The keypad is where you'll interact with your system over and over again -- it needs to be easy to understand, easy to control and a pleasure to work with.

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A security system is only effective if it's easy to use.

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The keypad is connected to the control panel -- the "brains" of the system contained in a metal box usually installed out of sight in a closet. The control panel is wired up to all the door and window magnetic sensors, motion detectors, glass break and other components that you build into the system. The sensors report breaches or trouble to the control panel which then activates the siren, lights and the telephone communications to your monitoring centre or police station.

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So, the keypad you select may be simple, blend in with your decor and feature the basic functions that you need to secure your home: sure-touch and back-lit keys, zone lights and bypass, memory light, trouble monitor and emergency keys.

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Or your choice of keypad may have all of the above plus deluxe options for managing remote wireless keypads, "Nanny Cams", intercom, home environment and automation, paging and telephone activation.