I published my post, Bring your paperweight back to life, in December 2009 with recovery files received from Foscam at that time.

This worked fine for all users of FI8908W (and FI8904W) until some hardware revision that occurred in Foscam's produced during 2010. The initial files didn't work any more for these newer cameras.

I have updated my post with files (+ mirror) that Foscam confirmed to be compatible with all the generations of FI8908W and FI8904W.

Since there is no suitable solution to place one of my FI8908W outside, I decided eventually to go for a proper outdoor IP camera.

So I ordered a FI8904W and decided I'd become a bit more knowledgeable about it by giving it a thorough inspection on arrival.

The information in this post may seem very basic to people who have a wireless IP camera for some time, but, we all tend to forget how confusing and frustrating our first steps may have been setting up these gadgets the very first time.
I'll try to second the network settings chapter in the IP camera manual  (even though a true geek never reads the manual) to help passing the blocking points of the wi-fi setup procedure.

Below is a compilation of the frequently asked questions on IP cameras subjects found on this site.
While they initially apply to the model fi8908w from Foscam, they are susceptible to be of interest for other models and brands.

Each Foscam camera model needs its own specific firmware. Latest versions I could obtain for FI8903W/FI8904W and FI8909W-NA are found below. They all implement the Server Push mode.

Please check your current firmware version first. If your camera was recently manufactured, you may already have the latest one. If the numbering sequence of your version is different, consider that you may not have a Foscam camera and avoid using these files, they would brick your device.
Never flash your camera 'over the air', use the Ethernet connection during this operation! Always start flashing the system firmware file (starting by lr_cmos...), then the web ui file (if necessary).

If you need a version that is not available here, just email Foscam with your device ID.


FI8903W(18 IR LEDs)/FI8904W(24 IR LEDs):
Since March 2010, the latest firmware can be downloaded directly from Foscam download center. 
Firmware 11.13.1.42 for FI8909W

See the FI8908W Firmware History Page for more information on fixes and enhancement between firmware versions.