Could someone please suggest some software to help my friend catch a thief ? He has a webcam (which he can disguise on a high shelf) and a 5 metre long USB cable, and wants to install a program on his PC hard drive which he can turn on and record the scene in his room for up to an hour at a time...... perhaps two hours max. It does not have to be all day, and it does not need to be motion-activated. He wants to use only the computer (with XP) and webcam he currently has.

I guess if you ask in the amateur section of any xxx forum, they'll know.

Hello

I would suggest WebcamXP, this should do the job.

Chris

i used to do this before i got my ipcams, but i am a linux user and used zoneminder, i don't think they have a windows port. i would probably use ispy (http://www.ispyconnect.com/) because it's open source, but look at these as well, http://www.ilovefree...e-software.html - you might find one or another that are easier to use or setup.

I am looking for something similar. I would like to be able to use a motion detector and just record for a few minutes at the time. (We have a feeling that our maid is doing some "dodgy" busines while we are away.)

I remember seeing an article about someone catching a thief like this but i can't find it now.

Edit: Just checked the link above. Home Camera seems a great solution. I'll give it a try.

I use H264WebCam it handles all sort of cam,s and has motion detection with auto record and snap shots - it also has email and will send snap shots to your email account so you can see who stole the server Really it works great up to 16 camera not hard to use. If you have a public IP you can call the house from phone or laptop and view the cam's

the trail version should do what you want

http://www.h264soft.com/

http://www.yawcam.com/download.php

(Free)

Right there - Miss sexy Chicog - combo wt Manycam...free

Excellent suggestion by Dharmabm re Zoneminder for Linux users. I plan on having several monitor cameras at my house and will try the ZM.

Logitech web cam's, at least the one I have, came with a motion detection option on the software. Just start up the Logitech software and click "Motion Detection" You can then set the sensativity of motion. Or you ecan set a specific time for it to run. The only draw back I have found is that when the motion detection is set, and there is motion for a long amount of time the hard drive on the comp seems to be going non stop.

I have used it to watch maids before and it works pretty well.

Good Luck

Which one do you have? Thnx.

And do report back and tell us if he nabs the ****er.

The best Webcam software I have found to date (and it is free) includes a motion sensor and if you want to upgrade you can to loads of various options is Ispy, give it go, it is free and is extremely flexible. It is open source, works on many platforms, good luck!

http://www.ispyconnect.com/