Before installing a home security camera, especially if you plan to mount it with hardware, plug the camera in and place it in different locations to determine the best spot to give you a full, unobstructed view of the area you want to monitor. Placing the camera in a corner is often ideal for providing a full view of the room, though a more central location may be better for a camera with 360-degree pan capabilities.  For outdoor cameras, consider the night vision and motion detection range and avoid placing the camera too far away to be able to detect and record activity.