Ask Slashdot: Linux-Based Home Security 212
Grady Martin writes: I got a new job. Everything about it is perfect, except for one thing: The overwhelming majority of affordable housing within driving distance lies in an area known for its high crime rate. A home security system would afford some peace of mind, and a system whose code I could tinker with would afford even more. What Linux-based options are available? What experience do you have with such systems?
Needs to be Linux? (Score:4, Insightful)
> "lies in an area known for its high crime rate. A home security system would afford some peace of mind"
Don't know if any runs Linux (and I sincerly doubt it), but perhaps getting a Doggie would help. For sure, you'll get a few false positives, but overall it's the best security you can get. :)
And yes, they bark really loud.
Alvie
Re: Needs to be Linux? (Score:3)
It's a terrible idea to live in a bad area, generally I would prefer to commute further.
In terms of getting a home security system, get one that works. If you want an independent surveillance system use Synology, but make sure the NAS is located in the party of the house that won't be searched for valuables such as an entry hallway closet. However, in home security I'm not sure DYI is a wise route.
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> It's a terrible idea to live in a bad area, generally I would prefer to commute further.
Incorrect, because it often means property values will make the largest climb once young professionals move in for the shorter commute and price out the poor people from the neighborhood. I can think of a few places where houses going for 250k when I was a kid are 1.2m now, and guess what....when I was a kid, they were known for being a bit more crime but nice locations for commutes.
Lol now they are being buried int
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In terms of getting a home security system, get one that works.
Yeah... Step 1. A good solid alarm panel such as a Vista 20P. With dual-path reporting minimum: smoke detectors in every bedroom plus one additional per floor hallway, wired sensors for every perimeter door and window, glass break sensors for every window: motion sensors covering major walkways, and high-value areas. Dense sensor coverage over the room/access corridor near the security and communications panels as well.
make sure the NAS
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It would be cheaper and more effective to hire a security guard at that point.
That's total nonsense, or you have no clue how much legally hiring a security guard actually costs. You're talking less than $100 worth in extra materials to physically secure and conceal your hardware. The overall installation of cameras and a good security system is less than $10k, even after you add physical hardening, fencing, a pet dog, and add some additional layers of protection and defense.
For a security guard; y
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People like you are the reason it's a good idea to live in a bad area.
I grew up in such a neighborhood in Detroit. Nobody died. Nobody got physically hurt. Break-ins were a problem, and there was an armed robbery spree; but in general the local criminals would go out of their way not to physically hurt us because doing so would bring the cops in like avenging angels. The House went from under $10k when my parents bought it in 1980 or so to $80k when they sold it, whereas every house my stepmom owns, who ins
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Be smart and don't put a sign on your door that basically states
Guns are useless (Score:2, Flamebait)
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he is 200% correct. or do you have information on high crime mostly white neighborhoods?
There are high crime areas in black, hispanic, and yes, lily white Scotch Irish only neighborhoods. And more of those whites only than you would ever believe.
And the white ones will bust a cap in your ass for your antihistamines they need to make meth. Much easier than smurfing for it.
Seriously, if you want to look like a racist jackass unencumbered by the thought process, you are doing very very well.
Re: Needs to be Linux? (Score:2, Informative)
Zoneminder
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You opted for the most expensive and high maintenance choice, and also one that has the potential to ruin reputations with people in the area, a reputation which may in itself be a good defense.
Funny story: I got a visit from the police while breaking into my own house. I dyed my hair fluro green (for a charity event) and look like a punk. My neighbour saw me climb to an open window and called the cops.
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> My neighbour saw me climb to an open window and called the cops.
Your dog would have recognised you.
Yes, you're right regarding the overall cost and maintenance. But a Doggie is also your friend, cheers you whenever you get home, misses you whenever you leave.
This is priceless.
Re:Needs to be Linux? (Score:4, Funny)
collar $5
bag of kibble $20
picking up poop for 15-years, priceless
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getting up every morning, getting dressed to walk the dog. rain or snow or heat, you have to do it. often twice a day.
little freedom to stay out late or travel.
things get chewed and broken at home.
there is the house-breaking time at the start.
pet doctor bills. pet food (stuff is heavy, too).
