This guide is almost similar to my previous article about using your camera for this function. However, the beauty of this guide is that we are going to use one of Windows Powertools called Timershot. It is a free lightweight program that works perfectly right for this guide.

Things to remember

Software required: Windows Timershot
System requirements: Windows XP on a basic desktop PC
Installation difficulty: Easy
Optional requirements: Apache server software and a broadband connection

Let’s now get started:

1. Run your Timershot exe to install
2. Open Timershot.exe
3. Look for active device (This is your usb camera)

device

4. Expand your settings

settings

5. Adjust some Timershot settings

- Take pictures every – I suggest you set this to 3-5 seconds.
- Resize the picture – Set this to Large (1024 by 768) to have a clearer picture.
- Save In – Browse to your folder of choice. You can save this in your Apache’s folder, if you want to view your pictures on the internet. You need to have an “always online computer” to make this work.
- Check save a new copy of this file every time a picture is taken. This is to have a copy of each picture taken with the exact time and date displayed when you browse your pictures online.
- Click Apply Settings

6. Click Close Window to send the window to your taskbar.

That’s all you’re going to need to turn your ordinary pc camera into a surveillance camera. This is ideal for monitoring a home office or a small shop.