Welcome!!

Some may find this site familiar looking. A good deal of it has been styled after another website I maintained previously (alt-security-alarms.com). All good ideas can be improved upon (some bad ones too, but let's not go there). As the time for renewal of the domain approached I had already come to the realization that naming a website after a newsgroup was essentially self-limiting so the search for a new domain was on!! Your Security Source was not only available, it was an ideal name for the platform from which to launch my idea of a universally accessible resource for both industry professionals, alarm owners, and people contemplating their first purchase of a security system..

So let's "get to it" (as my son says):

What is the reason for this site?

The first thing I should say is that I'm not trying to sell you anything!

I've been in the Canadian security alarm industry for over twenty-five years now and have seen the virtual "end" of the traditional alarm company (with the advent of the "low down" or so called "free" alarm systems) as well as it's "resurrection". The fact remains that many individual home and business owners now realize that security isn't about protecting property, it's all about protecting people (mostly the ones you love). The "zero down" alarm has never gone far enough in this respect and that realization is starting to ripple through the entire security industry. There's been a "reawakening", and "savvy" alarm users have been largely responsible for the shift in this direction. They're asking questions and discovering the exciting new technology out there that's both readily available and affordable!

The advent of the Internet (and the information age) has given our industry a much needed boost in a new direction as well. You can now purchase an entire professional grade alarm system with a few simple keystrokes from any computer with Internet access, and (for those "handy" enough with tools) install your own custom system. How do you choose an on line vendor though? Who will help you design the system you need? If you don't have the tool skills necessary, how will you find a qualified professional to install what you've envisioned if you can't yourself? Who will monitor it? Service it?

Where do you "start" to look?

You can learn anything on the Internet. The place most people start is with a search engine... like:

Enter "alarm systems" and you're faced with a bewildering array of web pages though. 2,600,000 and counting!!

There are dozens of other search engines you can use here as well:

Some people find themselves "browsing" another Internet phenomenon, called USENET where you'll invariably find yourself discovering the interesting and knowledgeable personalities in Newsgroups like alt.security.alarms, comp.home.automation, or uk.tech.electronic-security.

Your Security Source - Security For Life!

I've put together a resource that taps all of the above and makes it a little easier to find the information you're looking for. When you're ready, you can explore the links you'll find under Purchasing an Alarm System on the FAQ's page in the Nut's 'n Bolts menu to the right.

A few words about the Menu du Jour are also in order:

About ASA is a brief historical overview of the alt.security.alarms newsgroup which I've been participating in for around ten years now (how it got started, and something about it's original purpose).

ASA FAQ is simply the founding FAQ which first appeared in 1996. It includes the ASA Creed and some other information as well. Please note that the original document contained links to a web-site (maintained by Mr. Steve Ryckman) which no longer exists. This information has been removed. If you wish to see the actual original FAQ, there is a link to it. Please do not email or contact Mr. Ryckman regarding either this site or the FAQ as he is no longer associated with the group in the capacity of "Group Host". As of this date there is no "Group Host" for the forum.

The Dealers page is a listing of alarm companies. Links are provided for those Dealers that have an on-line presence (website) free of charge. Only those Dealers with valid State/Provincial licences (as it applies to their jurisdiction), bonding and insurance are listed. The decision to do so reflects our commitment to preserving the public's trust.

On line Stores are listed seperately. I acknowledge that there is a large do-it-yourself community out there (and it's growing by leaps and bounds) that requires a great deal of support. It is not my intention to restrict this site to listing individuals and/or companies in the trade only. Stores are not provided a free listing however, unless they are properly bonded and insured in their State/Province (and that status will be appropriately acknowledged in their listing).

The Installers page is a listing of individuals that don't necessarily own or manage a security alarm business but "free lance" or subcontract their services to the trade or to alarm owners directly.

The Systems page is a list of manufacturers and wholesale outlets that provide the equipment and software used in the security trade. Links to each manufacturer that maintains a web site are provided. It will also serve to showcase new technology and product news.

The Nuts 'n Bolts of my site features important information for anyone contemplating the purchase of a security system or whom might be considering entering the security alarm profession. Licensing while often done on a State-by-State (in the US), and Province-by-Province (in Canada) basis may also have a more local municpal component. The information I have provided should serve to help Dealers, Installers, DIYer's (Do-It-Yourselfers) and end-users with a fast, easy-to-use "starting" reference. I hope to enlist the aid of international security community as well. I've also provided a list of State Alarm Associations (USA only) and a Glossary of Common Terminology used in the alarm industry. All are very much "works in progress" and are updated regularly so check back often.

The FAQ's page is a list of frequently asked questions (with answers) culled from a variety of sources in the security community (including some questions I get asked a lot). Where possible any individual contributing to the answer will be credited appropriately.

The eMail link will provide you with pertinent contact information for this web-site.

I hope you enjoy your visit and that you'll find this site useful, informative, and "fun" (I've tried hard not to make it appear too "stodgy" or dry). I look forward to any comments or feedback you'd care to express. If you would like to contribute anything to this site or have some suggestions, please email me!

Your Security Source - Security for Life

Menu du Jour!

Welcome!!

What is the reason for this site?

Where do you "start" to look?

Your Security Source - Security For Life!

Nuts 'n Bolts

Pro's