All of the threads have good ideas. I started out small using my laptop and Foscam fi9821p (v2) version 2 IP cameras. They are Plug-n-Play. Bought them direct from Foscam on their website. They matched the lowest internet price an if you buy from them they offer free set up if you can't figure it out and free telephone support if needed. They are really simple to set up and use with BluIris software. I have not needed to contact them for setup or support as they worked right out of the box. Sure you can pay more and get higher pixel count and all that. But do you really need it for a simple cam setup? These are remote pan and tilt with two way audio built in. You can hear whats going on as well talk over the system. They will work great on your current wifi. No ethernet cables needed. If you need weather proof cameras they have those as well. Mine are indoors and the one outside is protected from the weather. Ran three of these off the laptop and wifi with no problems. I am now expanding to five cameras and going to POE (power over ethernet) for all the cameras. Going to incorporate the ones I have now and add two more. Got some good ideas on this forum and went on ebay and found a new HP optiplex desktop with a 4th generation i5-4590 chip for under $350. When looking into a new computer be sure to look past the "i5 or i7" part as some of the older ones are using outdated chips. Look for the chip starting with the number four. Like i5-4570 or i5-4590. They are out there, just keep watching the auctions, be patient and don't over bid and you will find what you are looking for.
For me starting out using the computer and wifi I already had answered a lot of my questions. Expanded as budget allowed and time allowed.
As others have said, advice is cheap. I found it helpful to hear what others have done and what is working for them. Take everything with a grain of salt. In the end, do your homework, don't over pay, and enjoy the adventure.
