This book helps you to define and set up a complete home automation system. It is obviously based on the Linux operating system, and presumes that you have at least some idea about getting a Linus distribution, getting it installed and have a few development tools. The applications he discusses fit into several different categories: Entertainment, X10 controller, Weather, and of course in today's world - security. There is a CD included with the book. It does not contain a Linux distribution, but instead several shareware programs that the home automater should find useful. These applications are all designed around Linux of course. If you should choose to automate your house using that other operating system, you don't want to use this book but instead 'Smart Homes For Dummies.'
Setting up a home system like this one is just about the ultimate in geek-dom, and very educational. Have Fun!
Product Description
A Linux smart home is about controlling and monitoring devices and information around your home using a standard personal computer, Linux, and its vast array of open source tools. You don't have to be a master programmer to create one. If you like to tinker with Linux, Linux Smart Homes For Dummies will guide you through cool home automation projects that are as much fun to work on as they are to use.
Home automation used to be limited to turning on lights and appliances, and maybe controlling your thermostat and lawn sprinkler, from your computer. While you still might not be able to create 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 with calls
- 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 C compiler-Linux Smart Homes For Dummies will help you do all these tricks and more. For example, you can
- Discover the best sources for Linux-based home automation devices
- Set up a wireless network, create a wireless access point, build a bridge between wired and wireless networks, and route your own network traffic
- Build a personal video recorder with MythTV that will record to DVD, or set up a wireless streaming music system
- Create a smart phone system that takes messages and forwards them to your fax, modem, or answering machine
- Build a weather station that notifies you of severe weather alerts
- Control and secure your home automation network, and even check on your house when you're away
The bonus CD-ROM includes all kinds of cool open source software for your home automation projects. Linux Smart Homes For Dummies even includes lists of cool gadgets to check out and great ways to automate those boring household chores. A smart home's a happy home!
From the Back Cover
Make your home safer and more efficient with Linux
Linux home automation has never been simpler or more fun!
A smart home's a happy home! Teach yours lots of new tricks with Linux. Not only can you arrange automation for lights, appliances, and watering the lawn, you can also build your own TV recorder, pipe music throughout the house, set up a severe weather alert, and control everything from your Web browser.
Lots of open source home automation software, including:
- MisterHouse home automation server
- MythTV personal video recorder (PVR)
- OpenWrt customizable software for wireless applications
- PuTTY, a GUI-based ssh client
- Wireless networking software: ndiswrapper and wpa_supplicant
- and much more!
Discover how to
- Set up a wireless access point and build a network
- Build a software-powered smart phone system
- Control lights and appliances
- Have your house monitor the weather
- Access your home automation system online
For details and complete system requirements, see the CD-ROM appendix.
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