SecureHome Turns Your Mac into a Security Alarm

AID: 6690
  • Status: Published

1720 points

  • Byjmaggio322
  • TypeTips/Tricks
  • Posted on2011-07-28 at 06:03:49
If you other experts are anything like me you are always looking into and testing out new features. While I was doing some research one day I ran across an app that I installed on my Mac and used as a security system. Mac OS X: SecureHome uses your Mac's built-in microphone to listen to potential intruders and sound an alarm if any noise reaches a user-defined threshold.

If an intruder is heard, the app can sound an alarm to try and scare them off and email an alert to your smartphone. Some of the features of this app are as follows:  Automatic Threshold Detector (ATD): To set a threshold automatically, select the ATD and slam a door at the other end of your home. SecureHome will tailor the default threshold for your home. Alarm sound: Select whether or not you want SecureHome to sound an alarm (in addition to sending out an email) when it detects a sound exceeding the threshold, and choose the duration of the alarm. Reports: SecureHome will document each alarm trigger and corresponding sound level so you can refine the threshold to minimize false alarms. Email on trigger: When SecureHome detects a sound that exceeds the threshold, it will send an email to the account of your choice. This gives you the option of calling the police or disarming the alarm if you accidentally trigger the alarm yourself!

All you have to do to set it up is open the app, set the alarm threshold, and enter your email address if you want to get notified via email. The big downside of the email function is that it uses Apple Mail—regardless of your default desktop client—to send the message, but if you have a simple account set up to send mail that's not that big of a deal. You'll also want to have your computer hooked up to speakers to make the alarm reasonably intimidating. It sounded pretty wimpy on my MacBook's speakers. I have taken the liberty to include the link for this app to simplify finding it within ITUNES. The link is http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/securehome/id450200473?mt=12.
 
While SecureHome isn't going to replace a complex security system, it is a good way to implement a simple alarm inexpensively. If you do decide to implement this program into your app I would appreciate any feedback from you to see what you actually think.
Asked On
2011-07-28 at 06:03:49ID6690
Tags

MAC

Topic

Mac OS X

Views
1168

Comments

Add your Comment

Please Sign up or Log in to comment on this article.

Join Experts Exchange Today

Gain Access to all our Tech Resources

Get personalized answers

Ask unlimited questions

Access Proven Solutions

Search 3.2 million solutions

Read In-Depth How-To Guides

1000+ articles, demos, & tips

Watch Step by Step Tutorials

Learn direct from top tech pros

And Much More!

Your complete tech resource

See Plans and Pricing

30-day free trial. Register in 60 seconds.

Loading Advertisement...

Top Mac OS X Experts

  1. strung

    209,742

    Guru

    2,900 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Genius
  2. eoinosullivan

    92,432

    Master

    1,000 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Genius
  3. maximus5328

    50,329

    Master

    1,000 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Wizard
  4. sigurarm

    31,890

    0 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Sage
  5. ishcabittle

    30,530

    0 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Master
  6. pgnatyuk

    29,332

    0 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Genius
  7. jhyiesla

    22,376

    0 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Genius
  8. mccrick

    17,418

    0 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Guru
  9. Programmer-x

    16,532

    0 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Guru
  10. vallis

    16,104

    0 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Sage
  11. Mac2010

    14,175

    0 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Master
  12. serialband

    12,360

    0 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Master
  13. nxnw

    10,782

    0 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Guru
  14. JonyHolt

    9,543

    0 points yesterday

    Profile
  15. robertcerny

    9,375

    0 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Guru
  16. DaveBaldwin

    9,160

    0 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Genius
  17. nappy_d

    8,700

    0 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Genius
  18. chakko

    8,000

    0 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Genius
  19. arnold

    7,608

    0 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Genius
  20. hanccocka

    7,398

    0 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Genius
  21. Anuroopsundd

    7,118

    0 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Sage
  22. JBlond

    6,960

    0 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Sage
  23. thinkpads_user

    6,768

    0 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Genius
  24. duncan_roe

    6,100

    2,100 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Genius
  25. sweetfa2

    5,868

    0 points yesterday

    Profile
    Rank: Wizard

Hall Of Fame