OT: Home Security (alarm) Systems, I need some advice Options

[Part Pricer]

My head is about to explode.

We are moving next month to an area that is much more densely populated than our current location. As well as the shotgun next to my chair, I’m thinking about getting a home security system. Is there anyone here in that business? Or, would anyone care to share their experiences and opinions? I’ve never had an alarm system, so I don’t know what to look for.

I’m guessing that I need:

* Door Sensors
* Window Sensors
* Motion Detectors

But, do I need things like:

* Photoelectric Beams ?
* Glass-Break Detectors ?

The next question is regarding hard-wired or wireless. I’m assuming that hard-wired is better, but would be more expensive to install. Any downsides to either?

Also, should I go monitored or un-monitored? There seems to be a lot of people on both sides of this issue.

Thanks

[TROJANMAN]

There is alot of fancy stuff out there these days.
do you want your alarm to rival fort knox?

my system is 30 years old and VERY basic. i only have sensors on a few of the windows and all of the doors. the logic was that once some came in threw a window, they could only leave through a door, thus setting off the alarm.
i am very friendly with all of my neighbors, and none of them would ignore our alarm going off, so that is why it is not pre-wired to the police. but, my parents do have theirs wired to the police b/c most neigbors would ignore their alarm going off.

i have since upgraded though and added this feature (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif)

No sudden movements........