I like dogs but its definitely not a solution for everyone!
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You don't need to walk a dog. Just arrange an area around your home where he can freely move. The only problem is when the perimeter is broken and the dog visits all bitches around.
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And if you're robbed while walking the dog? You rely on neighbours, which you can only do if they don't hate you. Point is get a dog because you like dogs, don't get a dog as a security system.
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Maybe so, but I've read studies that say a large dog is the single most effective protection factor.
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You opted for the most expensive and high maintenance choice, and also one that has the potential to ruin reputations with people in the area, a reputation which may in itself be a good defense.
He got an Ashley Madison account?
Re:Needs to be Linux? (Score:5, Funny)
Haven't you been reading the LKML? There is a bug in the 3.x kernel code that makes booting Linux on dogs fail, and Linus dropped support.
I personally would go for a security Badger, preferably a dead one so as not to have to feed it. The old install method found here [strangehorizons.com] can still be adapted to a modern kernel and userland with a few easy compiles, with several open source drivers available for modern networking hardware as well.
Badgers are also much more vicious than non specialized dogs.
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It is a crime that this has not been modded up yet.
K9 (Score:2)
His nose laser has a nasty bite.
Re:Needs to be Linux? (Score:4, Funny)
What you want is a moose.
A moose once bit my sister...
There is nothing worse than a moose running "Malevolent Moose"!
Note that you will need to put about two feet of water in your living room so move your electrical outlets accordingly.
While you don't have to walk a moose, you do have to get the hell out of the way once in a while...
It's kind of like living with a pissed off Volkswagen.
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The Beaglebone not withstanding, of course.
Re:Needs to be Linux? (Score:4, Insightful)
ZoneMinder (Score:3, Informative)
http://www.zoneminder.com/ - but best put the PC in a panic room, roofspace or other inaccessible area. And ship footage off site continuously.
Re:ZoneMinder (Score:4, Informative)
10 years ago, I assembled a crude Linux DVR using ZoneMinder. I kludged together Chinese video cards and various cameras. It was a neat and inexpensive system, and I enjoyed the project. But, it was crude, finicky and not very reliable which meant it required constant monitoring and care. But, for years, anything better or off the shelf would have cost thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.
Today, you can buy an off the shelf 1080p DVR system with 8 night vision cameras(!) [amzn.to] for under $1,000. These systems are fire and forget. They work flawlessly, have tons of features, and are very reliable.
Meanwhile, Zoneminder hasn't changed much since 10 years ago. It's still a bodged together mess.
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Most of those systems are also horribly insecure... I bought a system with 4 night vision cameras, they all run linux and have a hard coded root password, as well as a directory traversal bug which lets you get any file from the filesystem (including /etc/passwd but also the file where the dvr software itself stores your admin password in plaintext)...
Many of the ones i've seen also have extremely crude interfaces, requiring ie6 and activex...
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I've had horrible luck with those DVRs, not recording, not rotating videos properly, recording all of the time even when on motion settings, failing to send alerts, being unable to use sort of modern browser (I had to keep an IE6 VM around to manage one). ZoneMinder I haven't bothered to look at for a couple of years but I agree about it being a mess the last time I did.
I'm not sure if Bluecherry's DVR software is any better but it is Linux compatible. Ubiquiti isn't horrible and runs on linux, but does l
Just Don't (Score:3, Interesting)
Home security systems is a "problem" that has been completely solved in hardware. No DIY system, Linux or otherwise will compare in regards to available sensors, reliability, speed, battery backup, cellular backup, and more of a hardware panel. Many/most people want remote monitoring and thus pay for it. People ignore alarm sirens. What's the point of annoying your neighbors with noise while the crook takes his time packing your stuff into his van? You being on Slashdot means you'll want free, so I'll skip the subscription monitoring services.
DSC makes rock solid and inexpensive hardware systems [amzn.to]. If you want to roll you own monitoring/alerting DSC systems can be integrated with other stuff including your own crappy and broken Linux implementable. You can also integrate a DCS panel with a home automation system like Vera [amzn.to] or openHAB [openhab.org].
Home made security systems are not cost effective, reliable, effective, or worth the effort.
