How to Use a Mac Laptop for Surveillance
- 1). Download video capture and surveillance software, and install it on your Mac laptop. Viable applications include SecuritySpy and EvoCam. These programs will allow you to record video from multiple cameras, watch the video feeds in real time and activate motion detection.
- 2). Purchase one or more external video cameras or webcams that you will use to capture the video for your surveillance system. If you have a Mac laptop with a built-in iSight camera, you can also use this webcam as one of your video sources. Wireless digital video cameras are preferable, as they are easier to incorporate into computer surveillance systems. Consider wireless digital video cameras from companies like Defender and SVAT.
- 3). Install the cameras you have chosen in places where they cannot be easily damaged or discovered. Most video camera systems will include tools that will allow you to attach the camera to a wall or ceiling.
- 4). Refer to the instruction manual for the particular surveillance software that you have chosen for configuring your computer to recognize the video cameras that you have installed. Most video cameras can be recognized by surveillance programs via Wi-Fi, an Ethernet hub or direct connection to a USB port.
- 5). Configure the surveillance software to record full time, use set recording times or use motion-sensing technology to begin recording. Adjust settings that allow you to save the recorded video files and provide email notification of new events.
- 6). Power on all cameras and complete a test recording. Make sure that all cameras are operating properly and that the settings of your particular software application are correct.