For most of the time your webcam resides on your computer, doing nothing. Whilst you’re at work, you could make use of your webcam. Turn these cameras in to remote surveillance devices that enable you to monitor your flat from another location, such as your work.

If you live in a student house, you may find that things go ‘missing’ from your room when you’re at a lecture. However much you trust the people you’re sharing with, you might find that they’re tempted to use your facilities when you’re out the house.

webcamXP is a tool that enables you to stream (through the Internet) video from up to 10 webcam sources. You could use various webcams located through your house and then monitor these cams from over the web.

Of course, webcamXP does more than enable you to turn your cams in to surveillance devices. If you have remote relatives who live on the other side of the globe, you could set up your cameras so that they provide a Big Brother environment for your family to see your kids growing up. You could provide a couple of webcam streams in your sitting room for them to see your house. Do remember to turn them off when you’re seeking private time, however.