The standard desktop tower still reigns as the basic PC, ranging from smaller budget-priced systems to powerful towers that can double as workstations or gaming rigs. You’ll get a lot of performance and plenty of features even at budget prices, but perhaps the biggest draw for desktop buyers is the fact that, unlike slim laptops that won’t even let you swap the battery, the tower still allows the user to maintain and upgrade their system. Even the simple tasks of upgrading RAM or swapping out an old hard drive with a newer, faster solid-state drive will extend the life of a PC for months, or even years.

The PC is making headway in the living room, as well, with home theater PCs (HTPC) gaining ground. These PCs connect easily to an HDTV and tout smaller, sleeker designs that will will fit into a home theater set-up without looking too out of place. Whether it’s a tiny HTPC for streaming Netflix movies to your TV, or a heavy duty gaming PC that blends in next to stereo equipment, the desktop PC has moved from the office to the den, and the trend looks to continue in future months.

But the biggest shift in the desktop PC is the move from tower-based designs to all-in-one systems which pack the PC components into the chassis or base of the monitor. The result is less cluttered, with fewer cables and without the tower providing extra space stealing bulk on your desk. Since the release of Windows 8, the all-in-one shift has added touch to the mix, providing large screens that can be tapped, swiped, and poked for a more intuitive navigation experience.

But with so many different options, which should you choose? We’ve sifted through the dozens of desktops on the market and selected the ten choicest systems to pick from.

By Brian Westover

1. Peace of mind. Having an alarm system in place will help you to rest easy knowing that your home and loved ones are better protected.

2. Deterrent. Most alarm companies place a sign in front of your home or stickers on the doors and windows alerting potential thieves to the fact that the house is equipped with a home security system. This serves as a major deterrent. Thieves will move on simply by realizing that it’s not worth the risk. These warning labels also cut down on broken windows because the thieves find out the house is protected before they try to break in.

3. Light up the night. Many security systems come with outdoor motion detectors and flood lights as well as sirens and alarms. These security features cut down on late night vandalism, car theft, and other outside crimes.

4. Monitoring. Most security systems offer monitoring services. If your alarm goes off, the monitoring service will alert the police or dial a list of numbers that you have supplied them to make sure everything is okay.

5. Fire and panic button. If you have the monitoring service, the fire and panic buttons on your security system’s keypad will automatically call for help if you punch them in an emergency. For example, if you answer the door and someone is forcing his way in, you can push the panic button and the police will be summoned.

6. Insurance discounts. Most insurance companies offer a discount on homeowners insurance for houses equipped with home security systems. This discount can range anywhere from 5% to 20% each year.

7. Evidence. If your home security system is equipped with cameras and a recording system, police will have valuable evidence should a crime occur.

8. Remote surveillance. With certain types of security systems, you can remotely view areas of your home when you’re gone. With wireless cameras and an Internet connection, you can log on from any location and see exactly what’s going on in your home. You can use these systems as “nanny cams” or to check on your pets while you’re at work.

9. Arm the system remotely. If you have a wireless security system that you can access remotely, not only can you use the system for remote surveillance, you can also arm it remotely if you forgot to arm it when you left the house. Imagine being on vacation and realizing in your haste to get to the airport you forgot to arm the system. With remote access, all you need to do is log onto your home security system console from your laptop and arm it.

10. Get help if theft does occur. Many home security system companies offer an “anti-theft” guarantee. If your home is burglarized with the particular security system in place, the company will help you with your insurance deductible or pay you an outright fee. These offers vary by company and may not be available in all cases.
It makes sense to install a home security system both in terms of security as well as for financial reasons. Many alarm companies are now offering wireless systems that have more features (such as remote monitoring and access) for less money than their hard-wired counterparts.

If you are hesitant to commit to the monthly monitoring fees, you can now find computerized, wireless home security systems that allow you to preprogram in phone numbers for the system to dial under specific circumstances. For example, if a break in occurs while you are at work, the system might dial your work number and alert you so that you can take action and call the authorities yourself rather than paying each month to have the monitoring service make this call on your behalf.

Published by Celeste Stewart

Celeste Stewart is a freelance writer with a background in telecommunications and marketing

With an easy-to-use touchscreen, great accessories and multiple communication options, the Honeywell Lynx Touch 5100 is a great and reliable wireless security system for homes, apartments and businesses.

A touchscreen keypad means fast and easy control. With a color screen and large icons, you can navigate and set your new alarm system with zero frustration. The keypad also has a built-in speaker with voice announcement of system and zone status. Three panic functions are also built-in to the keypad for fast action in an emergency situation.

Our Wi-Fi communications module (sold separately) offers the lowest cost alarm communications/remote services solution-saving installation time (no data wire to run) and reducing monthly operating costs. Whether used as back-up or primary, the advanced 4G radio finds the best signal (2G, 3G or 4G) in the area – improving longevity and maximizing installation opportunities.

This system comes with 5 alarm accessories including 3 door/window contacts, a key fob and a pet-immune motion detector for pets up to 80 lbs. in weight. With one hardwired and up to 64 zones of coverage (48 programmable plus 16 key fob zones), nothing will get by this self-contained alarm kit.

The Z-Wave(R) connectivity module lets you integrate security, lighting, thermostats and more in one self-contained system providing complete local control at the panel (an optional Wi-Fi enabled wireless Android(TM) tablet keypad is also available). When combining LYNX Touch with Honeywell Total Connect(TM) Remote Services, users can control security, thermostats, lighting, locks and more using their smartphones or PCs from anywhere in the world.

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