What you need for this book depends largely on what your interest in alarm and security systems is.

If it is a general interest, then all you need is this book. You will find that there is very little technical jargon, and that what there is, is explained as simply as I can.

If you are a programmer who wants to get your feet wet when it comes to hardware, then this book is for you too. If you are an advanced programmer, you may find the code a bit simplistic. What can I say, I'm a hardware guy!

If you are a hardware guy like me and a builder–tinkerer, you will love this book. There is enough software provided to keep you out of trouble for the most part.

But what you need most of all for this book is an insatiable curiosity!