(Spying 101): This should get you started.
1. The Keylogger: Primarily used for tracking Internet activity, email, web chat.There are two kinds of keyloggers that I am aware of software, and hardware.
The software logger: : Is a program that silently runs on a computer recording screen shots, emails sent and received, webchat, etc. This will work 95% of the time. Only downside to software is it can be detected by other anti-spy software, and/or the real computer geek, or someone that suspects they are being monitored. ($100.00)
Harware logger : This little device connects at the back of you computer in-line with you keyboard usb or ps2 plug. This device simply records the keystrokes from your keyboard only. This will get you less information than the software version, but will not be detected by software. Can be physically seen if you spend time looking at the back of your computer. ($50.00 – 70.00)
Audio recorders: 2 types: cassette or digital. Only real advantage the cassette has over digital would be cost, and capability to run longer. Due to the fact the digitals are typically small. The batteries are also small (1 or 2 AAA). Result limited amout of audio before the battery dies.
If you are recording in a fixed location like a house phone, the cheaper radioshack cassette recorder will work great. Go to radioshack and purchase a handheld recorder MUST HAVE VOICE ACTIVATED RECORDING. ($30.00)
A phone splitter: little plastic thing that goes in the phone outlet allowing more than one device to be attached to the wall. ($2.00)
2-6 foot phone cord.
1 or 2 cassette tapes 120 min or 180 min long. ($5.00)
Phone recording jack: Little device that allows the phone cord to connect to the microphone of the recorder. ($5.00)
Once you have this. Find the most inconspicuous place to connect to the phone system. I.E. behind a bed, under a desk, etc…
Connect the wall splitter to the wall (now you have 2 jacks to connect to) If you have a phone connected there re-connect it. Also connect your extra piece of phone cord to the other remaining available wall jack.
Here is where I chose to get a box. In the box goes the remaining:
Connect the other end of the phone cord to the input of the phone recording jack.
Now connect the headphone type plug on the phone recoding jack to the recorder.
Plug in the audio cassette, turn on the recorder, set it for voice activation. TURN THE VOLUME ALL THE WAY DOWN.
Now whenever you receive or make a phone call (From any phone at the same number that outlet is associated with) will be recorded.
KEEP IN MIND YOU CAN ALSO DO THIS WITH A DIGITAL RECORDER.
Just watch those batteries.
Recording in the car.
You will want a
small digital recorder for this one. Again something that is voice activated is a must. Some of these come with a microphone, and they will work best, but not a requirement.
The most important thing with recording in the car is trying to get the recorder closest to the driver as possible and remaining concealed. This is why the recorder that comes with a very small microphone works best. You can hide the recorder, and keep the microphone out enough to pick up audio.
My recommendation for set up: If you have an external microphone. Velcro the recorder under the dash below the steering column. Run the mic wire up the steering column as close to the driver as you can without giving it’s location away.
If you do not have and external mic. Tape or fix to the underside of the driver seat (Microphone facing down, and as close to the center of the car as you can.
Again make sure voice activation is on, and volume and audible warnings are OFF!
GPS (global positioning system): Used to track vehicle’s location by referencing multiple satellites. 2 main types of GPS units available are recorders and real time. Both mount to the vehicle typically by magnet.
Recorded GPS : This is the cheaper of the 2, and will recorded location in timed intervals, and must be connected to a computer after use for data download. Software will pull the location and time off the GPS unit, and show you on a map where and when the car’s movement.
Real Time GPS : This unit cost more, and may require an internet access fee to access the Real Time location of the GPS unit via the internet. Very Cool, but also abit pricey!
Other options:
Don’t want to deal with any of this? Consider a private investigator.
Got Nextel? You can install free software, and locate a lot of these phones via the internet real time!
http://www.accutracking.com/ This should be enough to get you pointed in the right direction, and commonly used devices available.
Cover your tracks when purchasing any of these items. If possible have a friend purchase, and pay them with cash!