displays and executes the files as directed by the definition data file in an embodiment the graphics files displayed serve as the bitmap background that the site and point status icons are written on serving as visual status indicators to the monitoring operator the communications program performs the real time communications between the subsystems and an application program performs the painting of the status icons when the communications reveal a change in point or site status the screen icons are repainted to reflect the new conditions these communication programs enable real time performance over conventional communications networks such as the internet fig3 depicts a general system block diagram of an exemplary fire alarm monitoring system according to the present invention comprised of the security fire panel 206 the host computer 202 the remote computer 204 the mobile computer 208 and an optional wireless lan hub 302 the security fire panel is installed within the space that is the physical facility being monitored and is permanently connected to an internet or ethernet network 304 the wireless hub 302 can be installed at the facility site to provide connectivity for the mobile computer 208 via a wireless lan 306 the host computer 202 can be installed anywhere so long as it is connected to the same internet or ethernet network 308 to which the security fire panel is attached the remote.