There's been a rash of burglaries in town. And you're getting ready for an around-the-world trip. Yikes! Your home and all your possessions are going to need some protection. How about a big dog? Nope. He'll get hungry in your absence. You need something that doesn't eat or need a bath. Something like surveillance cameras.

With today's cameras, all you need is an Internet connection. They'll send alerts to your computer or phone if anything moves. You can also see and hear what's going on back home. Costs are reasonable, setup is easy, and they never have to see the vet.

Let's talk about your choices.

Closed-circuit TV systems

CCTV systems are complete monitoring solutions. They include the cameras and a means to record video (using a DVR) in digital format. Some also include monitors for home viewing. This way, you can see who's at the front door from your family room.

If you opt for a CCTV system, take your time and plan carefully. The DVRs usually have limited connections. You'll see ones that accept four, eight or 16 wired cameras. So, make sure you can connect enough cameras.

You definitely want a system that works with your cellphone or the Internet. This way, you can respond to threats immediately. 

For example, the IPCAMERACLOUD is a professional IP camera with an embedded DVR that has full networking capability, which allows you to view live video over the Internet.  Not only does this camera come with motion detection and night vision, but also allows you to listen in to anything being said as well as having a microphone so you can speak and be heard too. 

Network cameras

Network cameras are more expensive than CCTV systems. They connect directly to your home's router wirelessly or via Ethernet for remote monitoring. 

Some network cameras feature pan/zoom/tilt and two-way audio. Shop carefully for affordable models; prices often approach $1,000.

The HS203IP is an indoor-outdoor wireless remote view camera ($399.00) with easy setup.  Simply place the camera wherever you like and plug it in. Then insert the USB receiver into your computer and install the software. You can view up to 4 cameras via this one USB receiver.

The IP Camera Pro ($249.95) is an innovative stand-alone, miniature DVR (Digital Video Recorder) with integrated Video Motion Detector and Cellular Communication features, that allows remote viewing over the Internet without a need for it to be connected to a PC?

The Cellular Communication capabilities enables the IP Camera PRo unit to send you notification on your cell phone and/or your computer via SMS and/or e-mail, with the option of JPEG images attached to the e-mail, each time there is an "event" on site resulting in images being recorded by the unit. 

With the IP Camera Pro, you can use your cellular phone for the following:

• Receive notification of "events" and status reports by SMS and/or e-mail.
• Receive JPEG images as attachments to the e-mail. Images can also be sent in encrypted format.
• Issue commands to the unit using SMS: Arm/Disarm/Configure and more.

webcams

Standard webcams can double as surveillance cameras. They connect to computers via USB port, so placement is limited. However, webcams are suitable for monitoring a work area.

Specialty webcams are designed for video phone calls, but they often include monitoring tools. An IP camera, like the KB-SH1270 uses an IP address to transmit video through a network using Ethernet/CAT5 cable. Because IP cameras can connect to any computer, DVR or existing network little to no additonal hardware is required, reducing your system cost. All of the IP cameras include set-up and viewing software. You can login remotely and view or playback video. 

ICam ($5) lets you monitor webcams from a Java-enabled browser, iPhone or iPod Touch. You must have the free iCamSource installed on your Mac or PC.

Kim Komando hosts the nation's largest talk radio show about computers and the Internet.