This document describes the basic concepts and components of burglar alarm systems. It discusses how alarms work by breaking and then reconnecting electrical circuits to detect intrusions and trigger alarms. Common components include motion detectors, control boxes to monitor circuits and sound alarms, and sirens or auto-dialers to alert occupants. The document provides details on a basic magnetic sensor design and improved alarm circuit that uses a CMOS 4011 chip with capacitors to create entry/exit delays and prevent false alarms.