In this month's Hardware column, we're taking a look at security monitoring from a PC perspective and revisiting the subject of file synchronisation as an alternative to dedicated backup software. Starting with monitoring, there's a vast array of options available for anyone who wants to keep an eye on things, whether it's listening out for a baby crying in the nursery, checking on a pet, seeing if the kids or babysitters are having a party in your absence, or whether your home and possessions are secure while you're at work or on holiday. Some are standalone systems, while others are designed to work alongside your PC or existing networking infrastructure.

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As always, it takes a real application for you to start thinking seriously about the options, and for me that process started with a desire to audibly monitor our newborn baby from another room. However, I quickly came to realise certain solutions could have a detrimental impact on my existing equipment, while others could offer considerable flexibility in the future for other applications. So while my own journey started with proprietary baby equipment, it ended with flexible monitoring solutions that worked with, rather than against, my PC equipment. As such, this column is for anyone looking into monitoring, whether they're a new parent or not.