Re:Just Don't (Score:4, Insightful)
Home security systems is a "problem" that has been completely solved in hardware. No DIY system, Linux or otherwise will compare in regards to available sensors, reliability, speed, battery backup, cellular backup, and more of a hardware panel.
As someone who has installed dozens of different security systems, I agree wholeheartedly. DO NOT go with half-baked DIY system.
Look for multi-zone systems by Moose, Ademco, Honeywell, or other security companies. I don't recommend wireless systems for multiple reasons- they can be jammed and the batteries go dead at the worst possible times. If you absolutely have to use wireless components, use the minimum possible and hard-wire the rest.
Look for systems that have "home" and "away" modes.
Mount the panel in a secured location (locked closet).
Run the siren wires through metal pipe all the way to the siren (especially outside). Your alarm system will be useless if a $2 pair of wire cutters can be used to clip the siren wires.
Mount the siren high up in an inaccessible location or cage it.
There's a lot more to it than this, but don't go cheap, avoid wireless if possible, and get a solid, programmable system.
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Absolutely agree. And get a professional to do the install.
You are talking about a commodity system that has been done a gazillion times before. Pay a professional to come out, quote and install a system. Get your cameras in the right place, get your motion detectors in the right place, get your panels in the right place. And quite frankly pay your subscription to have your system monitored.
I'm assuming you will be having house insurance, so consider it part of the insurance costs.
Then most importantly,
Worry about everything else first (Score:5, Insightful)
Moved to a high crime area a decade ago and to this day have only had one issue (car break-in after leaving stuff visible). No home security system, no guns. In general, pull your head our of your arse and pay attention to your surroundings. Don't walk around flashing you iPad that's connected to your home sec system. Don't have ear-buds in listening to the hipster mix of the day. Everyone of my neighbors that's had issues was either 1. dealing drugs or 2. walking around flashing electronics and ignoring the world around them. Meet your neighbors, be friendly, be engaged.
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here's a tip: if you have a nice car stereo (or even if its not nice but you tend to play it loud), lower the volume way down (or turn it off) as you START to approach your destination or parking area.
what you have been doing is advertising to the locals that you have a nice radio inside. even if you don't.
by remembering to turn it off before you even get close to the destination, you remove one thing that can cause you to come back to broken windows.
similarly, don't work on your car audio system in open p
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A number of car audio systems that I have seen have removable face plates. Thief looks in, sees that the faceplate has been removed and will then realize the unit is worthless to resell and will move on.
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I remember the old removable faceplate radios. are they still common? I was under the impression that they were not all that great at deterring break-ins since MOST people did not carry the FP with them and left it in the glove box. I almost never carried mine when I had that style of head unit.
I wish I could post a pic of my car, but that would defeat any notion of security ;) but just imagine a factory radio with its face 'sawed off' (neatly unscrewed, actually; was trivial once you realize that its a
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A number of car audio systems that I have seen have removable face plates. Thief looks in, sees that the faceplate has been removed and will then realize the unit is worthless to resell and will move on.
I had two faceplate-less car stereos stolen. Turns out that they know that most people leave the faceplate in the glovebox. Some other crims are too stupid to know that you can't just walk into a stereo shop and buy a replacement faceplate. (I was in a stereo shop for two hours and no fewer than three idiots came in with a bare stereo looking to buy a faceplate.)
IP cameras (Score:2)
A lot of IP cameras will record on motion and store clips to an FTP server. How easy is it set up an FTP server on Linux. Pretty easy. You can even have the cameras email you on alerts. And of course, the IP cameras are running either Linux or a BSD, so not only is this setup easy to do, but meets your requirements almost all the way around.
No answer here (Score:2, Interesting)
I think OP sabotaged himself by giving Slashdot a context - one they could pull apart instead of answering his questions.
"Hi Slashdot. I'm looking to install a home security system and wanted to know if any of you are familiar with Linux-based implementations. Thanks."
Instead, now all you have is people telling you alternatives to security systems (commuting further, changing jobs, blah blah blah).
Good luck with your new home/job.
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We think so far outside the box it's ridiculous.
