Wednesday, January 30, 2013

iPhone 4 Gets iPhone 4S Features With IOS5 Update

For the thousands of consumers who bought an iPhone 4 and have recently learned of the new iPhone 4S release but cannot buy the new phone as they are still committed to their existing contract there has been some good news.

Apple have just released their new iOS5 software allowing existing iPhone 4 users to update their phone with over 200 new features that will come as standard on the new iPhone 4S.

These include the new iCloud service which is able to sync photos, music, contacts, apps, documents and calendar with any other Apple devices such as the iPad 2 that the user owns, initially on sign up the user is allocated 5GB of space which can be upgraded to 10, 20 or even 50GB directly from their iPhone 4.

iPhone 4 Gets iPhone 4S Features With IOS5 Update

Another new service introduced with the iOS5 is iMessage which is very much like the existing Blackberry Messenger service and allows users to share locations, photos and contacts free of charge as well as send free SMS style text messages.

Also included in the update is an upgrade to the existing iPhone 4 camera which increases the speed it takes to capture a picture by using a two touch function on the main home button for instant access even when the phone is locked, no more needing to enter a security code.

Other new features of note include a photo editing suite which acts very much like a mobile Photoshop for cropping, rotating and removing red-eye from pictures, there also the new iTunes Match included free which syncs and stores all of the users music.

The process of upgrading the iPhone 4 with the new iOS5 software is fairly uncomplicated although not quite as easy as an Android update:

Open iTunes software and click 'Check for Updates' in the Menu, you're looking for iTunes 10.5

The user should then plug in their iPhone at which point they will be prompted to download iOS5

Upon clicking 'Download and Update' the user simply needs to follow the on-screen prompts.

Once downloaded, set up an iCloud account and enable the locations services.

Although some of the new features found in the latest iPhone 4S are not included in the update such as the new 'Siri' voice recognition software, users of the iPhone 4 can now enjoy many of the new features in the new phone without having to invest in Apple's latest product.

iPhone 4 Gets iPhone 4S Features With IOS5 Update
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Saturday, January 26, 2013

Best Practices of CCTV - Implementing Successful Video Security Systems

This CCTV Buyers Guide provides a comprehensive overview of deploying a successful video surveillance camera system in your business or residence. This guide contains information to help in the design of your video surveillance system, select the products that best fit your CCTV system requirements, and help make key installation decisions that will save you time and money.The information was derived from deploying 100's of CCTV systems and gathered from CCTV call centers who answer questions from commercial and residential customers. This guide combines the data from past CTV projects and gives the reader a head-start in the successful CCTV project

There are many details to consider when specifying the correct CCTV Camera System. Professional Video Surveillance is not a cheap endeavor and a budget should be outlined and the best possible system should be considered. This guide will help the novice CCTV buyer in reviewing camera and recording system for their CCTV and Video surveillance requirements.

Security Features

The first task in a successful CCTV project is to outline the key CCTV objectives.

Best Practices of CCTV - Implementing Successful Video Security Systems

o How many cameras are required?

o What are the key FoV (Field of View(s))?

o What are the recording requirements?

o What are the lighting conditions of each camera location?

o Where do I need live video monitoring or a second video monitor?

o How long do you need to retain the video files?

Cameras There are specific cameras that need to be selected based on the FoV, lighting conditions, and the mounting location of the camera. There is no such thing as a one-size fits all in the successful CCTV project. It is important to note each camera location and select the camera best suited for that location.

Answer these questions:

o Indoor or Outdoor?

o Lighting conditions (during day and night)?

o Mounting locations?

Indoor Dome Camera

The indoor dome camera is used in 90% of general indoor applications. It comes in a variety of configurations including standard color, Day/Night, and Infrared versions. It can be mounted on a horizontal or vertical surface but is typically ceiling mounted. Lens options on dome camera may restrict their use in certain applications such as requiring more than a 20mm video lens. Dome cameras are a primary choice in indoor camera locations.

Box Camera

A box camera is a standard camera that can be mounted alone or in an enclosure. The box camera uses a separate lens that screws on to the front surface and provides flexibility for different FoV requirements and is sold without a lens. An auto-iris lens will have a small cable that connects to the camera for iris control in various lighting conditions.

