I need to use the webcam on a computer where I will install cameraFTP as a nanny cam.  I don't want the app to be open showing the view on the screen but do want it recording.  Can the GUI / live view be disabled / hidden and the camera only accessed remotely?

Yes, you can use CameraFTP VSS software, which can use a PC as a powerful CCTV NVR system. It supports most non-proprietary IP cameras, and is compatible with all webcams. VSS can display live camera videos on your PC screen, while recording footage to the cloud and/or local drive. You can lock the software, or lock the entire PC while it is running.

To hide the application window, you can close the VSS window, or minimize it, or run VSS in the background service mode. Even if nobody is logged into the PC, VSS can still run.