PC device control vs hand held or wall mount remote

["Jon Juhlin" <j_juhlin@xxxxxxx>]

This is a newbie question. If this group has a FAQ area on the WWW perhaps
my question has been answered already. If so, direction to the FAQ would be
gladly accepted.

I am building a new home and have only a couple of pretty simple automation
projects that I'd like to address up front. I will be installing cat5e
cabling for a hardwired home computer network.

I would like to control a few lights and motorized window shades via the PC
controlling the network. Most of the home automation posts I have seen refer
to X10 and other devices that seem to rely on hand held remotes or wall
mounted remote controls.

What is required to control these devices directly by computer?

I'm not opposed to a hardwired solution but this does not seem to be in the
mainstream of home automation.

Jon Juhlin