Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 328 pages
- Published by: O'Reilly Media, Inc. October 25, 2004
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 0596007221
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-0596007225
-
Book Dimensions:
8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
- Weighs: 1.2 pounds
Product Description
So much of what is commonplace today was once considered impossible, or at least wishful thinking. Laser beams in the operating room, cars with built-in guidance systems, cell phones with email access. There's just no getting around the fact that technology always has, and always will be, very cool. But technology isn't only cool; it's also very smart. That's why one of the hottest technological trends nowadays is the creation of smart homes. At an increasing rate, people are turning their homes into state-of-the-art machines, complete with more switches, sensors, and actuators than you can shake a stick at. Whether you want to equip your home with motion detectors for added security, install computer-controlled lights for optimum convenience, or even mount an in-home web cam or two purely for entertainment, the world is now your oyster. Ah, but like anything highly technical, creating a smart home is typically easier said than done. Thankfully,
Smart Home Hacks takes the guesswork out of the process. Through a seemingly unending array of valuable tips, tools, and techniques,
Smart Home Hacks explains in clear detail how to use Mac, Windows, or Linux to achieve the automated home of your dreams. In no time, you'll learn how to turn a loose collection of sensors and switches into a well-automated and well-functioning home no matter what your technical level may be.
Smart Home Hacks covers a litany of stand-alone and integrated smart home solutions designed to enhance safety, comfort, and convenience in new and existing homes. Kitchens, bedrooms, home offices, living rooms, and even bathrooms are all candidates for smart automation and therefore are all addressed in
Smart Home Hacks. Intelligently written by engineering guru and George Jetson wannabe, Gordon Meyer,
Smart Home Hacks leaves no stone unturned. From what to purchase to how to use your remote control, it's the ultimate guide to understanding and implementing complete or partial home automation.
About The Author
With over twenty years of experience using and programming personal computers, Gordon Meyer is currently an engineering manager for Apple Computer, Inc. He specializes in onscreen help and documentation management tools, and holds three pending patents related to Internet-based help systems. Gordon is a true George Jetson wannabe. His home in Santa Clara, California is Mac OS X-based and equipped with motion detectors, computer-controlled lights, weather monitors, and web cams. Most people find this simultaneously frightening and cool, which pleases him to no end.
Reader ReviewsThis is the first quality book that I have found on X10. It's invaluable. Both the hardware and software (for PC and Mac) are covered in depth here. There is coverage of the basics; turning on and off lights, using control boxes and timers, and using a PC as your control hub. But, as with the other Hacks books there are other more esoteric topics as well. Such as heating your toilet seat, managing your sprinkler system, and using X10 for security. An excellent book. A must buy for X10 users.
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