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29/08/2021

Understanding CCTV Components: The 4 Parts Every System Requires.

When installing any closed-circuit television (CCTV) security system to safeguard the interior and exterior of your business, it’s best to focus on this technology’s four basic components: cameras, a recording system, a monitor, and video management software (VMS).

Also commonly referred to as video systems, CCTV technology can be added within commercial settings, schools, small businesses, and by law-enforcement agencies to assist with crime prevention.

As you decide what’s best for your needs, supporting equipment is also necessary for a fully functional system, such as power cables, video recorders, routers, power supplies, and more.

Below we’ll review this technology’s equipment categories, software, supporting accessories, uses and applications, and more.

1. Consider Cameras
If you’re building a CCTV camera system, you have two camera options: Internet Protocol (IP) or analogue. Due to its compatibility with most applications, IP is the preferred choice for modern capabilities. It’s advised to choose an analogue camera if you have a legacy digital recording system with older technology.

2. The Two Basic Types of CCTV Systems: NVR & DVR
When selecting video recorders, the two most common options are network video recorders (NVRs) and digital video recorders (DVRs). Although DVRs are more prevalent, and likely more familiar to the average consumer, NVRs are actually a better fit due to IP camera integration and compatibility.

NVRs usually cost slightly more than DVRs, but the ability to work with high-resolution IP cameras outweigh the added expense in most situations.

IP & NVR: The Best Combination
When combined, IP and NVR technology make your CCTV system simple, flexible, and future-proofed.

When combined, IP and NVR technology upgrade your CCTV system to a simple, flexible, and future-proof asset. Together, this combination provides wireless capabilities, offers superior overall picture quality, and requires fewer cables. Meanwhile, analogue cameras require at least two cables per unit, are lower resolution, and can be trickier to install.

To upgrade an existing DVR system, you could transition to a hybrid system. Often a challenge when syncing, it’s best to contact a reputable security provider for help. Once you’ve decided on your technology, it’s time to select a monitor and supporting equipment.

3. Pick Up a Monitor, or Three
A monitor facilitates arguably the most important function of a security camera: viewing captured images and footage. Your selected monitor will mostly be dependent on your chosen camera and recording software.

If you have 1080p- or 4k-resolution cameras installed, you’ll need a high-definition monitor for the sharpest detail. If you’re on a set budget or have older cameras, consider lower definition components for added savings.

Deciding how many monitors you’ll need is dependent upon where and what you’ll be monitoring. Unless you operate a large-scale facility, three to five screens is a good starting point. You can also easily add or remove monitors as your needs change.

4. Manage Your Video With VMS
Once you decide on the camera, recording technology, and monitor, you'll have a solid CCTV system—but you’re not done yet. One other important consideration is video management software (VMS) to control your NVR or DVR recording system.

Business-grade security solutions are in a different class than basic, at-home DVR systems, but this technology can also help you find, isolate, and extract the most critical moments.

When researching the best VMS, options will vary based on your original decision to select NVR or DVR technology. Make sure the software is compatible, and the interfaces are user-friendly.

Cables, Power Supplies & Routers
Depending on your system, you’ll require various supporting technologies for seamless integration. Analogue cameras require a coaxial cable and additional power cable to connect to a DVR.

Conversely, IP cameras can connect to the NVR recording centre for Power over Ethernet (PoE) from one cable. Wireless systems also require a router, while wired versions do not.

Conversely, IP cameras can connect to the NVR recording centre for Power over Ethernet (PoE) from one cable. Wireless systems also require a router, while wired versions do not.
Cameras: the Most Critical Component

The initial decision regarding what camera and recording components to use will have the most impact on your system’s supporting technology. If your budget permits, opt for NVR recording and IP cameras. For older, existing systems, it’s best to add analogue cameras or upgrade to a hybrid.

Once the camera and recording equipment are chosen, research several monitors, acquire a video management system and purchase the cables and accessories to connect everything.

