I’ve been testing the Easy Start Kit (HMEZ1000) of the Motorola Home Monitoring and Control System for a few weeks, and it’s quite a good way to begin monitoring your home or office.

The kit consists of a wireless camera, a wireless receiver and software for your PC.

There are optional accessories, such as a wired camera, a door-and-window sensor, a temperature sensor and a water sensor.

The different sensors do their designated monitoring, and the software keeps you informed of what they find.

In my office, I set up the wireless camera during the week I was on vacation.

The cameras have a motion sensor that begins recording when movement is detected. I set up the camera in my office to record 30 seconds of video whenever there was motion in my office. Once the video was saved on my PC, the system e-mailed the video file to me.

It was quite interesting to get a movie each day showing the janitor checking my office trashcan.

The sensors and the wireless camera don’t require the user to have a wireless network at home already: A wireless base station is included in the starter kit. The base station connects to your Windows PC via USB.

Setting up the sensors is easy, but the monitoring and notification are rudimentary.

When a sensor alerts you, it can trigger a dialogue box on your home computer, or the system can notify you via e-mail or a text message to your cell phone. The e-mail can also include a still photo or a video clip.

For frequent travelers, the system can provide peace of mind that the water heater or sump pump hasn’t failed.

Cameras can also detect motion at your front door to alert you to a package delivery or if your neighbor is really letting your dog out each day.

Remote monitoring of the sensors or camera images online is not possible.

If you want remote monitoring, consider the Shell HomeGenie system instead.

The Motorola Home Monitoring and Control System is a simpler version of the Shell HomeGenie.

The cameras and sensors are the same as in the Shell system, but the HomeGenie requires setup by a Shell-authorized technician and is accessed through a Web page for a monthly fee.

The HomeGenie accessories include a programmable thermostat and switches for lights or appliances that can be set from any computer with an Internet connection.

Because it can be set up by consumers and there’s no monthly fee, Motorola system is a good way to see if home automation and monitoring is right for you.