takes time,
so good quality locks deter burglars. Many burglaries enter via rear windows which they use tools to force. Make sure you lock your garage and garden shed so that you don't provide the burglar with additional tools.
- Close your drapes or curtains.
Many burglaries happen after the burglar casually views the contents of your home through your windows.
Closing the drapes will make it harder for the burglar to see if you have what they want.
- Have a security system presence.
Having a security system presence will deter burglars from breaking into your house. Swann has numerous security products for the home and office that may convince the burglar to move on to a less well defended location rather than run the risk of having their picture given to Police. We also
have imitation security products that look just as the actual product would, giving you the advantage of appearing to have a higher level of security than you have, yet at a fraction of the cost of the real thing.
Monitored alarm systems tend to be more reliable than local alarms, as the monitoring company is always ready to respond the appropriate agency if there is an alarm activation.
- Ask neighbours or friends to watch your home and collect mail.
By having your mail collected, you're giving burglars the impression that you are present. Make sure you cancel your newspaper delivery while you are away. When picking up your mail get your friend to enter the house, making sure that there has been not disturbance and asl them to change what lights
are left on etc. Make sure your lawn is mowed, as this can also give away the fact that you are away for an extended period.
- Put your expensive goods away.
Many burglars look for easy to sell items in your home. Laptops, Home Entertainment equipment and Computers are commonly stolen and easily sold. Where possible lock items like these away and don't leave them near to a potential entry point that would make the thiefs job easier.
- Don't let burglars use your spare keys.
No matter how good of a hiding place it seems, burglars will always look for hidden keys. So leave your keys with a trusted neighbour or friend instead.
- Make sure your home appears lived in.
There are a few options as to how to make your house looked lived in.
Install a timer on your sprinkler and lamps, leave some old clothes on the clothes line or leave a radio on.
- Don't lock yourself in.
Remember that locks are designed to keep burglars out, not keep you and your family in. Always make sure that you have a safe and easy way out in an emergency such as a fire. Deadlocks should only be used when you are outside your home, as they can prevent you from leaving your house in
an emergency.
- Have an electrician install security lighting
Timer controlled, movement activated security lighting is another way to get the burglar to move on.
Thieves do not want to be seen or recognised and having bright lights that come on when someone approaches your premises is a great way to make the potential thief move to somewhere less prepared. Movement activated lighting is also a great way to enhance the images from your Swann security cameras at night.
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