Wired vs. Wireless
Whether you choose wired or wireless CCTV cameras, both are suitable for most applications. Operating via PoE, wired is best for larger properties as the system facilitates multiple devices running on larger properties without taxing your network.

Consider wireless versions for more temporary or smaller spaces not requiring several cameras and extended coverage. This network is also convenient due to the absence of drilling holes or cumbersome wires. If your space is a temporary or leased property, these cameras can be easily removed and uninstalled without major interference and alterations.

Best Uses & Applications
CCTV cameras are mainly used for commercial properties and public safety applications and are also suitable for larger residential properties requiring added cameras and network coverage.

Note the following appropriate areas whereby CCTV cameras can provide added protection:

Retail Storefronts & Interior Areas: To Deter Criminal Activities & Monitor Employee Productivity
Parking Garages: Monitor & Protect Against Intrusions, Theft
Warehouses/Loading Docks: Review Shipping/Receiving Protocols & Deliveries
Casinos/Hotels: Deter Theft & Other Malicious Activities
Restaurants/Bars: Manage Front- & Back-of-House Activities
Office Environments: Employee Activity & Productivity Measurement
Stadiums: Monitor Crowd Control & Social-Distancing Protocols
Public Safety: Assist Law Enforcement During Criminal Investigations & Traffic Studies

Help Is Available
It’s best to contact a reputable provider, such as General Security, for help with designing a system that works best for your business, budget, and preferences.

General Security provides flexible, and feature-rich CCTV systems to protect your commercial property and small business. Request a free, contactless quote from us today.

Call us now 0244381034

28/08/2021

Six types of CCTV cameras you should know>>>
Security is the basic requirement when it comes to home or business. CCTV Surveillance Systems Plays an important part in today’s society.

There are many more types of CCTV cameras available all over for the security of your home, office, and any other place. These CCTV cameras are wall-mounted and consist of camera, lens, monitor, and recorder that capture each and each activity at their range.
Various types of CCTV camera are:-
Dome camera –
Dome camera is available for internal and external security and surveillance. The camera has a unique design, which makes it difficult for the onlookers to know where the camera is facing exactly. It has many benefits like it is very easy to install, are vandal-resistant features, and IR night vision.

Bullet camera –
The bullet camera has a long cylindrical shape and is used for outdoor use. It provides you with long-distance viewing and is installed with a protective casing. The camera has a shield to protect it from dust, dirt, and any other natural element. The camera can easily be installed with a mounting bracket, and come fitted with either fix doe varifocal lenses. It has many benefits like IR night vision, compact size, which helps in easy installation, and high-quality image resolution.

C-mount camera –
Security is the basic requirement whether comes to home or business. CCTV Surveillance Systems Plays an important part in today’s society. special lenses with the camera. It is better than other types of camera which can cover only up to 35 to 40ft. It has some benefits like it can support changes in technology, is effective for indoor use, and is bulky in size, which acts as a deterrent.

Day and night camera –
This day and night camera are very popular as it works both in a normal and poorly light environment. This camera has inbuilt infrared illuminators and sensitive image chips, which helps to capture clear videos even during the dark. This camera has certain benefits like its record in both colour black and white, is available in a wide variety of sizes, and has an infrared capability.

PTZ camera –
The PTZ camera is the zoom camera, and the camera can move left to the right and up to down. It has a lens that can zoom closer or farther. This camera can work in different situations and act as a live guard or surveillance specialist security system. This camera has certain benefits like zoom IR night vision; it also has X36 optical zoom and a high-quality image resolution.

Discreet CCTV –
It captured very good footage of theft and criminal damage and can be propped up or mounted. The installation process is easy and has certain benefits like it can be disguised in various objects and is very effective for indoor use.

There are many more types of CCTV cameras available all over for the security of your home, office, and any other place. These CCTV cameras are wall-mounted and consist of a camera, lens, monitor, and recorder that capture each and each activity at their range.

