I am using Ubuntu 6.06 on all of my machines except for my servers, which are running debian, my house was recently bvroken into and as a result I have gone out and purchased some security cameras to put around the house. I also got a piece of hardware to allow me to record the cameras, its called 4 Port Grand X Guard by Grandtec, can someone please help me set up this system

can someone please help me set up this system
That's *WAY* to generic, better try and *then* ask when you encounter problems. The capture card seems a Video4Linux-supported BTxxxx video device. While the subject does include the word "security" this doesn't necessarily mean it's a security issue: since this is about SW/HW setup the thread may be better off in Linux Hardware / Software.

One word:
Zoneminder
http://www.zoneminder.com

Does having a video with the face of the guy can be taken into account by the authorities? In the case that the guy doesn't have a cap or that your video is of bad quality.
It's dependent on contries and legislation probably.

I had thought about installing this at my parents but in my case I would couple it to motion detection and sending email or phone call. And then I would have to call the police so that they move to the house. In France where my parents live, I think video tapes have no real value during court.
Recording is probably not sufficient if they steal your computer