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In this article, I'd like to try to help you figure out the size and scope of product solutions offered by Honeywell.

Let me say right up front that I'm not Honeywell rep. I do not make any money buying or selling Honeywell products. I'm just like you -- I'm a homeowner who wants to figure out what sorts of products Honeywell offers; the names that they're sold under and what they do. Once I've done that, I can make an informed decision about the best solution for me and my family.

By now, you probably know that Honeywell is (among other things) a global supplier and distributor of residential and commercial security systems. In addition, Honeywell monitors millions of private homes commercial businesses and government facilities all over the world.

Honeywell's residential security systems are installed through a network of local dealers.These dealers are trained to understand your needs and respond in a way that's appropriate. They'll discuss your lifestyle with you and build a system that meets your needs.

For example, some families have young children. If that describes your family then perhaps you want a system that alerts you when your kids come home from school. Your Honeywell dealer can design a home security system for you that meets that need.

On the other hand if you're business owner with an small office or home office, you might have an area that needs extra protection (expensive office equipment, valuable records, etc.). If that describes your situation, then your Honeywell dealer can discuss with you the installation of a system that includes motion detectors or cameras.

Ademco Home Security Systems: The Relationship To Honeywell

When considering the scope of possibilities, be aware that Honeywell offers a wide range of products marketed under many different labels. You probably are already aware of the Ademco line, but there are quite a few other brands in the Honeywell home security system family.

The Honeywell product family can be divided into broad categories of hardware including (but not limited to):

• Control Panels: Ademco, Apex, Omni, Lynx
• Keypads: Ademco, Apex, Omni
• expansion Modules: Ademco, Apex, Omni
• DIY Kits: Ademco, Omni, Lynx
• Wireless Accessories: Apex, Street smart, Life Safety
• alarm Communications: Optiflex
• sensors: dual Tec, V-Plex
• Smoke detectors: V-Plex
• ...and much more.

Who, Or What, Is AlarmNet?

One last thing that I found interesting: As you might know, most alarm systems communicate with the monitoring company using telephone lines. But for those of you who were concerned that the phone line might be cut during a burglary, Honeywell has a reliable alternative called AlarmNet.

AlarmNet is a radio network run by Honeywell that has extensive coverage in the United States and Canada. It gives you a second layer of protection -- beyond your phone line -- in the event of a home intrusion or other kind of emergency. This means peace of mind for you and your family. And isn't that what a home security system is all about?

Conclusion

Again, in closing: I am not a Honeywell representative, nor do I make any money by recommending their products. It's just that Honeywell offers a complete line of excellent products. When considering a security solution for your family and/or business, you should consider them when making an informed decision.

For more info on Honeywell home security systems and/or Ademco home security systems, visit Ara Rubyan's Home Security Systems.

Ara Rubyan is not a part of the home security system industry, nor does he sell home security systems, nor does he pretend to be a guru of any kind. Instead, he is like you: a consumer, a business owner, and someone who has been researching the industry so that he could make an informed decision about the best home security system for his needs. Now, he's put all his research (so far) in one convenient location and he's sharing it with you, no strings attached.

In the old days, choosing a video game system for children wasn't all that hard. After all, parents didn't have to worry about games carried by systems like Atari (there was nothing threatening about Pac-Man or Space Invaders). Today, however, with the proliferation of games with mature content available on games supported by the major system manufacturers, parents want to know which system carries the most kid-friendly games, ones that the young ones will enjoy and one that parents will not regret spending money on.

Let's start with the Sony PlayStation 2, the best-selling game console on the market today. There are literally thousands of titles available for this system, which cater to every age range. There are approximately 600 games for the ps2 that have the "E" rating, meaning that it is suitable for players ages six and above. However, many of these games are too complicated for young children to play. Games that children ten years old and above can enjoy are rated E10+, while those that are rated EC (Early Childhood) are of course, suitable for the very young. The ps2 carries about a dozen E10+ games, including movie-based titles like Shrek Super Slam for PlayStation 2 and Chicken Little. EC titles that little ones can enjoy include Dora the Explorer: Journey to the Purple planet, Eggo Mania and At the Races Presents Gallop Racer.

Nintendo's GameCube console continues to be popular because it carries titles that are popular with children. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) lists 263 video game titles rated E for the GameCube, and these include some of the most popular and beloved among the children of today and years past, such as Sega's Sonic GEMS Collection, Nintendo's own Mario Party 6 and Mario Tennis. The Legend of Zelda series and several Pokemon titles are available exclusively on the GameCube as well.

Microsoft's xbox and xbox 360 video game consoles likewise have many, many titles that are rated E; the xbox with approximately 270 games and the xbox 360 with so far about a dozen -- but count on the number of xbox 360 titles to increase since it's a new release. Some games published by microsoft exclusively for the xbox and the xbox 360 and which have the E rating are Astropop and Feeding Frenzy. However, remember that most game publishers release crossover titles, or games that are available on multiple platforms. For instance, Eidos Interactive's LEGO star Wars (rated E) is available for the GameCube, ps2 and Xbox; Activision's Madagascar (rated E10+) is available on the same platforms, while Global star Software's Dora the Explorer (rated EC) is available on the ps2 and Xbox, but not on the GameCube.

What about parental control options? Among the four systems, the xbox and the xbox 360 have the most efficient parental lock functions. Parents are able to set limits on the games and films to be played on the systems. If you set the system to play only E-rated games, kids won't be able to play DVD's or games that have Teen, Mature, or Adults Only ratings. The GameCube also has a parental lock feature, albeit a less effective one. Users note that all it does is tone down certain effects that might be troubling for children (for example, the amount of blood seen in games) but do not block the playing of games at all. It doesn't even screen or bleep offensive language. The parental control function of the PlayStation 2 is even worse -- it doesn't allow parents or anyone to restrict access to video games at all. The most parents can do is to set the ps2 to prevent their kids from watching dvd movies with inappropriate content.

When it comes to price, the GameCube comes out tops. Available for only $99, it's significantly cheaper than the PlayStation 2 and xbox, whose prices range from $150 to $199 (or more if bundled with game titles). The xbox 360, being the newest of the bunch, is the highest-priced. For $299, you get the system and a wired controller. For $399, you get a wireless controller, a headset that players can use to talk to other people online, a 20 GB hard drive that is loaded with game-related videos and music, and a remote.

Parents should go out and try each system personally as well as look at the different titles available for them before deciding which one to buy. Factors such as number and age of users at home, game title availability, and budget should also be considered. Each system has its own pros and cons, and families will differ in their preferences: some will be content with the limited but popular games of the GameCube; some might prefer the wider offering of the PlayStation 2 or the xbox; others might opt for the high-tech features of the xbox 360. But all things considered, making the right choice will provide hours of wholesome, fun, and worry-free entertainment for the little ones and for their parents as well.

Mark Robbins is a gamer providing valuable tips and advice on video game systems, game cheats, and giving new game reviews. http://www.official-game-cheats.com.