Newbie questions

Even though my primary concern is burglary while nobody's home, however, I suspect that once I learn more about the system, I may arm it at night. That's how they show burglaries happening in many movies. I guess that means you can arm the window/door sensors without arming the motion detector (which is more likely to get false trigger if the owner got up at night and forgot about it and tried to go downstairs and get something to drink)?

Ever drive around LA? Pretty much every house in various neighbourhoods opts for physical security.

he could build a concrete block wall all the way around the perimeter of his yard like the do in Mexico. Then embed broken glass in the top of the wall incase someone tries to climb over. Now that's secuity.

Good security addresses all the issues. An alarm system, plentiful lighting, dead bolts, security bars on doors and windows, cut back bushes and trees, nosy neighbors, and as a last resort, being well armed. My alarm makes plenty of noise in an attempt to scare off an intruder. It would take the law 45 minutes to get here so there isn't much point to a silent alarm. By the time they arrived, it would be all over. The thief would either be gone or would be dead.

Bob

It's frequently called "Stay Arming". Most modern security controls employ a feature that allows you to selectively arm zones of protection. The "cheaper" wireless systems installed frequently as a "home security package" incorporates one or two door sensors and a motion. That works well for an apartment (where you may only have a single access point from the hallway, but doesn't transfer well to a single family dwelling where you may have multiple main and basement level openings. Security for your family should incorporate a full perimeter system (where all the doors and windows are protected) and fire detection. Consider spending about $1500 to $2500 to achieve this (in a modestly sized house). An additional $300.00 if you wish to incorporate another method of communicating alarms that doesn't involve standard telephone lines (which you indicated was a concern). Your family's worth it. Feel free to visit my FAQ's page at

Frank Olson

Hmmmm a rather cheap shot.

But .... on the other hand if YOU attach so much importance to not paying $18.00 per month,compared to what a monitored account receives in return, I obviously have no choice but to defer to your expertise on being cheap.

I don't think anyone suggested that an alarm system was the only way to obtain peace of mind involving security of their home. However, living with bars on my doors and windows is not my idea of living. If they can live that why .... good for them. Those that can't ......... they live someplace else.

And although I've been to LA, once seeing it, I would never return. One of the more disappointing trips I ever made. Garbage pit the same a New York City, only with short buildings and an occasional drooping palm tree.