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Monitoring isn't peace of mind. (Score:5, Insightful)
If you're constantly checking your cameras and your feeds, and waiting for notifications of motion, that ain't peace of mind. Peace of mind is specifically the opposite -- i.e. not checking, not being notified, not being worried that every time you're underground or in an area of poor reception that someone is breaking into your home.
Peace of mind is knowing that it's someone else's problem. That means that the alarm doesn't go to you, it goes to someone else, like an alarm monitoring company, and that they'll deal with the problem -- including calling you as much as it takes to reach you. That means you can leave, go on vacation, go to the movies, and not care.
Especially considering that high crime rate is less of a problem when you aren't home -- because you aren't in any danger.
Just put up entry contacts -- doors, windows, glass-breaks. Motion sensors are generally irrelevant if you have any ambulatory pets. Then let it be someone else's problems. Cameras fight insurance fraud, but do nothing in terms of security, unless you've got someone watching the feeds.
And damn it, befriend your neighbours, ensure that they know your routines and your vacation schedules.
Beyond that, you aren't going to stop Ethan Hunt, no matter what you do.
Re:Monitoring isn't peace of mind. (Score:5, Insightful)
My house was broken into with the alarm blaring. It's happened to a couple of my neighbors too. Someone pulls up they smash in the front door. Then spend about 30 seconds rifling through the house looking for valuables and then get in their car and run. The security system did nothing but make noise, and yes the cops were called. So what. Even if they would have been able to react immediately they would never have been able to get here in time.
So I put up some cameras in places outside, totally visible in areas that you can't walk around behind them. I have a small linux based home server/backup system that is built into a cabinet downstairs anyway, so I put zoneminder on it. If someone actually enters the house I get a message, and I can call the police. But it doesn't happen. No one wants to walk up in front of the cameras, and yes I know they could wear balaclavas or some crap, but they can't walk around the neighborhood like that without someone calling the cops, and the whole idea is to be inconspicuous.
There is no sure fire cure, and anyone who really want's in will get in. The idea is to make it more difficult than it's worth.
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My house was broken into with the alarm blaring. It's happened to a couple of my neighbors too. Someone pulls up they smash in the front door. Then spend about 30 seconds rifling through the house looking for valuables and then get in their car and run. The security system did nothing but make noise, and yes the cops were called. So what. Even if they would have been able to react immediately they would never have been able to get here in time.
I'm not dismissing the value of your camera solution, but I think you're overlooking the value of the alarm system. It turned what could have been a thorough burglary into a 30-second smash and grab. That plus arranging for your most valuable stuff to be too hard to find and/or grab in 30 seconds means that your most valuable stuff is safe.
Good security (physical or electronic) doesn't have to be impenetrable to provide significant value. Mitigation strategies, approaches that just limit the risk and dama
Re:Monitoring isn't peace of mind. (Score:4, Informative)
Guns are irrelevant when you're not home. If you are home, then the alarm system is even more important; you can't use that shotgun if you don't know your home has been invaded.
You will get off scott free, your gun returned to you and a piece of shit was removed from the gene pool.
If you believe it's that easy, you're fooling yourself. Oh, it does go that way for some people. Many others are severely traumatized by having taken a life (and you can't know if you will be or not until after it happens), and others end up dealing with criminal investigations and lawsuits that drain their personal and financial resources. Some also deal with social stigma.
I'm a concealed weapons permit instructor. I'm all in favor of defending your life, and firearms are the best tools for that. But don't ever think that it's a good outcome. Killing an intruder is a better outcome than being killed by one, but it's still very bad.
If you're home, an alarm system (or a dog) is good because it will alert you. The right thing to do then, if possible, is to gather your family in a room with one entrance. Cover that entrance with your gun(s) and call the police. The best case scenario is that the police arrive and catch the perp(s). Second best is that the perps leave before the cops arrive. Any scenario which requires you to fire your gun is a bad one, even if all of the others are worse.
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Very wise post, and as a CCW holder myself I couldn't agree more. There's an old saying, "every bullet that leaves your gun has a lawyer attached to it". Except for range time, of course, which anyone that carries should be getting plenty of.
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I think you've just found the values of fake cameras. Not real cameras. The bad guys can't see the feeds.
And now, you're constantly watching your own cameras, worrying about your home when you're away, and worrying about your data reception all the time. It's now your responsibility, your duty, your job, to watch your house 24/7/52+1.
