I've been contemplating for a while on whether or not to get a home security system. Since I live alone and have health issues I'd just feel safer with the added protection a home security system provides. I haven't asked my son yet (the cop) about which one he thinks is best.

I did some research on the Internet and found page after page of complaints about ADT. Ackerman wasn't much better. I can't find a single service provider that doesn't have a plethera of unhappy customers out there. I know there's bound to be some glitches.....especially right at first.....but I'm really disappointed that there seems to be no good service provider.

Plus, I'm very untrusting to begin with and really don't like the idea of some stranger coming into my home and seeing just how vulnerable I am. Even if they are with the security company.

I would just keep a gun in my closet but I have no strength in my hands to use it so all I could do would be throw it at someone. Unloaded, of course.

What do ya'll do? Maybe I need to get a dog.

A dog isn't a bad idea as a deterrent/early warning system IF you're up to all having a dog entails. Even a small dog barking could discourage a would-be burglar.

Dont go with Castle Rock Security. They scammed us 5yrs ago, and we just got out of their scammy contract on thursday. Dont sign a contract that you have to keep for a specific amount of time. Get them on a month-to-month contract if you can.

I'd go get a large dog if I could. Maybe I will (seeing eye dog) if my optic neuritis doesnt heal. I'd love a gun (probably not a good idea at the moment, crappy vision and all)

I always thought ADT was the best?? Your ferral cats might not like a big doggy around. If I had a gun, I'd probably shoot myself in the foot.

I live in the Gov't center/police station's back yard, so I'm thinking that may be a deterrent for the smart burglar/rapist?

I think DD has ADT? I'll ask her.

Maybe I'll just get a recording of a large dog barking and play it loudly if I hear a strange noise.

I have ADT and got them after I had a break in. I have had no problem with them at all. Now the deal they advertise is probably different than what you may want installed. What the website shows is just a couple of doors, the panel and maybe a few other things. When I had mine installed I got every window in the house with a sensor and all three doors. I have one panel and one motion detector in the house. I have them monitor it. It is wireless and I do have a contract for them to monitor it. The installer was very good and he gave me good advice on security and what to do with the install. I have never had a false alarm. I have done several tests and it has worked fine. I have accidentally set it of a few times but not caused any problems. I am quite pleased with it and its been almost two years.

Hi Kitty,

We have had Stanley Convergent Security Solutions (formally known as Honeywell Security) for 16 years in our current home and 2 years in our previous home.

The only problem we had was when we replaced all of our windows in our current home. We needed a estimate on making changes to the system and the salesman was invasive in our home which was not necessary. He also didn't know what he was doing.

Other than that incident we have been happy with Stanley.

We have had ADT for 19 years with no problems at all. We've accidentally set it off about four times without being able to de-activate it in time and ADT has called within about three minutes. I set it off about a month ago; when they called the line was not very clear (our end), and officers were at our front door five minutes later.

We also have a small dog, 1/2 maltese, 1/2 pom, who barks like crazy at every unknown sound (and everything else). In reality, he's probably all we need lol!

I never felt safer than when I had my 110-150 pound (depending on the time of year) dog named Tiny sitting next to me. That dog was an excellent security system. I miss that dog. (that's him next to my name)

He was a heck of a lot cheaper, and easier to work. Lot more fun too. Also didnt have to worry about false alarms.

Altho, it was cool the one time my dad's younger sister accidentally set off our electronic alarm system. (she didnt believe we werent home, apparently was banging on the door and yanking on the doorknob. Shook the knob so much it was loose) She set off the alarm and we got a phone call from the security company.

only reason we know what happened was because the neighbors saw her leave and we were able to figure it out from the damage to the doorknob.

The street I live on is so quiet. And the neighbors on either side of me are home all day....so that's three houses in a row where someone is home on weekdays.

I've learned to "sit on" an idea for a while before actually taking action with it. Seems like I always feel differently a few days later. I hate being so indecisive. Wasn't like that till MS came to play.