Are You Using the Right Home Security Cameras?

Are You Using the Right Home Security Cameras?

Home security cameras are the most well-known way to keep your home safe and protected. They’re also useful to know what your teens are up to when you aren’t home or to watch what your nanny may be doing behind your back. Thanks to the accomplishment of science in these days, the majority will realize that there’s a large selection of your home security cameras. With many various kinds of house security cameras everyone is guaranteed to acquire a product that matches their requirements along with their technological proficiency.

Hidden Cameras: Nowadays one can find a variety of different types of home security cameras, but secret protection cameras tend to be one of the favourite types. Hidden home security cameras are the types that could be hidden in toys and daily items which can be found in your homes. The cameras can be placed on mantels, racks, or simply wall mounted to record all the activities going on in your home. In this way, you will constantly be aware of what is going on in your home each time you’re absent.

Motion Sensor Camera: The other widely used as well as valuable type of house security camera is the movement sensor camera. This device can be used inside or outside the house. This type of home security camera uses an infrared light pattern that can cause the camera to start whenever a human body shows up within the range of the camera. This particular type of camera enables an individual to save battery power so that you can record for a longer period of time without having to worry about battery power.

Night Vision Security Camera: The next very helpful kind of home safety and security camera is called the night vision camera. Night vision house security cameras are those which utilize infrared emissions to produce a high definition picture even though there is little or no light available. Such a house protection device uses thermography and may even use image processing, which gives you the green colour which is associated with night vision cameras. These cameras work by displaying everything in green hues that make it quite easy to see what is going one, even in the dark. You aren’t limited to using them in certain places either, as they can be used inside as well as outdoors.

If you do not have a lot of knowledge with house security camera devices you might like to shop for a set up that would offer you all that you need. Such kits will arrive with almost everything that you will need to put in place your own home security cameras and also remotely record everything that the cameras see. The kits usually include cameras in addition to batteries, electrical wiring, and even a Digital video disc. Using a DVD with your home security cameras is a great idea because it provides you a place to permanently record any footage you might require.

As you now know, there are many different kinds of house security cameras. The best idea is to look around before you make a transaction so you’re sure that you get precisely what you need. Seeing that every need and every home is different from the other it’s best to take time. For example, if you just intend to keep a check on your nanny you will only require one camera whereas if you want to make sure that the entire house is safe, you might need up to 32 cameras. Shopping around would really enable you to customize the home safety camera and system that you need.

Veronica Davis has been working businesses that provide home security cameras for over six years. She enjoys helping people and families find affordable and effective measures to stay safe in their own home. Learn how to find the perfect home security solutions for your situation by visiting http://homesecuritycameratips.com

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Wireless Home Security Alarm Systems – the Pros and Cons

Wireless Home Security Alarm Systems – the Pros and Cons

There is no doubt that wireless home security alarm systems are becoming the preferred choice when it comes to burglar alarms in the home. One of the best advantages of this type of system is that it is very easy for the do-it-yourself installer. This is because you no longer have to perform complex wiring of different components on your home security system. With a wireless security system, there are very few components and each of these components is very easy to install.

But that doesn’t mean that these types of security systems are not without their faults. For example, unless you have meticulously planned it out, it is likely that there will be some spots in your home that are not protected by your system. The reason for this is simple — since signals are transmitted by a main control unit, if they are transmitted to a component that is outside of the reach, that component will not receive the proper signals. Therefore, there is a higher chance that your home will not be as secure as you may like.

However, with the proper placement of the wireless sensors in your home, your wireless home security alarm system will be just as secure — if not more — than a hardwired system.

Some people consider this next aspect either an advantage or disadvantage. Wireless systems run on battery power, not on electricity. This can be seen as advantageous because if your electricity is cut you are assured that your security system will continue to work. However, if you forget to replace your batteries, then your system is basically worthless.

The last advantage to wireless is perhaps the one most prefered by consumers. In general, a wireless home security alarm system will be less expensive than one that is hardwired. If you’re on a tight budget and want to install it yourself, then a wireless system is probably the way to go. They are especially preferred in apartments or rental properties because they are easily transportable when you move.

