IP is just the transport. Just like you go to work, you can take a taxi,, drive, ride a bike or take the subway.
What you need to ask yourself is:
Do I need low light? What is your lux level. If you use IR, will it reach.
Real time recording 24fps or higher. The more frames the better to catch what you want
Resolution
Distance from camera to object. 2.8mm lens give you a wide view with little detail. 16mm give you detail but a narrow view.
If you use your PC for other things like surfing, email and gaming, I would not recommend using it to record. You maybe disappointed in performance. There are drives designed for surveillance that allow constant spin-up and the firmware allows sequential writing vs random.
Everyone wants to take the shortcut and save money but you waste time and money in the long run.
the computer will only be used for the camera, its a spare computer still decent specs.. & I have a new 1tb western digital hd for it
why what would you suggest?