Call us 0244381034 for your CCTV Camera Installation now.

08/02/2021

What Is USB-C?
USB-C is an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power on a single cable. The USB-C connector was developed by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), the group of companies that has developed, certified, and shepherded the USB standard over the years. The USB-IF counts more than 700 companies in its membership, among them Apple, Dell, HP, Intel, Microsoft, and Samsung.

This broad acceptance by the big dogs is important, because it's part of why USB-C has been so readily accepted by PC manufacturers. Contrast this with the earlier Apple-promoted (and developed) Lightning and MagSafe connectors, which had limited acceptance beyond Apple products, and became obsolete thanks in no small part to USB-C.

Is USB-C Like Micro USB?
The USB-C connector looks similar to a micro USB connector at first glance, though it's more oval in shape and slightly thicker to accommodate its best feature: flippability.

Like Lightning and MagSafe, the USB-C connector has no up or down orientation. Line up the connector properly, and you never have to flip it over to plug it in; the "right way" is always up.

The standard cables also have the same connector on both ends, so you don't have to figure out which end goes where.

That has not been the case with all the USB cables we've been using for the past 20 years. Most of the time, you have different connectors at each end.

Credit:

27/01/2021

5 Important Benefits of Home Security Cameras>>>

Not too long ago, having video surveillance equipment installed in your home as a security measure was seen as a drastic, expensive endeavour to take on.

Nowadays, with the accessibility and affordability of technology, actually NOT having some form of video cameras installed seems like an odd decision to make as a homeowner. Advances in technology have allowed for major advancements (along with significant reductions in costs) in video camera quality, recording capability and, importantly, affordability.

Home surveillance cameras allow homeowners to view their home at any given time from virtually any location. Installing these surveillance cameras in your house is a smart move for many reasons, and here we’ve highlighted a few of the most important ones below.

1. Deterring Criminals

The mere presence of an outdoor camera can deter criminals, but it’s extremely dangerous to rely on dummy cameras because seasoned burglars can typically spot them from a mile away. In most cases, thieves will case a home before they rob it, and if they spot cameras installed by a professional alarm system, they will most likely abort the burglary attempt. Also, if you are the victim of a burglary, the cameras will record the incident and help lead to the capture of the criminal and hopeful return of your stolen goods. This leads to our next point.

2. Aiding the Police

In the case that a burglary does occur, your professionally-installed security cameras will have recorded the incident in high-definition. Police can use these videos and images to capture the culprit, prevent future crimes and return your items.

3. Checking in on the Family

Security cameras aren’t limited to the protection of a home, they can also allow you to check in on your kids while you’re at work. Often times families with a set of working parents find themselves in a predicament when their child gets out of school in the mid-afternoon. With a camera security system, a parent can always check in on their children from work by using the remote monitoring feature of the system.

4. Don’t forget the pets!

Just as you can check in on your kids using the camera system, you can check on your pets too. Pets are a big part of many peoples’ lives and it can be stressful to leave them home alone, and expensive to pay someone to look after them. With a professionally installed home security camera system, you can check in on how your pets are doing from work.

5. Insurance Benefits

After a burglary, you’re required to make an insurance claim due to vandalism or theft. This is where your high-definition security camera comes into play. With the footage, you can easily document the incident and validate your insurance claim. Also, a security system can typically lead to discounts on home security of up to 20%.

Get your homes and offices protected by CCTV Cameras today, call or WhatsApp us 0244381034.

23/12/2020

How to Uninstall a Program on Windows 10 from Command Prompt................................................................................................................
If you’re using Windows 10 and need to free up some disk space, you can uninstall apps you no longer use straight from the Command Prompt. Here’s how it’s done.

First, you’ll have to run Command Prompt as an administrator to uninstall a program. In the Windows Search box, type “cmd,” and then right-click “Command Prompt” in the results.