In any case, it is important that you understand both the advantages and disadvantages of wireless as well as hardwired home security systems. Use this article as a starting point to further research this matter to make the right choice for your home.

You can find out more about Wireless Home Security Alarm Systems as well as much more information on everything to do with Home Burglar Alarms and systems at http://www.HomeBurglarAlarmInfo.com

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Wireless Home Alarms – Your Ultimate Guide

Wireless Home Alarms – Your Ultimate Guide

There is no room for complacency. Even if your house is perceived as the safest place amidst crime and delinquency, inevitable happenings can still pass up. Unluckily, it is when you least expect an offense, that it will most likely occur. As if it’s a play, a form of game, when the cat is not around, the mouse roams around – coupled with its devious and scheming acts.

In today’s digital age, the advent of security systems particularly wireless home alarms draw significant attention from a lot of people who want to acquire a reliable and modern security system without the need to endure a hefty price tag. And, this gave rise to wireless alarms that are way economical judge against the hard wired versions.

Installing wireless home alarms relying on DIY (Do It Yourself) process, can have this article as an ultimate guide. Read on.

1.    In order to mount a wireless alarm for your humble abode, you need to be in possession of the following basic tools: Main control module, control panel, window and door sensors, a siren, and a motion antenna. All these equipments, also known as ‘wireless alarm kit’ aids in the complete set up of wireless security system in your own residence.

2.    Determine where in the house you would position the main control panel. This is salient as it should be both placed in a spot convenient on your end and away from intruders to scope out. The ideal place to have it fixed is right next to the door. Ensconcing it in electric fixtures interrupts frequencies and reception, so placing it near household appliances is an ultimate no-no.

3.    After choosing where to place the control panel, it’s time to bed in the security sensors. Remember not to place it in obvious and observable spots in the house. Instead, have it strategically positioned in corners and spaces where possible intruders couldn’t easily decipher its presence. However, the wireless alarm system’s secrecy shouldn’t in any way be blocked or subdued for optimum upshots.

4.    Install window, door and glass break sensors and alarms with caution. If you opt to do it yourself, the proper positioning of these sensors and alarms are considered crucial. Place sensors on main doors, windows and even on garage doors. This specific area of the house serves as a gateway for a lot of housebreakers these days. So, it is of excellent concept to have sensors and alarms be positioned on the front portal of the house to pull a fast one on burglars, right before they reach your main door.

5.    Lastly, it would still be a lot safer to consult a professional technician specifically on programming the dials on your wireless home alarms, smoke detectors, infrared sensors and the like. However, your security code should solely be under your protection and know-how.

With the above-mentioned guide, who says the mouse can play while the cat is away? With these security systems, mouse’s tricky acts will certainly die along the way.

Looking for Wireless Home Security Systems?  Protect your home, valuables, and loved ones today by visiting http://www.secure-your-home.com/wireless-security-systems

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Why Do you Need a Home Security Camera Kit?

Why Do you Need a Home Security Camera Kit?

Although a home security system is essential to keeping your property well-guarded, it can also be very costly, depending on what service you ask to install your system. The problem is that not only will you be spending money on the various components for a home security system; you will also be spending on the labor for having those components installed in your house. But security doesn’t have to be expensive and you can actually get a home security camera kit to get you started on good protection for your home.

Starter

There are some brick-and-mortar stores which offer starter kits for you to help you set up your home security system by yourself The home security camera kit includes a camera and some software that you need to put into your computer. Of course, there are some specifications that your computer must have in order for the camera to be able to connect to the home security camera kit. But with all the requirements complete, all you have to do is install the software and the camera will automatically connect itself to the computer. This is especially helpful for those who do not want to go through the technical hassle of having to install cameras into their homes.

A typical starter home security camera kit will probably set you back about 0 to 0. This is quite a big difference from the usual systems that will probably cost you over 00. The neat thing about the starter kit is that you can buy more cameras of the same brand and install those using the same software. Some kits will allow the PC to handle up to 6 cameras at one time.

What You Get

What’s good to know is that, because we’re more and more leaning to digital technology, a typical home security camera kit from years ago is now definitely a long way off compared to the typical kit that we have today. Starter kits have cameras that can do a variety of things.

