How to turn a PC or laptop webcam into a CCTV system for free

If you want to monitor your property, or keep an eye on pets left at home, all you need is a laptop or PC with a built-in – or USB-connected – webcam.

Then you need some software which can record the feed from a webcam either continuously or – more usually – when motion is detected. There are good free applications, such as iSpy Connect, as well as paid-for software such as SightHound (formerly Vitamin D)

When you install the software, it should provide a list of connected webcams, and may support multiple cameras. You can then configure ‘zones’ which are rectangular areas within the webcam’s view which will be used for detecting motion.

You might select your baby’s cot, a cat flap or door, or the space where you park your car. You want to avoid including objects that move, such as trees swaying in the wind or passing traffic. Otherwise you’ll end up with too much footage to review.

Good software will provide a playback console which shows recorded clips on a timeline so you can quickly watch clips recorded when movement was detected. Depending on the software, there might be options to send an email (along with a jpg image) or a text message when motion is detected, upload the clip to YouTube or an FTP server, or even play a recorded message, such as you telling your dog to stop barking (iSpy can be configured to respond to audio triggers as well as motion)

It’s worth trialling a webcam for security or home monitoring before investing in an IP camera since it needn’t cost you a penny if you already have a webcam.

The downsides to using a webcam is that you’ll need to leave your PC on constantly, which could make for an expensive electricity bill as well as the potential shortening of your PC’s life, especially if it gets hot after running for long periods.

Another issue is that your PC may not be near the spot you want to monitor, and USB extension cables will get you only so far.