Alright, so my dad has been going nuts over the home security camera thing, and I'm cool with that, but he's starting to want to have a dedicated home computer just for recording them, and being the tech guru I am, it bothers the heck out of me because its wasting resources and more maintenance than needed.

To be straight forward, I don't want to use a computer in the end result as its inefficient and would waste more money over time.

What he really wants is most likely an NVR that can do some of the following:

• Work with at least 8 IP cameras

• Record motion (preferably pre- and post- movement recording)

• Possibly upload recordings or pictures to an FTP, cloud drive (Box, Dropbox, etc), or something of that sort.

• Send Text message (SMS) and/or email alerts for movement

• An iPhone or web app would be a plus

• Upgradable storage would be nice, though honestly I feel any DVR would be upgradable

If anyone knows a good NVR that handles at least 8 wireless IP cameras and does some or most of the features listed above, I'd really appreciate and information on that. I'm trying to help him the best I can, but my dad is starting to get more and more close minded on why a PC would be the best solution when I feel that isn't the best choice.

Note: I learned a few things, such as that I need an NVR rather than a DVR, a lot of people prefer PC over an NVR though I have concerns about software freezes, software/OS overhead, overheating and/or dust build up, and various problems with computers if left isolated to run as a dedicated recording device. I'm expecting it'll need to be maintained more than my dad anticipates and that it'll be something that won't be as easily noticed when it dies from dust buildup, overheating, or power outages.

Additionally: Since everyone is talking about using computers over NVRs for recording, to anyone who knows what a Raspberry Pi is, comment and explain what you would use (software or otherwise) with a raspberry pi to make it a worthy NVR for motion-activated pictures.