RE: Choice of OS for Home Automation

[Mark Harrison <mark.harrison@xxxxxxx>]

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I too am pro-Linux, I use it for my home Firewall ;-)

The main reason I (now) use Windows for HA is the wide range of
off-the-shelf software to control X-10 stuff at a reasonably sophisticated
level, and I no longer have time to write Unix stuff from scratch.

I don't have any good Linuxy sites, but the utility/driver you may want is
called "ppower" (Penguin Power) and is a powerline driver for
Linux.

Alternatively, go onto Mark's site (http:\\www.automatedhome.co.uk) and
follow the webring around. I'm sure you'll find a good Linux site within a
couple of minutes of ring-surfing.

Regards,

Mark



-----Original Message-----
From: Giles Paterson [mailto:gpaterson@xxxxxxx]
Sent: Tuesday, February 06, 2001 9:43 AM
To: 'ukha_d@xxxxxxx'
Subject: [ukha_d] Choice of OS for Home Automation


Hi Folks,

I've been lurking here for a short while now, trying to learn as much as I
can before automating my flat.

One thing that has struck me is that when you are using a computer to
control your homes, you are using Windows based software and operating
systems. Is this just a matter of personal preference, or because the only
readily available software is for Windows? Or something else?

I am a bit of a Linux freak so would prefer to do things that way if
possible. It just strikes that me using an old PC running Linux would be
more cost effective than a high power machine running NT or 2000. There
also
seems to be a fair amount of open source software for interfacing to X10
devices (a quick search on freshmeat.net revealed 20 or so).

Does anyone on this list have experience of using Linux in a home
automation
environment? Does anyone have any good links?

Thanks,

--
Giles Paterson