One of the most cost-effective methods to record security camera footage is to use a laptop or desktop computer. If purchasing an NVR/DVR goes beyond your budget, free surveillance camera software/apps are available for Windows PC or Mac computers to record IP cameras without a NVR/DVR.
Recording wired IP cameras or wireless security cameras to a computer involves saving the footage to the computer’s hard drive or an attached flash or USB drive. A critical aspect of recording security cameras onto a laptop or desktop computer without a NVR/DVR is keeping the computer running continuously.
Steps for Recording a Security Camera to Laptop/Computer/Mac
- Connect the security camera to the network. See the problems and solutions to connect a wireless security camera to network.
- Run the surveillance camera software/app on the computer with the same network.
- Navigate to the video recording settings after the software connects to the camera.
- Configure the video recording options, such as 24/7 recording and scheduled time recording.
- Select the recording path to save the footage.
- Ensure the software and the computer run continually; otherwise, the recording will stop.
By following these steps, you can record security camera footage without having to purchase a pricey NVR/DVR system and still have peace of mind knowing that your home or business is under surveillance around the clock.