First of all, they can cover high-resolution color video for you to playback after recording for some time. It’s digital so the feed should be very smooth and clear.

These home security kits have also cameras which works both as a surveillance and as motion detectors! Once movement is detected in a room where the camera is placed, the camera will start to record. You can have the camera send you email or cell phone alerts and you can view the footage of the camera from anywhere in the world over the internet, provided that your system is connected to the Internet as well. The software that comes with it is usually very simple to use and you can also download third-party software that you can find on the Internet which will probably be able to communicate with your home security camera kit as well.

With the development of home security camera kit, your home and family’s safety need not be too costly for you to afford now. With computers and services going digital, anything is possible in the realm of wireless cameras and other surveillance equipment.

If you are clueless as to how to keep a watchful eye on precious things – and precious ones – at home, buy yourself a starter home security camera kit and see the possibilities of home security for yourself.

Do you need a home security camera kit? Or a wireless burglar alarm? Identify the home security product that’s right for your home.

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5 Reasons To Install Security Cameras In Your Home That You Might Want To Consider

5 Reasons To Install Security Cameras In Your Home That You Might Want To Consider

In our present-day world, everyone either just an personal or a business sector owner needs to take the important proceeds to guard themselves, their love ones, their businesses and their assets. Appending security cameras to your ever-present security systems can help you capture all natural actions that take set around a particular distance. Security cameras are not needfully needed to be set up outside, there are also security cameras that are established to run indoors.

If you are still supposing why you needed to install security cameras in your interior or business, we provided five grounds for you to study.

1.    If you plan to use security cameras in your business office or business enterprise, security cameras can help business sector owners to keep a close eye on their occupation holders. Monitoring of worker activity can help in a sort of circumstances, including potential worker looting, shopper complaints and other issues where video playback may be timeserving.

2.    Security cameras supply endless Supervising of your household and/or business even when you are sleep or even you are away.  There is now way that it can be done by any human being.

3.    In case you left your household and a thief came in, you can easily provide evidences and show it to the federal agency the suspect for easily capture and retrieval of your stolen items. Whether you established your security camera at house or at your place, this is definitely true and useful. We an say that this is a more cost effective insurance.

4.    If you are a guardian and when you leave your infant at interior and assign them with a nurse, it never hurts to add an additional peacefulness of mind in knowing that your child is properly cared for during those minutes when you are not at family with them yourself. Security cameras can help guardians to keep an eye on their nursemaid and family workers.

5.    If positioned at your residency, security cameras can function as an eye which will help you to see outdoor your front door before opening it or before you go outdoor. Whether you are in a barrio or in a fully improved city, this is a good security cautions.

J. Yanuaria is writing about internet marketing, seo, self-improvement and almost everything in life. He even wrote about home surveillance camera that he saw in the tech news and decided to made a research about it. You can check his article in the home cctv cameras website.

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Choosing and Installing a Wireless Home Security System

Choosing and Installing a Wireless Home Security System

You want your home to be a safe haven for your family. Whether you have children, a spouse, pets, or a combination of these family members, you want to protect them at all costs. Even if you live alone, your possessions are important to you and you want to protect them. One way to protect your home, possessions, and family members is through installing a wireless home security system.

A wireless home security system is going to represent a sizeable investment. Before you purchase one, you need to know what to look for. For instance, do you want wireless security cameras in your home, or do you simply want home protection that involves an alarm in the event of a break-in? Do you want to be connected to a third party company that can alert the authorities when your alarm goes off? Answering these questions will help you to find and install the best home protection for your needs.

Most wireless home security systems involve some sort of alarm that goes off if the perimeter of your home is crossed. Basic systems come with door and window sensors. You will install these sensors along the edge of the door or window frame, and then attach the magnet half of the sensor to the door or window. If the door or window is opened, it will trigger the alarm. If you are concerned about a break-in that might occur on your land, rather than in your home, consider installing a wireless home security system that has a PIRS, or Passive Infrared Motion Sensor, type of detection system. This type of sensor will detect if someone crosses it, so you can protect the perimeter of your land, not just your home. You can also find broken glass sensors, which will detect a break-in that occurs through a broken window.

