Ellusionz

I am looking for a relatively inexpensive system to watch my property (and maybe deter package theft). UPS left one today and the delivery guy thinks the neighbor across the street took the package he left. We currently have an alarm system but that of course doesn't do anything to keep people from doing anything outside the house. I'd like to be able to see whats happening to be able to file reports with the police if something like this happens again. I was thinking about four or so cameras should cover most important areas incase they come onto my property again. But I noticed theres soo many cameras and options I'm completely confused on what to do. I have a handyman friend who has done wiring at work before but I don't think he'd know the best equipment to get, just how to install it. Outdoor cameras only, I think if it could see at night it would be nice since it gets really dark around here except when my security lighting doesn't turn off. I was considering putting one of the cameras in the back screen room and it might be fun to watch my pets while I'm away on my phone but that isn't totally important. Other than that I don't know what I should be looking for. Thanks for any help y'all can give me. And I dunno if doing a seperate system is better or should I just add cameras with my security company (Livewatch w/ Simon XT) but it seems more expensive that way in the long run?

Silly question but do I install the software on my home pc? and how does the cameras record to it?