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Sounds like what you really want is a smoke system connected to the alarm.
Rather than alarms (which do nothing unless they alarm someone who's guaranteed to come running in time - let's be honest, a text to your phone or a friendly neighbour is more useful here than any amount of law enforcement, security companies or loud blaring alarms annoying your neighbours), you want to stop someone in their tracks.
Connect smoke system and, in your average untargetted burglary, it's then not really possible to steal
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Hmm, just park a car with no wheels and an oil puddle underneath in front, put plastic garden furniture in your house, smash a couple of the windows and leave the door unlocked. If there is nothing of value inside, then nothing will get stolen. Peeing at the garden gate will also help to discourage visitors.
sdfvzzvxc (Score:2)
There are lots of IP/Net modules that you can connect to traditional alarm systems. These often allow IP based control over the alarm system, reporting, etc.
Just be careful what system you buy. I bought an envisacor add on to my alarm system, and it's fairly poor. Worse, they insist on phoning home (not to the alarm center, but to their corporate center), and if you firewall of their IP.. their system reboots every 15 minutes.
(Why would I want an external 3rd party entity I don't even know, receiving unk
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I might add, the concept that an add on to an alarm system, one that can trigger alarms or silence them, should receive automatic updates without any way to intervene, is bizarre.
Envisacorp couldn't comprehend that some users might want to control that process. To be able to rollback. To not have forced updates. And, as is always the case with such a policy, there were lots of 'this update did this!' complaints in their support forum. Which is another vital reason why one might want to firewall of their
How about linux-based cameras? (Score:2)
This is not what you want.Call a security company. (Score:2)
I'm familiar with the security business.
What you really want is for police to be called if your home is broken into, even if you can't be called. For this you need a monitoring contract, which can only be done through a security company (cannot be done as an individual).
You can use the other posts here to maybe find good open-source hardware. Security companies will generally not let you purchase hardware/software that you can modify. If there are any issues with anything, you have to prove you didn't ha
Stark Helps (Score:2)
linux based security is useless (Score:2)
You might get a picture of a thug carting off your tv and macbook. or not. either way, your stuff is gone, your door is smashed, your privacy is violated.
you're going about this all wrong.
physical security is a better bet. what you need to do is make your place much more difficult to break into than the neighbor's place, and make that very obvious. thieves are lazy. they will find an easier target in 99% of the cases.
Me, I would not live there. because you still have to park your car somewhere, and yo
Why bother? Get insurance. (Score:2)
If you're worried about being shot in your own home move to a nicer neighbourhood/country/city.
My data is backed up, they can steal my TV, it's not like the locks are going to stop a well-placed boot. I don't own anything of any particular value to anyone.
There's insurance for the rest, and the pathetic discount they offer doesn't pay for the ridiculous monitoring costs that are ongoing expenses.
I have some cameras to keep an eye on my cats when I'm gone, but that's an out of the box solution.
If you're obse
Re:Why bother? Get insurance. (Score:5, Interesting)
"it's not like the locks are going to stop a well-placed boot." Mine will.
steel door jamb and steel door with security grade door latch and deadbolt, even cops with their battering ram can't get through it. It's certified to LPS1175 Issue 7 SR4 so no wannabe door kicker is going to do anything but hurt himself.
I love finding stuff at surplus sales.
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Rose bushes are for girls. Devils Club will get through any clothing and make you swell up like a balloon while in insane pain.
My grandfather intentionally planted that stuff along the back property line of his farm and it completely stopped the idiot hunters that cant read "no hunting" signs.
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I remember clearly an incident many years ago where a club was broken into late on Christmas Eve, aka before the chance to bank the takings. They took a sledgehammer and came in through the wall.
The moral of the story is if they want to get in they will, and as a modern day equivalent I would point you to the Hatton Garden safety deposit raid in April this year. They drilled through the 50 cm thick concrete vault walls with a Hilti DD 350 diamond coring drill.
The best you can do is make your property less a
Alarm is last... (Score:2)
There's an old joke about a couple guys in a tent who hear a bear. One starts lacing his shoes. The other says, "you idiot, you can't outrun a bear." The first guy responds, "don't need do, I just have to outrun you."