Read more below.

If you’re using Windows 10 and need to free up some disk space, you can uninstall apps you no longer use straight from the Command Prompt. Here’s how it’s done.

11/07/2017

These new Android Wear watches start at under $100
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Last year, Mobvoi, a Chinese voice assistant company, brought its Ticwatch 2 smartwatch to Kickstarter. For a $99 starting price the watch was a good deal, but the catch was it ran Mobvoi's own version of Android, and Mobvoi's own voice assistant. After polling its users to see what they would prefer, and, just as importantly, proving to Google that it can actually make and sell watches, Mobvoi has licensed Android Wear for its two new Ticwatch models: Ticwatch S and Ticwatch E.

The only real technical difference between S and E is the location of the GPS antenna: the more expensive S "Sport" model has the antenna built into the watch band for better tracking, while the E "Express" model has traditional replaceable straps and GPS built into the watch body.

I got to try on both models, and found my wrists are too thick for the Ticwatch S. Portions of the strap are rigid and at a set angle, so the watch body was lifted up off my wrist. On a very small wrist the same feature means the watch band flares away from the wrist before wrapping around. So, I don't know, maybe check to see if you have an average-sized wrist before buying this model.

MAYBE CHECK TO SEE IF YOU HAVE AN AVERAGE-SIZED WRIST
The materials of the Ticwatch S do look and feel a little more premium than the cheaper E model, but I like how minimal the E version is. It's not trying to hide the fact that it's a smartwatch. Also, it fits on my wrist. The S model is also a bit heavier, at 45.5 grams, versus the E's 41.5 grams.

11/05/2017

Microsoft doesn’t think USB-C is ready for the mainstream
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While everybody else is worried about whether the Alcantara fabric on the deck of the Surface Laptop will hold up over time, I have a different concern: why no USB-C plugs? I’ve been engaged in a love / hate relationship with the port for the past couple years now. Sometimes it’s amazing, allowing me to carry a single charger for all my devices. Other times it’s awful, making me deal with dongles and shoddy hubs.

Even so, USB-C still seems like it ought to be de rigueur on any forward-looking laptop, especially one that is supposed to last you through college (and beyond). USB-C may not be perfect, but it’s good enough for Apple to switch over to it. Why not Microsoft?

Because it’s not good enough for Microsoft, says general manager of Surface Engineering, Pete Kyriacou.

I called him up as part of my ongoing series “USB-C is great but also a huge pain for a lot of people,” and Kyriacou admitted that it’s the latter part of that phrase that drove Microsoft’s decision to go with the more usual USB-A and Display Port setup.
Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge

“It’s not like we haven’t known about USB-C for a long time,” Kyriacou says. But for Microsoft, the Surface Connect port is still a better solution for both power and docking. “The magnetic attach has been huge,” he says, adding, “We have a closed docking scenario that lets us connect and then confidently have four USB ports, gigabit Ethernet, obviously power, and then two external displays.”

The emphasis there is on “confidently.” With USB-C hubs, Microsoft can’t know for sure if what its customers would use would be any good (spoiler alert: they’re often not). Kyriacou feels this “end-to-end” solution that Microsoft controls and understands is more reliable and less confounding for users than USB-C. It probably doesn’t hurt that the proprietary connector and docks likely earn some small amount of profit, too. Even if that’s not a genuine motivation, Microsoft has been using its Surface Connect adapters since 2014 and likely still wants to offer Surface customers some consistency.

Kyriacou points out many of the issues anybody who’s used USB-C has run into. “What happened with USB-C is the cables look identical, but they start to have vastly different capabilities. So even someone in the know, confusion starts to set in,” he argues. Some cables support 3 amps, some 5, some Thunderbolt, some not.

There’s also the issue, for Kyriacou, that people might try to charge their powerful Surface Laptop with an underpowered USB-C charger. If that happens and the laptop runs out of power, “they’re not going to blame the power charger at that point,” he says. “They’re going to look at us. The brand is at stake.”

