Linux Smart Homes For Dummies (PDF)

A Linux smart home is about controlling and monitoring devices andinformation around your home using a standard personal computer,Linux, and its vast array of open source tools. You don'thave to be a master programmer to create one. If you like to tinkerwith Linux, Linux Smart Homes For Dummies will guide youthrough cool home automation projects that are as much fun to workon as they are to use.

Home automation used to be limited to turning on lights andappliances, and maybe controlling your thermostat and lawnsprinkler, from your computer. While you still might not be able tocreate all the Jetsons' toys, today you can also
* Build a wireless network
* Create and set up a weather station
* Automate your TV and sound system
* Spy on your pets when you're not home
* Set up an answering system that knows what to do withcalls
* Increase your home's security

If you know how to use Linux and a few basic development tools-- Perl, the BASH shell, development libraries, and the GNU Ccompiler--Linux Smart Homes For Dummies will help youdo all these tricks and more. For example, you can
* Discover the best sources for Linux-based home automationdevices
* Set up a wireless network, create a wireless access point,build a bridge between wired and wireless networks, and route yourown network traffic
* Build a personal video recorder with MythTV that will record toDVD, or set up a wireless streaming music system
* Create a smart phone system that takes messages and forwardsthem to your fax, modem, or answering machine
* Build a weather station that notifies you of severe weatheralerts
* Control and secure your home automation network, and even checkon your house when you're away

The bonus CD-ROM includes all kinds of cool open source softwarefor your home automation projects. Linux Smart Homes ForDummies even includes lists of cool gadgets to check out andgreat ways to automate those boring household chores. A smarthome's a happy home!