When I first purchased a home, I looked into adding a security system. At that time, all the components needed to be hardwired, requiring a lot of disruption. Holes needed to be drilled to accommodate the network of wires. The cameras were heavy, bulky and unsightly. The video feed was not perfectly clear. The control panel was extremely large, and the overall investment was considerable. After only a few years, the security system was outdated. The cameras no longer functioned properly, and I wasn’t happy with paying a bill every month for monitoring by a security company. On the few occasions when the alarm went off, the authorities were never dispatched. No one responded. I’ve now owned my home for over twenty years. Just recently, I decided to consider a modern security system. Now that there is wireless technology, there is no need to damage walls or sacrifice aesthetics. The surveillance cameras are tiny, unobtrusive and provide real-time video. The cameras, along with the exterior lights, are motion activated, and I get alerts on my smartphone when anyone enters the yard. Plus, I was able to include the security system as a feature of a whole-home automation system. Automated operation of household appliances and systems offers outstanding convenience, superior control and the opportunity to save a great deal of money on energy bills. I’ve added automated door locks and programmed them to respond to the location of family members’ phones. When I arrive home from work, the garage door automatically opens. Indoor lights come on and the thermostat adjusts to welcome me to ideal comfort. The automation system can be updated wirelessly, making it virtually future-proof.