Outdoor Dome Cameras

Outdoor Dome Cameras are typically hard shell vandal-roof casings that offer the same versatility in a variety of lens options. Day/Night outdoor dome cameras are common in applications that have entry and exit points with limited lighting during the night.

Day/Night Camera

The Day/Night camera is the best choice for low-light conditions. The cameras are standard color during daylight conditions, the Day/Night camera switches either digitally of mechanically to a low-lux B/W mode.

Infrared Camera

During No-Light conditions, Infrared cameras provide infrared illumination of the FoF allowing monitoring of areas with no light available. Te IR LEDs are automatically illuminated and the camera switched to the B/W low-lux mode offering camera views in total darkness.

PTZ Camera

Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera offer the ability to view in all directions and optically zoom in as required. PTZ cameras also include standard color, Day/Night modes, and a few IR PTZ cameras have been introduced recently. The CCTV operator can set the PTZ cameras to automatically rotate to different FoVs. Options include Auto-tracking applications that dynamically track objects in defined areas.

About the Camera technology

Sony CCDs are the predominate video element in security cameras today. Sony makes few cameras, but they own the CCD market. Do not think that Sony makes the camera touted as " Sony 1/3" Super HAD Camera" as many vendors advertise their cameras. The camera has a Sony CCD, however the camera is not from Sony and could be almost any brand camera out there. Important factors of lens quality, vari-focal and auto-iris ability, quality of camera housing or enclosure, and lens optics are the difference in a professional CCTV camera.

Facts about Cameras:

o If you buy an camera, you will get an view.

o 480 TVL should be a minimum requirement in any professional CCTV project.

o Location of the camera and the correct lens are keys to quality video capture

o Cameras love light and thieves hate the light! Add lighting wherever possible

Camera Enclosure

Box cameras can be mounted in a variety of enclosures. Outdoor enclosures in cold climates should include a heater/blower that keeps frost and condensation from forming on the lens and camera. Heater/Blower are commonly 24VAC and should be considered when selecting the CCTV power supply system.

Camera Location

Camera mounting location is critical to the success of the CCTV project. Cameras should be mounted as close possible to the field of view required, and the closer the camera to the subject the better the identification of the subject will be. Proper lens selection relative to the camera location and the FoV required is essential to a quality picture.

Digital Video Recorders

DVRs are an important part of any successful CCTV project. Video resolution is getting larger, recording speeds are getting faster, and video data compression is reducing the video data file size. TeraByte storage capacity is becoming common in many CCTV applications. Network or remote monitoring of CCTV video is standard in all professional DVRs on the market in 2007 and video distribution across LANs, WANs, and the Web have given the DVR a new market outside of video security known as Business Systems Monitoring that allows management to monitor specified key business areas 24 hours a day. No longer just a security video recorder, the DVR has become a business tool for management with remote monitoring applications.

In order to choose the correct DVR for any application, the following questions need to be answered.

o How many channels (cameras)?

o What speed of recording is required?

o How long to retain video files (Hard Drive Size)?

o What features are important to the application?

o Where will DVR system be located?

o Remote monitoring requirements?

In choosing the right DVR for your CCTV application, ensure that you are determining the quantity of cameras needed now and in the next 24 months. DVRs come in 4, 8, 9, and 16 channel increments and this selection is critical because adding cameras above the DVR channels available will require an additional DVR, not just additional channels. DVR systems in large installations are segmented into 16 channels units and are monitored and managed through a Central Management System.

The speed of recording is critical to many CCTV applications. 30 fps (frames per second) is considered real-time video, therefore to obtain 30 fps for the application, 480 fps for 16 channels and 240fps for 8 channels is required. Many CCTV applications will provide real-time (30 fps) live viewing of video channels and 7-15 fps for recorded files. It is acceptable to have 7-15 fps for recorded files in many applications, but technology in DVR systems has pushed real-time video for the masses and 30 fps recording will soon be the standard recording rates across all channels as available today.

Storage of vide files is much easier and cost effective in 2007 than ever before. DVR storage at the TeraByte level is common and drives have become faster and more reliable. Retention of video data files can be managed by corporate IT departments as any business critical data and network drive archiving is common. All of the top DVR systems have USB ports for external storage devices and LAN-based video servers are common. A critical component of any DVR system is the ability to access the video files. The software provided by DVR manufacturers is proprietary to the DVR unit and the ability to retrieve files chronologically or based on certain security events is vital to the DVR product.

