Security Computer Build?

[Leviathan3251]

Hey Linus community!  So I'm in the fun position of being the "Hey, you tinker around on computers and know the basics so you're clearly IT" guy at work and I was recently asked to build a system capable of running and recording a series of security cameras while also operating as a regular-use computer though that use requires minimal system resources and has previously been handled by a low-end prebuilt Dell. For anyone who has dealt with security systems, I'm trying to figure out the following:

1. Is it even a smart idea to build a system for managing a security system as I've found prebuilt security system PCs and hardware DVR systems that to my eye, might be a more cost-effective and reliable solution than creating a sufficient PC that can also be used for basic Office functions.

2. If building a system, should I use server CPUs/motherboards to handle 24/7 operation or is that overkill?

3. Would Linux be the best OS choice?

[Mira Yurizaki]

4 minutes ago, Leviathan3251 said:

1. Is it even a smart idea to build a system for managing a security system as I've found prebuilt security system PCs and hardware DVR systems that to my eye, might be a more cost-effective and reliable solution than creating a sufficient PC that can also be used for basic Office functions.

I would say it depends on how comfortable you are rolling your own custom built system. If you're not all that comfortable, get a prebuilt security system and get cozy with it so you can have experience for later if you need to do this again.

4 minutes ago, Leviathan3251 said:

2. If building a system, should I use server CPUs/motherboards to handle 24/7 operation or is that overkill?

It might be overkill, but that depends if the computer is merely powered on 24/7, or is actually crunching data 24/7. If it's the latter, server parts will last you longer.

4 minutes ago, Leviathan3251 said:

3. Would Linux be the best OS choice?

Most likely, since I've found Linux to be easier to do network based things like remote access and whatnot without going through a bunch of hurdles.

[Minty269]

All i know is that you should use WD Purple drives.

[deleted_member_030719]

Just use a NAS to store the security footage data?

[Leviathan3251]

58 minutes ago, M.Yurizaki said:

It might be overkill, but that depends if the computer is merely powered on 24/7, or is actually crunching data 24/7. If it's the latter, server parts will last you longer.

I'd say processing and storing video files constantly from the cameras probably falls somewhere in the middle.  That's about it though, nothing like deep learning or mining purposes though.

[Mira Yurizaki]

1 minute ago, Leviathan3251 said:

I'd say processing and storing video files constantly from the cameras probably falls somewhere in the middle.  That's about it though, nothing like deep learning or mining purposes though.

What do you mean by processing? If it's doing something like transcoding or whatnot, then that falls more into the heavy usage side of things.