Yes, you can turn your PC into a DVR surveillance system. You just need a DVR PCI Card. Envision a situation where you have a stand-alone PC that has not been used much, and it has some empty expansion (PCI) slots available in the back. You could, with a bit of ingenuity and installing skills, install a DVR that is based on a PCI card for your PC. Of course, this is not for everyone. First, I do not recommend using your regular PC for video surveillance. When your family or your business security is at stake, it is just not prudent to entrust the security to a machine as whimsy as your usual day-to-day PC. Why not? Well as with any security product, you want to be alert and ready 24/7, 365. Your PC, unfortunately, is subject to upgrades, software glitches, shutdowns, blue screens of death, etc. So only go this route if you have a spare PC ready that you are not using much.

If you have ever installed any PC PCI card, you know that is not a big task, although it does require some patience and dexterity when opening your PC and inserting the PCI card. But it is no rocket science.

The advantages of having a dedicated PC for your surveillance system is that you are in complete control of it. There are no proprietary hardware to deal with, other than the PCI card itself. If something breaks, just replace it with parts from Radio Shack or Best Buy. So maintenance costs should be minimal.

The disadvantages of installing a PCI card surveillance system and using your PC are apparent as well. When a PC is not used exclusively for video surveillance and monitoring, the programs could interfere with each other which, in turn, could hamper the 100% reliability and "up" status of your DVR security system. So be sure to take that into account when you are deciding between installing a PCI Card-based DVR system on your PC, or selecting a standalone dedicated security DVR.

A great example of the PCI Card-based DVR is Lorex QLR464 4-Channel PCI DVR Card with 4 Indoor/Outdoor Night Vision Security Camera. The card is on sale on Amazon. For just over two hundred dollars you are getting yourself a powerful home and business security system.

So, bottom line, if you can dedicate a PC to be an exclusive "security PC", go ahead, and get a DVR PCI card. Install it, and make sure it operates to your satisfaction. Take precautions and monitor the up-status of your system. Make sure it is 99.9% reliable. Your security and the security of your family or business is worth it.

For additional info on how to view your premises remotely, see IP DVR. For a DVR USB choices, see DVR USB.