Linux for logging and retrospective viewing

I am sure that this is a FAQ, but I can't get the search function to work (no hits on 'Linux'?)

and it doesn't seem to have come up recently.

I am interested in some home security cameras, and want to store the data on a Linux

system, and view it retrospectively. That is ALL I need or want. I have experience in

managing computers and networks, and can provide plenty of 'oomph'. The problem is that

all the blurb is in terms of running proprietary applications or browsers, using fancy facilities,

and is usually Microsoft-based. I would really rather not do more hacking than I need to,

though I can if I have to

If I do this, I would probably go up-market (Axis or similar), but I have no objections to

spending pocket money on a disposable device (Swann or similar) to experiment with.

But I don't want to waste a lot of time.

I should appreciate any pointers to useful Web sites, hints of which cameras are relatively

easy to use like that, and so on. Thanks for any hints.

Check http://www.zoneminder.com/