Network a webcam?????????

[TimeKeeper]

is it possible to install a webcam on one PC (front desk) and other PC (office) able to use it as monitor camera to the entrance?

 

[mobly99]

There are some ways to do this, but I think the best solution that I have seen is from Axis (www.axis.com)
They make an ethernet attached camera with built in web server, that does up to 640x480 @ 10 frames/sec in their entry level 2100 model which you can buy from cdw.com for about $470. Their higher end models have things like motion sensors and email/sms alerts and higher frame rates.

If you are looking for something a bit cheaper you could try a software based solution along with a USB camera attached to an existing PC.

 

[TimeKeeper]

$470????????????

I was thinking just using regular $47 webcam.

 

[reicherb]

Just setup your web cam and use something like webcamnow to server it to a webserver on the same PC as the camera and you can then view it from anywhere on your network.

 

[heartsurgeon]

even easier approach - the software is probably already installed on your system..
run netmeeting (if you don't have tyhe software, you can get it free at microsoft.com)
you can set up the webcam (yes the cheapo webcam will be fine) up on the front desk pc to automatically begin sending video to the office pc, whenever the office pc "calls" the frontdesk pc. you (office pc) in turn do not even need a webcam..just view the front desk webcam..add a microphone if you want, and you can eavesdrop as well. you don't need to buy anything, as long as the two computers are networked, and you have one webcam.

 

[mobly99]

just suggesting some alternatives.... if security is a concern, You'd be better off going with a standalone solution, hard to explain to the CEO that there was a security breach because windows box had a BSOD, or because the secretary had to reboot.