Hey All,

I have been using Linux (Ubuntu) systems for quite some time and I always knew that despite the disadvantage of memorizing the commands required to manage ubuntu servers I am most grateful that Linux exists.

The past few weeks I have been very interested in Home automatition. My dream is to have a house that is automated and everything is managed through sensors or prearranged schedule such as lamps turning on in the middle of the night to show that someone is up (to avoid burglurs).

I have thinking whats the best way to create a system like this. Well I would most certainly use Linux and so I search for programs that could control power. I found quite a few pages where they show how to control light through usb however I would rather not use those since it means I need as many USB Port as many lights I would liek to control.

The technology exists of course and many people use it however if I buy a pre-made home automation system I would most certainly go bankroupt.

I am looking for a solution that costs the least and uses linux programming and accessories that are available on the internet.



It would be awsome if I could connect the devices that control other devices through CAT-5 cable because of distances in the house and maybe use an ipbased control system with a WebGui available from anywhere on the Local Area Network.

I would appreciate any suggestins about how to start with such a big project.