Getty Images En español | You've probably heard the pitch for do-it-yourself home security: You can install the cameras, smart locks, video doorbells and motion sensors easily and

quickly — and then monitor activity right from your smartphone. Well, it's true. This new generation of home security tools is a huge step forward from the electronic security systems

of old, which required professional installation, often-pricey professional monitoring and lengthy service contracts. Adam Wright, a research analyst at International Data Corp., a

technology market-research firm, says much of the interest in DIY home security systems is driven by older people living alone and by relatives who can use the systems to check in on loved

plug in and sync the components. But not all. Be sure to check before purchasing. Some barriers may remain for people who are uncomfortable with electrical wiring, climbing ladders or

drilling holes, says Christian Cerda, CEO of the SimpliSafe home security company. You may need handyman skills to install a full system as well as intermediate tech skills to get all the

gear communicating properly. ------------------------- AARP MEMBERSHIP -JOIN AARP FOR JUST $15 FOR YOUR FIRST YEAR WHEN YOU ENROLL IN AUTOMATIC RENEWAL Join today and save 25% off the

standard annual rate. Get instant access to discounts, programs, services, and the information you need to benefit every area of your life.  ------------------------- HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

A basic DIY package with a single Wi-Fi base station (the heart of the system), door keypad, entry sensor, motion sensor and high-definition camera runs around $170, though that will vary by

company. Move up to the $400 range, and you can get a bundled system that might also include a key fob, water leak detector, temperature sensor that alerts you remotely when your house gets

too cold, smoke detector, siren and panic button. Want professional monitoring? That could mean another $15 a month. You can also add components à la carte over time. Security cameras

generally cost between $100 and $350, depending on design, video quality and extra features. Also, consider whether a camera is battery-powered, must be plugged in or has to be hardwired by

an electrician. Finally, if you want to record the camera feeds for later viewing (not just have them available to see in real time), you may have to add a subscription. ARE THERE ANY

PRIVACY CONCERNS? Systems are built to be highly secure, experts agree. “But whenever you are putting something in or around the home connected to the internet, there's going to be

risk,” says Matthew Guariglia, a policy analyst at the San Francisco-based Electronic Frontier Foundation. “You have to ask yourself, ‘What is the worst thing that can happen if bad actors

get control of it?’ Nothing is foolproof." In one creepy, well-publicized December 2019 incident, a man hacked into the camera feed of an 8-year-old's bedroom. To address concerns,

Ring last year added “two-factor” authentication requirements: An extra passcode is sent to your phone and must be entered before you can log in. Guariglia says another safeguard is to

choose cameras that record video directly to the device rather than on a remote server “in the cloud.” Experts also recommend thoroughly reviewing your system's privacy settings to make

sure they are set for maximum protection, and to avoid sharing your access codes — even with family.  7 FEATURES OF NEW SECURITY SYSTEMS * LIST * | * SLIDESHOW * Photos * * * 1 of * PHOTO

BY: Chris O’Riley 1. VIDEO DOORBELLS These include a camera that lets you monitor your front porch and interact with people outside without having to open the door. * * * 2 of * PHOTO BY:

Chris O’Riley 2. SUPER CAMERAS For a little more money, top-grade cameras can provide superior night vision and facial recognition to properly identify a visiting son or daughter, as opposed

to a salesperson. * * * 3 of * PHOTO BY: Chris O’Riley 3. SPECIAL ALERTS Some security systems offer specialized sensors that alert you directly at the sound of broken glass or the

detection of smoke or carbon monoxide. Sensors can even clue you in when your mailbox has been opened. * * * 4 of * PHOTO BY: Getty Images 4. USEFUL LINKS New systems often can be integrated

into other home tech systems — for example, a voice-activated smart speaker in your home. * * * 5 of * PHOTO BY: Chris O’Riley 5. DOOR CONTROL Smart locks allow you to lock or unlock doors

from afar so that you can let in the person who cleans your house, for instance. * * * 6 of * PHOTO BY: Chris O’Riley 6. PHONE FEEDS Security cameras can stream video from your house via the

internet to your phone, tablet or computer, so you can check on things at any time and from anywhere. Depending on your setup, you can also record to an online server (though that often

requires a paid subscription service). * * * 7 of * PHOTO BY: Getty Images 7. CONSTANT MONITORING For a moderate monthly fee, you can add professional monitoring to contact the police, fire

dispatcher or first responder if a break-in is detected or the smoke alarm goes off. _Edward C. Baig is a contributing writer who covers technology and other consumer topics. He previously

worked for _USA Today_, _BusinessWeek_, _U.S. News & World Report_ and _Fortune_ and is author of _Macs for Dummies_ and co-author of _iPhone for Dummies_ and _iPad for Dummies_._ MORE

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