When installing a home protection system, where you place the control panel is important. While it needs to be near a power outlet, preferably one that is not controlled by a light switch, you also want to install it near the door you use the most often, so that you can quickly disarm it when you come home. Otherwise your alarm will start going off when you legitimately enter your home.

Once you have installed the control panel, you will want to program it. Most of these systems will need a password. Choose a number combination that will be easy to remember, but not predictable to potential thieves.

If your home protection system comes with wireless security cameras, carefully consider where you want to be able to view the images from the cameras. Your computer is a good option, as this will allow you to switch to the camera whenever you want to see what is outside. Wireless security cameras are a good way to identify people at your door before opening the door. Criminals often gain entry into homes through open front doors, posing as delivery people or friends, and then overwhelming the homeowner and taking what they want. Wireless security cameras give you the ability to identify anyone knocking at your door before you open it.

Finally, consider whether or not you want third party monitoring services with your security system. Almost all wireless home security systems can be connected to third party security companies. This is a great feature, because if you have a break-in these third party companies will contact the authorities for you. Even if you are on vacation, the police will be alerted to the crime and be sent to your property. However, this is considered an additional service, and you will pay a monthly or yearly fee to have your system connected to the third party company.

Resource: www.ProtectYourHomeandFamily.com, and www.EyesUndetected.com

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Home Wireless Weather Stations and Weather Tools and Instruments

Home Wireless Weather Stations and Weather Tools and Instruments

You’re planning a day at the beach or at the nearby national park this weekend. If you take the time and effort needed to put together an entire day for this outing for your family, you want to know what the weather will be for that time. Otherwise, you may wind up with intolerable weather and ruin the entire trip.

The good news is that you can have reliable weather information at your very fingertips by inquiring of the various weather websites online. These websites are professional information sites stationed by trained, educated meteorologists who use a vast array of weather instruments and tools to forecast the weather days in advance. While this form of weather watching is the most popular, most people are not dyed-in-the-wool weather enthusiasts who spend a good portion of their waking hours watching the surrounding weather and trying to guess whether or not it is going to change and to what type of condition.

There are those special “weather bugs” out there and their numbers are increasing every year. The reason for this increased interest in weather watching has a lot to do with the types of weather instruments that are available in this day and age.

Many weather enthusiasts start out with a single component, the thermometer. As they watch it over the years, they become more fascinated with the weather and before long they add another one or two instruments. Usually, those instruments would be a weathervane and/or a rain gauge. While these instruments are great for measuring current weather conditions and even evaluating past conditions, they are not adequate for actually forecasting the coming weather.

One instrument that is able to be used as a weather forecasting instrument is the barometer. Barometers measure the atmospheric pressure in a particular area or region. When that pressure is stable, the weather is probably going to stay around for a while. However, if the barometer reading is either falling sharply or rising, the chances for a change in weather conditions is, more than likely, inevitable in the near future.

People enjoy knowing these things and the art of forecasting becomes a bragging right. Many weather buffs quite enjoy predicting the weather change publicly to their friends and neighbors because it’s like winning a bet. The surrounding neighbors often look up to the local neighborhood weather aficionado and will consult him or her before taking on outdoor projects.

The array of weather instruments owned and used by each amateur meteorologist varies and each takes pride in his or her own variety of instruments. Some prefer the older, hand built instruments that they must actually go outside to view while others have a preference for the modern wireless, electronic home weather stations that contain a number of built-in weather instruments.

Old weathervanes, rain gauges, thermometers and anemometers are often used because of their aesthetic beauty. Some weather lovers have both the old instruments and the new weather stations.

Most sophisticated home weather stations have all the practical instruments in their stations. These instruments include the above mentioned weather tools and some more not-so-usual instruments such as hygrometers, psychrometers and weather maps that are instantly available through the Internet.

Of course highly funded government entities such as NOAA and NASA have unreachably expensive tools like radar but the local weather amateurs enjoy predicting weather that is local and close to changing.

