Currently in its beta phase, HomeCamera  - which provides the web-based home surveillance platform for users - is very straightforward. 

Requiring minimal set-up, software for the programme is available for download at www.homecamera.com. The system allows users to look in on their homes without the need for fancy equipment or technical know-how.

However, if you are entirely new to setting up Internet equipment, you may encounter the difficulty that I experienced. 

D-Link's DSC-2120 Internet Camera

Downloading and running the software for D-Link's DSC-2120 Internet Camera, then signing up on HomeCamera was easy enough. But it took me some time to figure out that I should hook up my webcam to my router, and not the PC, to get the gadgets to work (I use wireless broadband at home).

I am not a tech-whizz, so knowing that the camera should be wired to the router did not come instinctively to me. But I did manage to solve the puzzle with some expert assistance.

After that, it was a simple case of following the given instructions. And if users still need help to troubleshoot, the website has a 24-hour support line.

When the system was finally up and working, I was impressed with its ease of use. I assigned a name to the webcam, and then logged on at work to view pictures or videos of my home whenever I felt like it.

 There are some useful features to note.

 HomeCamera comes with an archiving service. You can set up a defined recording schedule with images or video to be saved onto the server's archives for anytime anywhere access.    

Camera sharing – Just click on "Share" and enter the email address of the person you want to share your camera with. This makes access convenient for family members. 

You can also receive motion detection alerts over e-mail or on your mobile phone. 

Now I must say that I have yet to figure out how to utilise motion detection alerts, because I have not found the option either on HomeCamera, nor have I fully explored the webcam provided. 

But I found little to complain about the service, as it was quick to set up and gives very little hiccups. It also helps that the service is free for now. 

And even though there are plans to commercialise it, M1 assures that users only need to pay a monthly fee of less than double digits or an annual fee, with advertising, of just less than double digits.