Ask Slashdot: State of the Art In DIY Security Systems? 248
An anonymous reader writes "For geeks that want to secure their home, it seems that the choice of Do It Yourself solutions are limited. And in case you prefer to use a company, most of them require to subscribe to a contract for 3 years that costs at least $20 a month. In case you want to make a DIY security system without a monthly fee, few options are available. Some products (such as ismartalarm, Lowe's Iris system or also the fortress security) let you install your own system but seem not to be very mature (for some the alarm is not loud, for others they do not use the internet and only a land line, etc.). Is there any recommendation for a basic DIY home security system for monitoring the house and just have notification by e-mail or through a mobile application? Is there any open standard for home automation and security devices? Any suggestion about how to build something simple, affordable and efficient?" How to top the big-name subscription-based security companies is a recurring question, but one worth exploring every once in a while, as sensors and software both advance, and especially as more and more people are carrying around phones well-suited as remote monitors for in-house cameras. (And here's a preemptive link to ZoneMinder.)
Re:X11... (Score:5, Funny)
Run Xkill, click on the bad guy?
Re:Insurance? (Score:5, Funny)
And here I was thinking you'd say Arkansas.
JUST POST A NOTE (Score:4, Funny)
Hay Bubba, better wait on tha porch till I geet back. Jest run to the store for more ammo. I ain't fed the dogs yet and them are locked inside and hungry so u better stay on the porch.
WOULD YOU WANT TO GO IN AFTER READING THAT?
Re:just think back to 1990s popup ads (Score:4, Funny)
Perhaps you should set something up that plays the sound in a room you're not in, which can be triggered remotely. When the thief is distracted while firing into the room, club him in the back of the head with an ATX power supply.