Without the Doppler radars it is often impossible to forecast weather that is further away and specific conditions such as wind shear and the makeup of a storm. The local weather hound can usually tell anyone about the different weather patterns and cloud formations and such and they have an unusually active interest in all things weather but their instruments are limited to less sophisticated instruments that are highly reliable and easily used from the comfort of their dry, warm (or cool) homes.

Whatever the need for the amateur weather enthusiast, all varieties of weather instruments can be found to enhance or balance out a home based weather station.

Some of the more popular home weather stations include the 6152 Davis Vantage Pro2 wireless weather station that includes all current weather conditions including; wind speed anemometer with wind gust, wind direction, outside and inside temperature and humidity, barometric pressure, rainfall, a weather forecast and much more. The cost of such a system runs around 0 – 0 dollars.

There is also a great product in the TE923W Honeywell Wireless Weather Station. Included with the main unit are multiple wireless sensors that measure wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, rainfall, and UV levels, as well as indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity. The sensors are heavy-duty plastic devices that won’t rust or fail in extreme temperatures. The self emptying rain gauge includes a level, which ensures accurate reporting. This particular model runs in the neighborhood of 5 to 5, depending on where you buy it.

There are a large number of quality wireless home weather stations on the market and some great values can be found on the Internet.

Gary Vaughn writes about weather, weather instruments,tools and home weather stations at http://www.weatherinstrumentsinfo.com.

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Advice on Home Pest Control

Advice on Home Pest Control

Agriculture is very old and perhaps gardening and pest control are equally old. This industry is expanding at a phenomenal rate. In the last 5 years, the pest control industry has seen an increase of about 50%.  It is now considered to be a billion industry nationwide.

Remote locations have become a very a popular site for new homes. Many people have a strong desire to reside in the woods or desert. I think that few consider the fact that when you’re constructing in certain areas, you are destroying the homes of insects and animals. Only when they enter your home are they labeled as pests
What is pest control and horticulture all about?

Essentially it means decreasing or eliminating pests. Where Structural pest controls is the control of household pests, including wood destroying pests such as termites, or simply unsanitary insects such as cockroaches, pest control tends to be the control of pests affecting your plants, garden, lawn and/or soil. Although infestation of the house can be a problem it is predominantly the garden that should be worried about.

It is important to keep up with your gardening, and take preventative pest control measures to protect not only your gardens, but your heath as well. Usually, pests are not discovered until their damages have already been done or they explode in numbers. There are numerous things you can do to efficiently correct the issue.

What do you need to do to get rid of the pests in the Garden?

Understandably, most homeowners take care of handling garden and pest control on their own. To some extent,say upto a point that is fair enough. It is important not to haphazardly attempt to treat garden pests; you must find out exactly what the problem is and the extent of the damage before you can correctly proceed. Polls indicated that too many people feel they know what they’re doing when they don’t, and that they don’t need to read or follow the instructions on the can.

As a result, insecticide will be applied in too high a concentration, which may be dangerous for you or your houseguests. Naturally, we are talking about chemicals, since chemical pest control remains the primary method used in modern pest control. Persistent use of chemicals has had a detrimental effect on the environment and this has led, at the close of the past century, to a renewed interest in more traditional methods of pest control.

It is possible to be visited on a monthly basis by a representative from your local pest control company if you would prefer not to deal with pests yourself. It is advantageous for you to have someone monitor your house and garden on a monthly basis to help control your pest problems. One drawback to having monthly pest control is that homeowners insist that the PCOs give a monthly chemical treatment whether there is pest problem present or not.

The facts of pesticide use in the home and garden are very surprising:

1. a huge amount of pesticide is applies annually to lawns; typically something in the region of 67 million pounds.

2. Agricultural acreage consumes far less pesticide than suburban lawns do.

Prior to applying a pesticide, consider all possible consequences. Be careful! Overuse of pesticides may damage the eco system and kill the very insects that are keeping your ‘pest’ numbers down This will lead to more frequent spraying later on. Insects can also help your garden grow because they pollinate your plants, helping your garden to expand. Persistent, broad-spectrum, contact insecticides such as diazinon, malathion or carbaryl, should never be used. Avoid these as you are more than likely to end up doing more harm than good with them. If pest control results in the eridication of enemies then, ironically, pest numbers may increase and become even more of a problem than previously.