Security is the same. You can't build a fortress but you can make your place substantially less attractive than others.
Burglaries are up everywhere. Where I live is no considered a "bad" area but our door was kicked in last year and my wife's car was burglarized last week (along with half a doz
Don't tinker ... get something that works (Score:2)
Get a system from a reputable make and have it installed by a firm that's been doing this for awhile. This means that the central part will have a battery (in case someone cuts the mains), will be protected by tamper detection (in case mr. burglar tries to disable your alarm system), will probably have a UPS for your modem, ADSL modem, cable modem or whatever (mains again plus blown fuses), and perhap
A yard sign ... (Score:3)
"All computers in this residence run Linux.
They are worth nothing at the local pawn shop".
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Ooh, where is that? ;)
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Alternative sign:
This computer runs Windows 10. We know who you are. We know where you are. We know what you ate for breakfast.
CCTV (Score:3)
Few things here.
First, i'd be more worried about the neighborhood locals. What is the neighborhood ethnic makeup? If it's mostly black and you aren't black, then I'd be weary. If it's white trash and you're not white, I'd also be weary. Same for everyone else.
*Blend in. Don't wear fancy clothes, iPod accessories or anything that is valuable. Don't flaunt wealth. If some destitute drug addict sees you, you're a big juicy target.
*Ditto for gang members looking at an outsider. They most likely will rob you to exert power over you. They want you to be a cowering victim. You most likely wont get your ass kicked if you just act scared and give then what they want.
I'v been robbed at knife and gunpoint when I went to high school in Jamaica, Queens. It was a primarily black neighborhood and during freshman year I was a frequent target being a white kid. It was more a joke for them, robbing the lone white kid of two or three dollars and laughing at me. I learned to make friends with kids who took my bus so when we got off or walked to it, we rolled deep. After that no one ever went near me again. Also, don't be a hero. Even if you think some fighting classes are worth it or your a big guy, just don't be dumb. A gun doesn't care and neither does a drug addict.
I'm assuming you will be renting an apartment? Cameras are your best friend. Setup a few hidden inside cameras inside which will catch someone wandering around tearing up the place looking for valuables. Keep them low and head level if you can. A raspberry pi and web cams will satisfy your Linux craving if you go that route. Use a big USB key, 128GB+ to record on a loop. That or get fancy and make a cloud setup for remote access and recording.
Make it look like someone is home. A light coming on if a loud noise is made or window/door is touched will help. Arduino project perhaps? Maybe send a text if an event comes through. Then use your phone to connect to your web cams to have a look around. The sound of a dog barking is also pretty damn good. Get a big ass dog if you can. No crack head wants to mess with a dog. Dogs, and good outdoor lighting are the best security if you ask me. Plus, you can walk the dog to stores and no one will mess with you.
Oh, and leave some money laying around in your house. Most break-ins are by drug addicts. If you have 60 bucks on the kitchen table, hopefully that is all they want and they will get the hell out. Keep smaller electronics out of sight like gaming systems laptops and tablets. They go for the low hanging fruit. My friend had his car broken into in a real bad area populated by homeless drug addicts. The back of his car was all computer boxes will Dell and HP printed on them as he was a travelling service tech. They broke his window and stole his ashtray which had a few bucks in cash and a bunch of change. Didn't take one box or the fancy radio. They don't want to fence or pawn shit if they can get cash. Drug dealers take cash only.
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I think you mean "be wary."
As a long-term Detroit resident who happened to be white I'd be more concerned about a white neighborhood. Black criminals in a black area will mug you, steal from you, and occasionally threaten your life if you're white; but they will almost never actually physically hurt you.
They aren't stupid. They don't want to actually hurt anybody (Homicide is a lot harder to evade then the burglary unit, or some patrolman investigating a mugging), except possibly other criminals, and it's n
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If it's mostly black and you aren't black, then I'd be weary. If it's white trash and you're not white, I'd also be weary.
If you're not white trash (i.e. you know the difference between "weary" and "wary" and are sick of ignorant fools who don't, I can guarantee that you'd also be weary. ;)
Maintenance (Score:2)
The problem is really: Do you want to be managing this stuff yourself? I know, when I get home, the last thing I want to happen is some problem with a security system that I'm the only one who knows how to fix.
