Home automation systems are now widely available today. If you have a PC you may just need to install a little extra software and hardware to have more control in your home. It may seem like science fiction, but it is now possible for you to automate your home and control all of your electronic devices through your computer.

If you have the Linux software program installed, it is now possible for you to hook up all your electronic devices to it. The X10 home automation system is one of the first systems to take advantage of this free operating system. The X10 home automation system has been around since the 70′s so it’s now one of the most well known home automation system.

Understanding exactly what the X10 is will help you understand better how it can work with Linux. The X10 are devices that you can plug in to your electrical outlet that will allow you to control various electronic devices that is plugged in the module. You can also get X10 devices which install into light switches giving you remote control of lights from any room in the house. Some are even installed in climate control devices for automated operation.

On cool piece of tech developed by X10 is called the firecracker. You get control of your devices through your PC by plugging the firecracker into a serial port on your computer. Through a program on Linux called Bottlerocket and GtkX10 you can control your devices which are plugged in to the firecracker.

Another perk for this item is the fact that it’s extremely cheap. For a few dollars you get a receiver, lamp module and a remote control to control all of your X10 devices.

As it’s popularity grows other home automation modules are developing their own devices that can be controlled from the PC through Linux software. There are many versions of Linux so some companies are creating devices that are compatible with any of them.

With Linux, you can control your home automation systems with a single click of the mouse. Remote control programs are also available for Linux. With this, if you are connected to the internet, you can remotely access your PC anywhere you are, provided that you have an internet connection.

Scheduling is another feature of home automation in Linux. With this capability, you will be able to schedule what time your lights will turn on and off. You can have the lights to your house come on and have freshly brewed coffee ready once you walk in the door. Of course, having your lights turn on at the moment of your arrival also provides extra security.

You can even pre-program your stereo and your climate control device to turn on at a specific time. You then walk through the door to a comfortable temperature and your favorite tunes playing. No more running around turning everything on and waiting for the room to reach a comfortable temperature. All you need to do is sit back and relax.

If you are looking for a cheap home automation system, you can do so with various Linux program versions and add-on devices. Linux software is also required to let you gain access to various electronic equipment in your home.

Make your life a little bit easier to live with home automation systems and a Linux program. Many people have said that it has changed their life and given them a much more comfortable lifestyle.

The author is a technology and gadgets enthusiast and loves to write about them. For more ideas on how to declutter and streamline your life have a look at the website at harmony 550.