Consumers don’t realize the dangers:

1 Pesticides can be tracked inside as an EPA study found 23 different kinds in the dust and air collected from inside someones home.

2 On a regular basis, the US Geological Survey locates garden chemicals that pose a threat to the environment.  Weed Killers, for example are the most prevelant around urban centers streams and rivers.

It is peculiar to think that most people consider that chemical methods of pest control are mandatory.

Pest control and gardening is best achieved with a balance of organisms in the yard. Natural pest control protects you, your garden, local wildlife and the environment and, as an added bonus, it costs less than pesticides.

Here are some tips for controlling pests in your garden:

1 Physical controls – traps, barriers, fabric row covers or repellents – are often successful at controlling pests.

2. Maintain several varieties of plants as bugs that wage battle against pests thrive well in a garden that provide these friendly insects the nectar and pollen all through the seasons. 

3 If the pests can’t get to your plants,you can eliminaate the damage they cause. If you only see a few pests,physically removung them can sometimes keep the problem in check.

Many people face this same problem, you are not alone. Since pest control is a global problem, we hope this article has been helpful.

For additional hints and tips to help you deal with or overcome garden pests, try the home pest control website where Lee Walder, a professional researcher and writer, offers more information on natural home pest control.

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Protect Your Home with a Schlage Deadbolt from Beeson Home Fixtures

Protect Your Home with a Schlage Deadbolt from Beeson Home Fixtures

Home security is at its best with the Schlage deadbolt set. Since 1920, the company has been known for making top quality locks. Since then they have consistently offered stylish yet tough locks to protect your homes and important rooms. Schlage’s latest line of deadbolts uses mechanical clutching motor drives, which are operated digitally through keypads.

The deadlock has a keypad on the external side of the door. The door will only open for those who can correctly enter a four-digit code. Upon purchase, two initial (random) 4-digit keys and a 6-digit master code (for changing settings and reprogramming) are included. From the inside, the door can be manually unlocked through a lever or a thumb-turn. On the outside, in addition to the keypad, there is a thumb-turn with a keyhole. The master mechanical key can override the keypad as a backup precaution.

Schlage deadbolts are compatible with standard American door preps, so there is no need to drill new holes in your door. After following the simple one tool installation instructions, you’ll rarely need to remove it. It is readily programmable on the keypad itself, through the provided 6-digit programmer’s code. No extra wiring is needed. The package includes an alkaline battery with a lifetime of three years.

Schlage offers both FlexLock and AutoLock types of deadbolts. AutoLock means that the bolt will automatically lock after five seconds.  It also has no turn-piece on the inside. This is best for places that you don’t want to be left opened, including rooms with important documents. The FlexLock, on the other hand, allows automatic or manual locking. You don’t have to worry about being locked from the inside either way. Each Schlage lock includes emergency “panic-free” exit buttons.

The Z-Wave and the Schlage Bridge are important features of the Schlage deadbolt. Both of these wireless technology features are exclusive to the Schlage brand. The deadbolt keypad uses Z-wave to be accessible wirelessly. Through the Bridge application (a secure software program using the Schlage “LiNK” technology), information on the lock can be accessed through an Internet-enabled computer or cell phone.        The Bridge keeps a full log of people entering the room, according to their respective 4-digit combination. You can also configure the program to send you email and text alerts when someone enters your home. If you are the administrator of the deadbolt, you can also open or lock the door wherever you are, which can be very useful in emergencies.

These Schlage deadbolts are available from Beeson Home Fixtures in several different styles including the Plymouth and the Camelot style. Once you’ve found the one that best complements your door, there are also different color finishes including bright brass, aged bronze and nickel. You can also add a matching handle set to serve as an entrance handle for your door.

Are you looking for more information regarding schlage deadbolt ?  Visit  http://beesonhomefixtures.com/ today!