There's no harm in joining modules, but doing everything from integration to day-to-day tasks on a computer that you'll have to manage? That's a pain in the butt.
It's the same with electronics - some of this stuff is cheap and easy to make, but the hassle of doing so compared to a tiny purchase for
Just be nice (Score:2)
Dude, like, be nice about it. Embrace the local disadvantaged kids — they didn't have mommy and daddy provide them with computers and nice schools growing up, so what's left for them to do but robbery and selling drugs?
Don't be no hater and give them your money and iPhone voluntarily and be sure to attend all community meetings [heyevent.com] resisting the evil money-grabbing developers intent on gentrification [newsweek.com] of th
Make friends with your neighbors (Score:2)
Besides the physical security, there's also getting the neighbors to know you. They're much more likely to call the police, or to notify you of vandalism, if you've established contact with them. They'll also be more willing to feed your pets, pick up your mail when you travel, or let you know if the local kids, or more organized gangs, have been making trouble, if they know your name. And doing them similar favors is a good investment in making the whole neighborhood safer.
Perhaps the easiest way to do thi
Don't bother. (Score:2)
Who wants to know that thieves, robbers and murderers they were inside and when, you'll never be able to sleep again anyway after the fact.
You don't want to be alerted when they come in, you want them not to be able to come in.
You'd better invest in concrete and steel doors and unbreakable windows.
In 95% of the cases, if they can't force open the door or a window with a screw driver, they'll leave for an easier target.
And the professionals who could overcome such doors and windows won't come to your neighbo
Easy to do (Score:2)
Step 1 get about 10-20 contact closure inputs on your computer.
step 2 get at least 1-2 Relay closure outputs.
Add a battery backup system
Adda GSM cellular connection to fail over when power goes out or comcast is down yet again.
write software to text you and set off the alarm relays when it senses any of the contact closures.
not too hard to do with a RasPi.
OpenHAB.org (Score:2)
You've received lots of advice on this forum... some good... some not so good but to answer your question: OpenHAB.org
OpenHAB is a Java (platform agnostic) open source home automation software with bindings to several hundred different security and home automation hardware sets. If you decide to build a system, it would be a good platform.
Just get a dog (Score:2)
This is 1000x more effective (literally) than ANY electronics you can buy or build.
Re: (Score:2)
Not. Burglar hit my home this summer and got around my alarm system. The dog sat there and did nothing. Not a damn thing. One fucking job and the dog didn't do it.
I can forgive the alarm system failure. We missed a sensor area. I'm angry. But that dog eats and sleeps and craps and hangs around and demands expensive canned food and yet she can be bothered to defend the house? For that I am betrayed.
if you're gonna rely on a security system that licks its own ass and can be bothered to do a thing t
Re: (Score:2)
A dog is right there and is HARD to fool. Security systems have, as you discovered, myriad flaws. Beyond that the cops basically figure 99% of all alarms are false, so they're dead last dispatch priority. If you're VERY lucky they get there 30 minutes later, if they bother to show up at all. The average crack head is in and out in 5 minutes or less, so all that fancy alarm hardware and expensive multi-year monthly contract monitoring, worthless.
Talk to any security expert, a dog is absolutely 100% your best
Deter, Prevent, Prosecute? (Score:2)
These are the three aspects of what you should consider.
Anything can be bypassed (Score:2)
I've got a fancy security system, IP cameras, and a dog. And a burglar still got in this summer. The alarm didn't trip. The dog didn't bite and the cameras, well, he laughed at them. What finally stopped this guy was me coming home to him inside my house and punching him in the face a few times.
This is a long way of saying even the best systems can be bypassed. If a human spent a lot of time planning it out, somebody else will come along and go "poke" and unravel it all.
As for Linux, there is a time a
Non-existent (Score:2)
There is Visonic who creates Linux-based systems but they are ROM-based and have hard coded root passwords available over telnet. You can't tinker with it as the boot loader and kernel code is not released under GPL (Israeli based so good luck enforcing).
