Exploring X10 and what it can do with Linux software
Watching your Linux MythTV system or a Linux video player on TV Hearing and controlling your Linux MP3 player remotely Getting online weather information on your Linux computer Exploring storm warning alerts for your cell phone, pager, or e-mail Using a Linux smart phone system for your home or business
Functional and Fun: Home Automation Applications
Every room of your home probably offers plenty of possibilities for home automation. Maybe the most well-known use is turning lights on and off — especially to dissuade any thieves from targeting your place when you aren’t
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ome automation offers time-saving opportunities that can make your life more organized, more efficient, safer, and more fun. Dozens of free Linux software packages are available for home automation. These programs are often at the cutting edge of the field because Linux is often the platform of choice for programmers around the world in the field of home automation. Many of these programs are published under the GNU General Public License, which means they can be used by anyone freely, and because the source code is available, anyone can add new features to it. That is what programmers everywhere are doing at a fast rate, which makes this field exciting to be a part of. The practical uses for home automation are endless. This chapter covers an overview of how it works and its possibilities, and I get you started automating right away.
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In This Chapter
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Exploring the Possibilities of Home Automation
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Part I: Bringing the Future Home at home. But there are plenty of other uses. Here are some of the most popular and most exciting: Automate chores such as watering your lawn, opening and closing drapes, controlling your lights and appliances — even controlling your electric water heater. Use motion sensors to turn on floodlights and cameras outside your