PC-Based vs. Standalone DVRs

Standalone DVR systems were the majority of video recorders sold in the marketplace up until 2006. Computer-based DVRs have become increasingly popular due to the cost and features provide in the latest generation of DVR cards on the market in 2007. The Windows XP PC computer is providing the reliability and performance in today's DVR systems that are required for mission critical video security systems. The open architecture of PC-based DVR systems allow easy integration into corporate LANs and technology upgrades are at a component level. Software upgrades and hard drive storage additions are far less costly that proprietary DVR systems. Standalone DVRs are imbedded recording systems usually operating under Linux OS. The standalone DVRs are widely used in retail security sites and provide reliable video recording for 4-16 channels. Most DVRs on the market offer network remote access and CD R/W archiving.Computer-based DVR systems are reliable, fast, and have many advanced applications not found on standalone systems.

Video compression

MPEG4 and H.264 are the video compression of choice in 2007. In summary, MPEG4 is good and H.264 is better. The key to video compression is the resolution and the size of the video. High resolution video files are monster size files and video compression for storage and streaming is critical to any video application. Major advancements in video compression will be seen in 2007 and H.264 will be the codec of choice for DVR manufacturers.

H.264

This uses the latest innovations in video compression technology to provide high resolution video quality from the smallest amount of video data required. Smaller files will save bandwidth and storage costs over previous generations of video codecs. H.264 delivers the same quality as MPEG-2 at a third to half the data rate and up to four times the frame size of MPEG-4 Part 2 at the same data rate. H.264 is used in the latest video devices for High Definition video devices, BluRay DVDs and should be considered for any professional CCTV project.

Network Access and Remote Viewing

Network access is the ability to remotely monitor a video server across the LAN, WAN, or internet. A very important application for any DVR system is the ability to monitor live and access to recordings through remote access. Most DVRs today have a LAN RJ45 connection that allows the Video Recorder to connect to the LAN just like any other PC in the office.

Advanced DVR Features

Many CCTV systems are releasing advanced security and specialty software for security enhancements. These include:

o Object counting

o POS Integration

o PTZ Auto-Tracking

o Face Recognition

o Access Control Integration

CCTV Cabling and System Layout

DVR Location In choosing the optimal location for the DVR system, consider the access of the area for centralized control and security of the area. The DVR is the heart of the CCTV system and should be protected as necessary to ensure it is safe from theft or damage. If the security breach includes theft of the DVR component, all evidence is carried off under the arm of the thief. And the thieves know this, so ensure that the DVR system is in a lock-box or an appropriate secure area.

Camera Power Supply

Each professional camera requires either 12VDC or 24VAC. Both power options are acceptable and some CCTV installations will require both. Central Power Supplies are available in 4,8,16 and more channels.

Cable Options

Traditional video cable is RG59 coax cable. Siamese dual cable is commonly used that provides RG59u coax together with a pair of 18 gauge wire for the camera power requirements. The dual cable allows single cable runs to each camera for both video and power.

Cat-5 Options

UTP (twisted pair) cabling is becoming more popular with Cat-5e/Cat-6 cabling used in networks. CAT cabling is lighter and less expensive than coax cabling and requires balun connectors to match the impedance of the video signal. Coax and UTP connections up to1000' feet are acceptable. A balun is used to match the impedance on Cat-5 connections on the DVR and camera connections.

The Successful Video Surveillance Project

o Quality Plan

o Quality Cameras

o Quality DVR

o Quality Installation

Author: Steve McNeal

AMA Security

2/17/2008

Best Practices of CCTV - Implementing Successful Video Security Systems

http://www.amasecurity.com

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

How to Improve Network Security

Naturally, with the growing benefits of technology, the Internet and network configurations comes the growing danger of security breaches, identity theft and cyber crimes. Unfortunately, electronic theft is becoming a greater danger to many businesses across the globe, so how do business owners keep their data safe and secure? One way to keep sensitive information secure is to constantly improve network security and to stay ahead of the game.