Apple, of course, is probably the biggest laptop maker that has gone all-in on USB-C. And on the MacBook Pro, different USB ports have different capabilities, just like the cables. Some of those limitations are to be expected, but people still tend to think that if a cable fits, it should just work. That’s not really the case with USB-C.

Rather than join its competitors in trying to push everybody forward into USB-C, educate consumers on how it works, and get the entire ecosystem sorted, Microsoft decided it was better to just opt out of the whole problem for now. “I think it has a little ways to go before it goes totally mainstream,” Kyriacou says.

As for why Microsoft only included a single USB port on the Surface Laptop? “That came down to design and space,” Kyriacou says. Maybe it won’t keep you entirely free of the after all.

11/05/2017

Federal Communications Commission website suffers DoS attack

WASHINGTON: The US agency regulating internet policy has said its website was attacked after a TV host urged viewers to pressure officials over plans to roll back "net neutrality" rules.

The Federal Communications Commission, whose chairman last month promised to review a 2015 rule that requires broadband firms to treat all online traffic equally, said yesterday it was hit by a denial of service attack, which is a flood of traffic aimed at taking down a website.

"These were deliberate attempts by external actors to bombard the FCC's comment system with a high amount of traffic to our commercial cloud host," the FCC said in a statement.

"These actors were not attempting to file comments themselves; rather they made it difficult for legitimate commenters to access and file with the FCC."

The action came after John Oliver, who hosts the widely watched satirical news program "Last Week Tonight," rebuked the FCC for its action and called on viewers to make their sentiments known to the regulator.

Oliver mocked FCC chairman Ajit Pai's claim that voluntary measures would keep broadband firms from blocking out rivals as a pledge "as binding as a proposal on 'The Bachelor.'"

Oliver created a web link where viewers can offer their comments, and also suggested in a tweet that they "urge the FCC to keep strong net neutrality rules."

The FCC did not respond to an AFP request for comment on whether Oliver's comments had anything to do with the attacks.

Pai, appointed by President Donald Trump, said in April he will propose a reversal of the 2015 order and seek to return to "a light-touch regulatory framework," which he argued has "enabled the internet to grow and evolve beyond almost anyone's expectations."

Net neutrality has been the subject of legal and political battles for over a decade, with both sides claiming to represent a "free and open" internet.

25/01/2017

From Jan 31st Non-HTTPS Sites Will Be Labeled “Not Secure” By Chrome

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On approximately January 31st of this month, version 56 of the Chrome web browser will be released.

There is a significant change in the way it displays websites that are not using HTTPS, also known as SSL (Secure Socket Layer). This change may confuse your site visitors or surprise you if you are not expecting it.

Starting with the release of Chrome 56 this month, any website that is not running HTTPS will have a message appear in the location bar that says “Not Secure” on pages that collect passwords or credit cards. It will look like this:

google chrome https

This is the first part of a staged rollout that encourages websites to get rid of plain old HTTP.

In an upcoming release Google Chrome will label all non-HTTPS pages in incognito mode as “Not secure” because users using this mode have an increased expectation of privacy.

The final step in the staged rollout will be that Chrome will label all plain HTTP pages as “Not secure”. It will look like this:

04/01/2017

PRECONFIGURED Z-WAVE GEAR WILL SAVE INSTALLATION TIME
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A new Z-Wave technology will let service providers pre-configure devices for quicker setup
The next time an installer comes to set up a Z-Wave IoT device in your home, it might take a lot less time.

Sigma Designs, the company that makes most chips for Z-Wave wireless networks, is introducing a system at the CES trade show that lets service providers configure IoT devices before they’re delivered. That leaves less for a technician to do, and potentially to mess up, according to Sigma.

