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it from your computer? Do you want to pick up sound and images or just images? Make sure your hardware can do what you like, but more importantly, make sure the place you're buying it from has a lenient return policy and of course, keep the receipt. This way, if your camera doesn't do what you like and no software can make it, you can upgrade easily.

While you're at the store, don't forget a USB cable or extension. Think of where your computer is, and where you want your camera. My computer is in a room adjacent to the one with my camera, so I needed a 20 foot USB extension.

SOFTWARE
The physical webcam will come with some software, but don't limit yourself to just that. A quick search of freeware and shareware online will reveal dozens of downloadable programs that make it much easier to use your camera. Software makes a huge difference. I've tried several programs, all with the same camera. They vary wildly, some enhancing the experience and some just exercises in frustration. If you can't get your camera to do what you want, before returning it, you might be able to fulfill your goals with different software.

LETTING THE WORLD SEE THROUGH YOUR CAMERA
So your computer sees the images of your camera, but how do you send video or still shots to the world?

For Remote Monitoring, the setup is easily. You need an FTP destination, a place on the web where your camera software can upload files once it takes them. If you have your own domain name (www.ThisIsYou.com) chances are it supports receiving files via FTP. You configure your software for the destination, then point your browser to the same place and you're done. To summarize, your camera snaps the picture, then uploads it (FTP's it) to your site. Then anywhere in the world, you log on to your website, and access that image (or a simple HTML page that shows the picture.) The HTML can auto-refresh, too. Fifteen seconds later (or whatever interval you have set) the process repeats. How cool!

For Streaming Video, you're going to need to work with your domain provider to make sure they offer speeds fast enough. Your own internet connection will have to be fast and reliable as well. It will require research and money to get the necessary domain host and internet speed. I have yet to see it implemented successfully consistently. Due to the nature of the internet, Remote Monitoring works best. If you've ever watched a real-crime news story, you've noticed that security cameras work the same way. You see a person at the

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