Every day we hear that computer viruses, hacker, and other security breaches have found new ways to steal identities, financial records and other information we thought previously secure. Because of the increase in such cyber crimes, data protection laws have tightened and the punishments hardened. With this comes the need for all businesses to take data security very seriously.

Security Features

It is extremely important to improve network security for your business on a regular basis. Aside from encrypted pages and passwords, there is a multitude of ways to improve network security for your business which include firewalls and other infrastructure protective measures. Education, information and action are key elements to improving any network's security.

How to Improve Network Security

Before a business can adequately protect its network, it is important to understand that there is no such thing as a completely secure system, as technology is always changing. However, to stay one step ahead and keep the network secure, business owners and their IT department should learn and understand any and all risks associated with security standards and network systems.

Network security can always be improved. After understanding the risks involved in any network, network operators should be educated and informed. It is important for network operators to keep an eye out for operational anomalies. Any anomaly is usually an indication that something is wrong and there may be a security breach. In addition to educating operators, it is important for operators to know and understand the risks associated with your existing security standards. Risk mitigation is essential in improving network security.

Organisation is also crucial to improving network security. It is an excellent idea to employ both control system engineers and IT specialists to work together to maintain the network. If you are unable to employ individuals, you may outsource the positions. The team should schedule risk analyses on a regular basis, implement change control and monitor the network regularly. Additionally, create policies and procedures that describe and outline risk mitigation, alert vectors and actions to be taken if and when any type of security breach is detected is smart. Furthermore, your operating staff should know exactly who to contact in the case of a breach or attack on the security of the network.

Following industry guidance and suggestions is also a good way to improve network security. One of these suggestions is to create a single point failure matrix, which is often critical during possible threats or attacks. The network security industry is always announcing new ways to secure and protect networks, configurations and information.

Staying informed has never been more important than when a business needs to improve network security. Though integrating the latest technologies and protections for your network is smart, regular security audits, education, and monitoring are all key ways to improve network security.

How to Improve Network Security

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For information on Network Security, he recommends Network 24, a leading provider of UK network security solutions.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Security Guard Post Orders

Post Orders are all the rules security guards must follow at any given post. Without post orders, officers simply do not know what to do, what is expected of them, and there is no accountability. Many posts that hire security staff put nothing in writing. More often than not, this creates huge problems. The more complicated a post is, the problems arise when all rules and expectations are not written down. Security personnel must know what is expected of them. Below are some key ingredients that all post orders must have.

1) Emergency contact information. This should include all tenant phone numbers in case something happens to their particular suite. Obviously, building management and police information must also be included as well as maintenance and engineering.
2) Emergency procedures must also be written down including but not limited to bomb threats, fire, theft, flood, kidnapping, and the list goes on.
3) Lock up procedures must also be covered.
4) Any pertinent phone directory information is usually included.
5) Check-in policy involves building access of couriers, guests, clients. The more specific one is the better. Must all visitors sign-in? Are V.I.P's exempt?
6) Report writing requirements are usually demonstrated through examples. DAR, also known as daily activity reports, should include an example of what is considered appropriate for a day's work so officers know how detailed they should be on their report. Also incident reports are important because they are used when serious accidents happen, and are often brought into the court of law to prove legal cases.
7) Customer service skills, a big part of security, should be stressed, defined, so that officers are clear on how the client wants people to be treated. Some clients, for instance, have a very strict anti-fraternization policy they want enforced.

Security Features

There is much more information that needs to be included in post orders. Every account is different and the rules should be tailor made to consider those differences.

Security Guard Post Orders
Security Guard Post Orders

Mr. Scott Dinnerman is President of Excalibur Agency, a Los Angeles based security company serving a wide array of clients, including several Fortune 500 companies as well as smaller, local businesses. With over twenty years of experience, Mr. Dinnerman has worked for the largest security firms in the country, both as an officer and in security management. Mr. Dinnerman has hired hundreds of security Los Angeles security guards and is always striving to make our community a safer place to live and work.

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Top Ten House Alarm and Home Security Devices

A man's home is his castle, as the saying goes. But homes today don't normally feature ramparts, drawbridges, moats and six-foot thick stone walls to keep out unwanted visitors. Today, a house alarm, and preferably a managed home security system, is needed to ensure your home's security. Not only does installing a home security system improve the safety of your family and possessions, but it can also decrease your home insurance costs. The Top Ten House Alarm and Home Security Devices list highlights ten devices and features of home security systems that can make your house a safer place.

