Digital Home Thoughts: Put That Webcam To Good Use: Home Security

"Cammster doesn't require a download or special software, and works in all browsers and platforms. Just sign up for a free account, and when you leave home, leave Cammster open in a browser window. Select the level of motion sensitivity you want to trigger the service to start taking pictures, and walk away. If motion is detected that exceeds the threshold, the service will start taking snapshots and email you with a link where you can see the images as they're uploaded."

Webcams are pretty common these days. Many monitors come with them built in, and they are not very expensive to add as a USB plug-in if you need one. How often does it get used though? For most people it almost certainly has zero use when no one is home. That could all change if you would like to consider using it for a little home security detail. Cammster is a software application that works in all browsers on all platforms. The typical Cammster use scenario is that you leave your dwelling with the computer turned on, the webcam connected to the Internet, and the Cammster program running. If movement is detected in the field of view of the webcam, the program will take photographs with the webcam and will save the pictures to the Cammster site. You can then be notified by SMS (text messaging) and/or email that a pictures have been taken due to motion being detected. Note that motion detection sensitivity can be set to take into account pet or other object movement. Pricing for the service varies depending on how you choose to get notified (e-mail alerts are temporarily free).