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August 18, 2006
Dear CNET members,
As with every community help and how-to newsletter each week, occasionally the topics that we present don't always apply to everyone. As a perfect example, this week's question from Tom, in which he wants to use a wireless camera to monitor his kids remotely or to keep watch on his home away from home. While this wireless camera question isn't likely to be on all of our members' to-do list, I do hope this newsletter--and the previous ones that we've delivered to you--may eventually be of help to you when the time comes. For me, the topic of setting up a wireless camera hasn't crossed my mind, but after reading some of our member suggestions, it sure has sparked my own personal interest, and I'll be more likely to look into them sometime down the line. So Tom, to get you started, I present to you the winning answer from Dana, who offers our members a variety of ways to go about tackling this task. Many submissions this week, both among the honorable mentions and others, included references to many different companies or products that can cater to your wireless camera needs. And to continue those recommendations, I invite all of you, especially those who have successfully set up a wireless camera or a wireless network camera at your residence or place of business, to please join us in this week's discussion and share your knowledge and suggestions. Thank you all for your participation and have a wonderful weekend!

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Member Question of the Week

I want to hook up a wireless camera to view my backyard when the kids are at play there. I have cable TV, cable Internet service, and a wireless router linking two PCs in my house. How would I hook up a wireless camera that I could view either through my TVs or my home PCs? In addition, if my family and I were away from home, would it be possible for me to remotely access and monitor my house using that same wireless camera from anywhere as long as I have Internet access? I appreciate any help.
Submitted by:
Tom P. of Saint Augustine, Florida

Tom, there are many ways and types of systems to take advantage of wireless video now available for fairly low cost. Depending on the quality of the video and features such as Pan, Tilt, Night Vision, or even Optical Zoom, you could spend a small fortune for professional-grade equipment. If you don't need wireless and don't mind running some wire, then there are many more options to choose from. Installation will vary, depending on the model that you choose and can be somewhat complex if you need to view from the Internet. With the right equipment and setup, you could even view your home on your Web-enabled cell phone. Here are some of the features you may or may not need:
1. Pan or Tilt: This allows you to remotely rotate or tilt the camera to change what you are viewing.
2. Zoom: Allows you to zoom in for greater detail. If this is important to you, then look for a...
Submitted by:
Dana H. of Wayland, Massachusetts
For
Dana's
efforts, we're sending him his choice of any
Help.com Learning CD.
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Check out next week's question:

With Microsoft starting to check Genuine Advantage, I have had two occasions where people came to me with computers without an original installed disk but with a recently purchased, valid copy of Windows XP, with which they were unable to update their system. All the research I did at Microsoft.com, I did not find a method to update their system without wiping the partition and starting with a clean hard drive. Do you know of a way to avoid repartitioning the hard drive?
--Submitted by:
Art G.
If you have the answer,
e-mail us at messageboards@cnet.com. If we choose your response, you'll get a free Help.com CD.
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If you had a wireless network video camera, what would you use it for?
(Please click on button to vote) |
To monitor my child/baby
To check on my pets
For home security
To look over my place of business
To spy on the neighbors (really?)
Other (what would it be?)
Simple question, simple answer
Help your fellow members
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