That is the only company I know that has Linux basis. You can do it yourself, good luck however getting an AHJ or insurance company to accept it. And in most jurisdictions you will need code compliant central fire, CO and smoke detection in the entire house
geeks can meet their neighbors too.... (Score:2)
Go meet your neighbors, make some friends, and bring the neighborhood up. Throw some potlatches. Maybe help some neighbor's kids code, or help 'em with their homework.
You don't need a security system. You need a nicer neighborhood. So get to work....
Dog + Shotgun (Score:2)
Pay somebody else to worry (Score:2)
That said, before you turn your home into a fortress might I suggest you buy a copy of Ground Control [theguardian.com] a book about British urban planning which has a lot to say about the downsides of "secure" homes.
What's the financial trade off? (Score:3)
So you move to a shitty neighborhood. You drop $5k on miscellaneous security stuff -- locks, alarms, door upgrades, etc. You still get nicked to the tune of $1k per year in out of pocket costs plus extras like door or window repair. And the continual aggravation and paranoia. Plus you drive out of your neighborhood for everything, since shitty neighborhoods have shitty stores and restaurants.
So you commute instead. The extra driving is a continual hassle and costs extra money for fuel and wear and tear. But this is balanced by no paranoia or break in hassles. You spend the security money on a better car or a more efficient car. You drive less overall since the stuff you want is close by.
Building a fortress in enemy territory is kind of appealing in a post-apocalyptic way but only if you're there all the time.
In Soviet Russia... (Score:2)
... the police chief told my daddy that the giant dog is the only legal protection. If he eats a burglar it's OK but if you kill a burglar it's a crime. Russian law allows killing the killer, not the burglar.
The second means of protection was a flare launcher. The flare easily burns all the guts of a burglar while it is not legally a weapon, so it's not a crime but only a misbehavior to keep it, and flares are sold w/o license.
And the third: A wireless signal to the police. Prices are quite affordable, prop
Concepts (Score:2)
So, physical security needs to accomplish, in chronological order, the following against the threat of a potential intrusion: 1) Deter. The area you are trying to protect should ideally scream "Try somewhere else." Steel doors, solid frames, deadbolts, restrictive window coverings (bars), visible tamper proof cameras, etc. There are also a number of devices available these days designed to make a home look occupied, Google "Fake TV" for a number of cheap products designed to make it appear as though a TV is
Re: (Score:2, Interesting)
Re: (Score:2)
Even at minimum wage, 1000 hours is $10,000. That'll buy one very spiffy security system.
Who is it that actually pays you for not working on a DIY alarm system? Do you expect the OP to get a second job just to pay off his commercial security system and to fill in the time that he would have otherwise spent tinkering with it?
Surely the 1000 hours would be more likely be spent on something unprofitable like watching TV, playing video games, or posting on /.
Re: Raspberry Pi (Score:2)
Which is a lot more fun for most people than swearing at Linux while your home remains unprotected.
Re: (Score:3)
Re: (Score:2)
And you could start with the motionpie [github.com] distribution for the Pi, which includes 'motion', a motion detection camera program, and a way to view multiple cameras on one page.
Comment removed (Score:4, Insightful)
Re: (Score:3)
Except there is also attractant. The more security you have, and the more out of place your security is, the more valuable it is perceived. I am reminded of an anecdote shared by a man trying to get rid of an old tire. He tossed it in the bed of his pickup, and left it there for several weeks. He would go about his day, park in town, etc.
Then for a lark, he puts a combination lock around it. Not attached to anything, just the tire itself. It was stolen from his pickup the next day.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
I was laughing, we had some old PCs that my father got from an old job when a department store his company was contracted to shut down. They had been out of business 10 years, old enough that the hard drives I ripped out to be destroyed were 5GB.
We put them outside over the weekend...gone. Even got rid of a 14" CRT monitor. Which is hillarious when I posed a 52" rear projection HDTV on freecycle and nobody wanted it.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Not only that, we had a window sensor go bad at a company I worked for about 20 years ago. It became so sensitive that someone driving by the window or a bird singing on the ledge would set it off. but it wouldn't do that all the time. After 3 false alarms, they were fined $300 plus the costs of the response and the fines went up progressively after that. It went off something like 6 times total over the course of two weeks before their alarm guy found the problem.
So not only check with the local police, b