O'Reilly has published a book about using gadgets such as X10 devices (partially supported under Linux) to build automated home security, convenience, and entertainment systems. Smart Home Hacks, by Gordon Meyer, looks at relatively inexpensive ways to make your home the envy of the Jetsons.

The book covers how to:

• Turn on lights automatically upon entering a room, or when the sun sets, or only when needed
• Send reminders of important events to cell phones, email accounts, or pagers
• Alert everyone in the house with chimes or voice announcements
• Monitor the driveway, mailbox, refrigerator door, or litter box for activity
• Automate the sprinkler system, tailor its schedule to the weekly forecast, and make it stop watering during rainstorms
• Monitor the home when nobody is there
• Control the entire house from a web browser

Meyer said, “We're at a nice junction between software, hardware, and the Internet. These pieces are sitting there, readily available, and can be combined to put together something that's actually useful. You don't need a new house, you don't need to rewire your house–you can get started for less than $200.”

Availability

The 400-page book is available in bookstores now, or direct from O'Reilly priced at $24.95. O'Reilly also offers seven sample hacks online.

 
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