1. Go with a local alarm company. The national companies will nickel-and-dime you to death. A local company will use the exact same equipment and charge you less money.

2. Make sure you own the hardware.

3. Don't sign any contracts longer than one year. Don't fall for the "free alarm system" scam.

4. Decide if you want a cellular connection.

5. A good, basic system will have contacts on all exterior doors/windows and one or two strategically-located motion sensors. Unless you're in a high crime area, that will probably be fine. Extras (how much money do you want to spend?) include glass break detectors, video cameras, microphones, smartphone access, etc.

6. Install security grilles