The system, called Z-Wave Smart Start, could make life easier for a lot of people getting started with smart-home technology. It’s still hard to set up most IoT products, so most don’t try to do it themselves. About 80 percent of home IoT gear is purchased through service providers rather than from shops or online stores, said Raoul Wijgergangs, vice president of Z-Wave for Sigma Designs.

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Smart Start is an enhancement to the Z-Wave networking specification. It’s specifically designed for devices that are distributed by carriers, cable operators and smart-home specialists like security-system installers. It’s available worldwide, and service providers will probably start to implement in the second half of this year, Wijgergangs said.

With Smart Start, service providers can validate and configure a device while it’s still in the warehouse. Because that service provider set up the subscriber’s home network, it can pair each device with the user’s home network before it’s delivered. Then the home gateway knows that specific device is coming.

The pre-configuration will also include implementing Z-Wave’s latest security framework, called Z2, in each device shipped.

Sigma estimates this could cut installation time by as much as half and also cut down on errors. The process takes as long as two to three hours in some cases, so Smart Start could save more than an hour. This should save service providers money, Wijgergangs said. Less time waiting for technicians and staying home to meet them could be a boon to consumers, too.

Smart homes are still hard to set up, especially with conflicting protocols at all levels of the technology, analysts say. To help more consumers get on board, the backers of different IoT platforms, including ZigBee and the Open Connectivity Foundation, are trying to get their technologies more broadly deployed.

Z-Wave is no exception. Last year, Sigma made the interoperability layer of Z-Wave publicly available and free. It hopes more developers will write software that bridges Z-Wave products with cloud-based platforms and services.

04/01/2017

HOTTEST PRODUCTS FROM CES 2017
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CES once again it promises to showcase the latest and greatest gizmos and gadgets. Acer, Linkys, Lenovo and others show their stuff.
Get your Gadget On!
It's time once again for the International CES, the world's largest consumer electronics trade show. Thousands of people will flock to Las Vegas to see the latest gizmos, gadgets, TVs, computers, smartphones, robots and other devices meant to make our lives easier. Here's a sneak peek at some of the products on display at the show.

16/12/2016

Massive Yahoo database reportedly sold for £240,000 on the dark web
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The data breach on one billion accounts happened in 2013 but Yahoo has only just discovered it and doesn't know who is behind it

The world's population stands at just over 7.3 billion people - just 3.2 billion of these have connections to the internet. Given a rise of "historic mega breaches" in 2016, it's likely that most people online have had their data compromised in one way or another.
Yahoo has increased that likelihood with the disclosure of the biggest data breach of all time. In 2013, the company has now said, more than 1,000,000,000 of the accounts registered with it had data stolen.
The hack is also completely separate (Yahoo says "distinct") from the 500 million accounts it revealed were compromised earlier this year. The smaller data breach happened in 2014 and the subsequent investigation led to the discovery of the newest incident.

The latest data breach doesn't include payment or credit card details, Yahoo says. But within the nabbed details is highly personal information that could be used to force access to other online accounts.

"For potentially affected accounts, the stolen user account information may have included names, email addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, hashed passwords (using MD5) and, in some cases, encrypted or unencrypted security questions and answers," Yahoo said in a statement pushed out to its investors. Unencrypted passwords were not included it says.
In response to the findings – Yahoo said it has used forensic experts – it is notifying all customers who were affected and has "taken steps to secure their accounts". Security questions that weren't encrypted have been disabled, it says.

Since Yahoo made the details of the data breach public, the information has reportedly started to surface on the dark web. According to Bloomberg, the whole data base was made available for buyers from a "hacking collective based in Eastern Europe".

Cybersecurity expert Andrew Komarov, chief intelligence officer at InfoArmo, said three people paid around $300,000 (£240,0000) for a complete copy of the data base. Komarov said two of these were known spammers. He continued to say his firm purchased a copy of the details earlier this year and told government and law enforcement agencies around the world – Yahoo has been unable to verify these claims.