The Smart Home Handyman

While price is often the thing mentioned when people ask me about installing a home security system,  I have to tell them that price is not the first consideration if they plan on having a system worth having.  Perhaps I should say instead that price is going to depend on the answers to several questions.  Because any security system worth having needs to be set up based on the particular needs and particulars of each situation. Why The first things to know about is why is a security system being set up.  It could be for one particular reason or i t could be for a combination of reasons.  Here are some questions to think about as to why a security system is being set up.  The answers to these questions will determine the types of devices such as cameras, lights, sensors, etc... to purchase.  They will also help determine storage issues and who or how many people have access. Is it to collect evidence of criminal activity to give to law enforcement? Is it to collect information to suppo

One of the most common uses of  video cameras used in homes and businesses is security.   To observe criminal activity is the most obvious reason.  The second most is liability.   Accidents and negligence happen.  Insurance companies often want any video or photo records that will support your claim. But, how long do you need to keep those videos and photos?  Many local storage systems only come with limited space.  Not only limited, but overwrite once the space is full. The most common advice is 30 days, then let it go.  This is for "most" day-to-day video and photo captured on your cameras.  That's "IF" there's nothing of consequence that has been recorded.  If there was some kind of activity caught on video of a crime or accident.   Really anything the police or an insurance company might use, then the specific files should be kept long enough to copy them.  After that, you might consider keeping the file(s) necessary to the issue for anywhere between 6 m

Yes, the name of the blog has been changed.  I want to better reflect the upcoming content that will be posted here.  But don't worry (as if you were worried), you'll still see tool talk.  But as I do a LOT of work with home and small business customers in regards to computer and Smart Device networks, I want to include more content to reflect that as well. Many people think of a handyman as the person that patches holes in walls, does some painting, patching roofs, changing light switches and plumbing fixtures and tasks like those.   And we do. BUT! In these modern times, in modern homes, there is no way to ignore Smart tech.  The devices and AI networks that pull them all together.  From keyless door locks to voice controlled thermostats to video doorbells and so much more. The modern Smart home doesn't have to be newly built, it just has to include the new technologies that bring a whole new way for people to live and function in their home.  That's a LOT of building