The Monster® iSoniCast™ turns your iPod into a wireless jukebox, so you can easily enjoy all your iPod music on your home stereo system. With the iSoniCast, you use the iPod itself to control playback with full access to all the familiar iPod controls! You dont need to turn on your TV to view menus or use a clunky separate remote to control your iPod. Even better, the iSoniCast is also incredibly easy to hook up and no batteries are needed: the smart low-power consumption lets you listen for extended periods.

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Simple Instructions on Securing Your Home or Business Wireless Network

Simple Instructions on Securing Your Home or Business Wireless Network

Recently I visited my brother and sister-in-law on vacation in Portland, OR. I brought my Sprint internet access card because they don’t have a computer or internet. I didn’t need it as her neighbor was kind enough to have an open wireless access point I could tap into with no password. I resisted the temptation to look over her computer files and data. Many people are not so nice.

Are you effectively locked down from snooping eyes?

I asked my favorite security expert, Scott Poehlman from Wired Solutions LLC to give me some tips to help our customers with this issue. Here are our simple suggestions to get the job done.

3 Basic steps to take for a secure home wireless network, written by an IT geek who dfoes this for a living.

By default, most home routers have no security set up out of the box. This means that your neighbor can easily connect to your Wireless network and surf the web, without you knowing it. If that happens, they are using your bandwidth that you are paying for, to freely browse the internet. But that’s not all. Without the proper security in place, your router and any network device connected to it (computer, cell phone, etc) becomes visible to anyone that can see your Wireless signal. From there, it’s super easy for a hacker to connect to your computer and see your files, or even worse, steal/delete your data.

So what to do? First, if you are not computer savvy and are uncomfortable making changes to your router, then have a trusted friend or family member make the changes for you. You can also see the documentation that came with your router (it may be in a PDF file on the CD that came with it). Below are steps you should take to protect your home Wireless network.

To even begin you will need to do is open your router settings program with a computer that is connected to it via Ethernet cable. To do that simply open your web browser – Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox or whatever – and go to http://192.168.1.1. Go ahead and type that into your address bar (no, don’t Google search it).

Once inside do the following:

1. Change your SSID from Open security to WPA2.

Your SSID (short for Service Set Identifier, which is simply the name of your Wireless network) is what you connect to, to access the Internet. Out of the box, it requires no password to connect to it (so it’s Open). You’ll have to log in to your router’s settings and change the security to WPA2. This is the most secure setting currently available on most home routers. You’ll need to assign a security key (commonly called a passphrase). And please, don’t use your name, pet’s name, dad’s name, street name, or anything other common name that is associated to you or your family. Make it at least 8 characters long, using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and characters. Kj4$PM_r is a good example of a secure passphrase.

2. Don’t broadcast your SSID.

Who needs to know the name of your Wireless network? You do, of course. And anyone else that you want to access your Wireless network. But does your neighbor next door need to know? Or the guy driving by your house? Of course not. There is a setting to disable the broadcast of your SSID. Again, look at your router’s documentation on how to make this change (or have someone you trust do it). Now, no one can see your SSID in the “available network connections” list.

3. Change your router’s login password.

The next thing to do is change the password that you need to type to login to your router. For example, if you purchased a Cisco/Linksys brand router, you would access its home page by opening your web browser and going to http://192.168.1.1 as stated before. The default password is admin with the username staying blank. Problem is, everyone knows this. So if you don’t change it, a hacker who gained access to your wireless network (or even someone you allowed access by supplying them the passphrase), can simply type the address above, log into your router, and play havoc with your network. You don’t want this, of course, so change the password! All routers have an area where you can make this change. See the documentation that came with your router (it may be in a PDF file on the CD that came with it). Use the same rule of thumb as setting the passphrase for your Wireless SSID. (Don’t make them the same though)

Following these 3 basic steps will secure your home Wireless network from most outside threats. While a very skillful hacker can still get around even this security, they won’t bother trying. There are too many unsecured networks out there, so hackers don’t waste their time trying to break into the average joe’s home network that is configured securely. They’ll just move down the road to your neighbor’s unsecure network.

John Clark is President of Wow Web Works at http://wowwebworks.com, a web design and business marketing company in Kalamazoo, MI. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University.

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