Why is LinuxMCE?
LinuxMCE is an open source system for home automation. Actually, it’s a fork of another Debian-based smarthome system – Plutohome. Unlike it LinuxMCE is installed on top of Kubuntu Feisty. As bonus LnuxMCE users get very handy integration with KDE. That approach allows to use PC for both: home automation and personal use.
Why I suggest to use LinuxMCE as a software for smarthome? Well, it’s Linux-based, open source and it covers all area of home: entertainment, lighting, climate control, security and telephony. Another good reason to use it is a huge range of supported hardware – control panel, DVB cards, TV tuners etc. Moreover, if you cannot find your device in the hardware list LinuxMCE offers a simple way to add it using Embedded Ruby interface. The little disadvantage of that system is necessary of Linux background and administration knowledge to configure and customize LinuxMCE. So, I hope that this blog will be useful for you.
Linuxmce Hacks and Tips 
I recently discovered LinuxMCE and your blog. I haven’t used any Linux distro until now and it’s going to be a big learning curve. Thanks for sharing your expertise and making the transition a little less daunting.
Keith
March 7, 2008 at 5:00 am
You’re very welcome, Keith. Linux is not so simple but at the first glass only. When you learn it a bit you’ll forget about Windows 🙂 Feel free to ask me about LinuxMCE. I’ll help you with pleasure if I can.
nite_man
March 7, 2008 at 7:38 am
hi nite_man,
i would like to have linuxmce in my house but i don’t know how to make security, environment etc hardware … is it wireless or i need to connect every and each light in my house to linuxmce by cable.
pls help.
regards khalid
kash
June 12, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Hi khalid,
LinuxMCE supports X10, INSTEON and Z-Wave. So, if X10 is your choice you have to just install X10 dimmers, switches, sensors etc and assign unique addresses to them. Connect CM15Pro (X10 PC adapter) to your LinuxMCE core server via RS232 or USB and plug it into power socket. That’s it. LinuxMCE automatically adds CM15Pro to the system, you should add all switches, dimmers etc via admin site and specify assigned address for each of them. After that you’ll able control your devices via LinuxMCE interface. Have a look LinuxMCE wiki. It contains whole information about LinuxMCE including a bunch of examples of installations and hardware.
nite_man
June 12, 2008 at 1:13 pm