>I have an XP box that is going to be connected to the internet, but is only going to be used to handle the program that monitors our security cameras. I do not want to have a monitor hooked up all the time, but will have one around in case I need it. I would like to setup the OS so that I need to have very minimal interaction with it. The security softare that runs needs little, if any, maintenance. We will be able to see the cameras via a website, so that is the only reason the box needs to be internet enabled. If the power goes out, I just want to turn the PC back on and not have to connect a keyboard, mouse and monitor to have it come back up and be ready to go. What kinds of things can I do to make that happen?

Googling [xp headless] should get you started.

If it's XP Pro you can use the built-in Remote Desktop to be able to control the box remotely, otherwise install a free program like VNC/UltraVNC.