The Top Ten

Security Features

10. Talking Devices help you to understand the status of your home and monitoring as well as program the system. Some security systems feature talking master control panels, key pads or remotes. The talking feature may not result in great conversation, but it will help you understand your system a little better.

Top Ten House Alarm and Home Security Devices

9. Some home alarm systems include extras like Key Fobs and Remotes to control the system at a distance. Somewhat similar to a car's key fob, home security key fobs include buttons to activate and deactivate the house alarm system. Some even include a "panic" button that activates the house alarm and alerts the proper authorities in the event of an emergency. Remote controls are similar and often larger. The features of remotes vary greatly and can include a full key pad, a talking feature and a panic button as well.

8. Yard Signs and House or Window Decals advertise your home's protection. The Greenwich Study of Residential Security found that homes without alarms were 2.7 to 3.5 times more likely to be burglarized, and that the most effective deterrent was the alarm monitoring company's yard sign (SIA Research Update, Security Industry Association, October 2001). Some choose to post the signs to deter possible break-ins without actually installing a home alarm system. While this effort will lower the odds of an attempted burglary, a yard sign alone cannot fully protect your home.

7. A Back-Up Power Supply is important in maintaining home security even during a power outage, when the risk of break-ins and looting is increased. Your home alarm should be effective even when your power is not. The easiest to maintain back-up power supplies use standard size batteries. Look for a model that uses rechargeable batteries to lower your maintenance costs.

6. Smoke Detectors add another layer of protection to your home, especially when they are integrated into the home alarm system. Not only do smoke detectors indicate a fire and give you time to escape safely, but when included in a home security package, they automatically notify the managing company and the fire department. Some systems even integrate the power supply to the smoke detectors. That means you don't have to change the batteries ever!

5. Wireless Systems protect your home without adding extra cords to trip over or extensive installation of in-wall cords. In wireless house alarm systems, each sensor or keypad communicates with the master control panel via radio frequencies or existing wiring in your home. A burglar will never be able to disarm the system by snipping the wires. This ensures the system is fully integrated and monitoring all parts of your home without using up your outlets or creating an obstacle course of wires for you.

4. Extra Key Pads are also important. Exterior mounted key pads can provide secure keyless entry to your family. Some systems also offer remote control key pads which are lightweight and portable. A home alarm system that features a security code with a key pad increases the security of your home. A monitored system can also lock down entry after several repeated, failed attempts at entry which indicate a possible break-in attempt.

3. Key pads may not always be enough to keep burglars out. Sensors on Windows and Doors reduce the risk of a burglar entering undetected and are a key part of a home alarm system. Motion Detectors within the home also increase the level of security. The most sophisticated motion detectors include a feature to ignore pets' movement to avoid constantly setting the alarm off inadvertently.

2. Installation, Monitoring, and Repair Services increase not only the level of safety but the convenience of keeping your home safe. A house alarm alone cannot notify the police or fire department in the event of an emergency. The most complete systems include buttons to notify police departments, fire departments and medical help instantly. Another advantage offered by the best monitoring companies is live customer support and full service installation and repair of the system by employees who have been background checked, licensed and drug tested to ensure your safety. Finally, some companies even offer relocation services to keep you secure even when you move.

1. The classic Master Control Panel is vital to any home alarm system. The central hub of the system, the control panel is usually wall-mounted in an easily accessible place. The panel receives information from all other sensors and key pads, computes it, and transmits relevant information to the monitoring company. If you choose to arm the system from the panel when you leave the house, the master control panel also receives the disarm code when you return home. Some can even be disarmed by telephone!

Of course, this list is not comprehensive, and the needs of every home and homeowner are different. For more tips on choosing the right home alarm system and features to protect your house, I recommend visiting alarmoneinc.com.

Top Ten House Alarm and Home Security Devices

Boyd Norwood is a web content specialist for 10x Marketing [http://www.10xmarketing.com/Services/Advertising/Online-Advertising.html]. For more information on house alarm [http://www.alarmoneinc.com/supplemental/house-alarm.html] and home security systems, please visit alarmoneinc.com [http://www.alarmoneinc.com/home/].