_Installing CCTV cameras is an excellent way to augment any other security features that you may have in place at an establishment. These video cameras transmit images to a single location from which you or someone else can observe remote events. They work in large public areas as well as around single family homes. Installing them is much easier than it used to be. If you have two people involved one can place the cameras while the other observes the quality of the placements. The observer can let the person placing the cameras know if they are set correctly.

_Step One
Before you make any purchases, you need to consider how you are going to monitor your CCTV cameras. As long as the location has internet access, you can get a static IP address to handle the video feed and allow you to monitor the location online.

_Step Two

Determine if you will want to record the images or not. If you want to make recordings of what the cameras see, you may need to buy a wireless computer or a digital video recorder if you do not  already have one.

Step Three

You need to know how many cameras you need before you shop for CCTV cameras because different sizes of systems are available at different outlets. If you only need 4 cameras or less, you could buy a system at almost any store oriented toward home features or electronics. You may need to shop online for larger systems.

_Step Four

Choose the planned locations for cameras carefully. Many systems need an electrical outlet nearby in order to function.  If you are most interested in monitoring animal movements outside a building, then you do not need to worry. If you are concerned about prowlers, then they could easily turn off the cameras without being seen. For this reason, you may want to place the cameras where they can observe a great deal but also run an electrical line to an outlet that is inaccessible to people. You may also need to camouflage outlets or find some way to provide emergency power to you cameras in such a situation.

Step Five

Install the required software on the computer that you will use to monitor the cameras. Follow the instructions as they appear on your screen. Be prepared to create a username and password that will not be easily hacked. You should check with an online guide about the most easily hacked passwords and avoid these.

Step Six

Remove the first camera from its packaging. Place it on a surface that will remain stable under most conditions. You do not want to go reset your cameras every time there is a strong wind so make sure that it is firmly secured wherever you set it. Point the camera in the desired direction of observation. Turn it on.  Contact an assistant at the monitoring station and verify that the camera is correctly placed.

_Step Seven

Have your assistant label the location in the software according to its location or whatever system you have devised for naming the cameras. Ideally, this should be something easy to remember, such as front door or alleyway. You may have reason to identify the cameras otherwise.

Step Eight

Install the remaining cameras the same way that you did the first.

Step Nine

Test the entire system by walking through the observed areas. Stay in contact worth your assistant and determine just how good the images are.