I highly recommend you check out CocoonTech.com, especially the forums, as there are thousands of folks who have done this, and can bring you up to speed pretty quick. There is also a guide on the site (Wiring your home 101) which will tell you what wires you should run assuming budget isn't an issue (this lets you pick and chose what wire really matters to you).

You have so many options, it really depends on the time you are willing to put in, budget, and features you want.

I recommend you use an Elk M1 or HAI Omni Pro II security/automation panel as the 'core' of your system if security is really important to you, or if automation is your main vice, then look at the SmartThings, Vera, ISY-99, and HomeTroller (Zee) hardware controllers.

Most of us top this installation off with a software component, so we can bridge/interface many protocols and technologies (this way you aren't stuck with just one solution). Most popular commercial software solutions are Homeseer and CQC, but there are many alternatives, free, open source, etc.

Currently, Z-Wave, INSTEON, UPB, ZigBee, and WeMo are the popular protocols.

If you have the budget, consider hardwiring your home automation light switches, as the wireless/powerline based solutions aren't perfect, plus you have to worry about latency/security. CentraLite, Crestron and Lutron RadioRA are popular commercial solutions. They usually require dealer/installer access, but if you really look around, you could get access to the hardware (I'd probably combine RadioRA with a HAI/ELK panel).

There is so much more to tell, so if you have any other questions, ask away, and don't forget to check out the CocoonTech home automation forums!

I don't understand how no one has mentioned KidZui. While it used to be free (been using it for a long time), it is still very affordable, and is IMO one of the best solutions out there. It's basically a 'shell/wrapper' which runs full screen and allows kids to explore many kid-friendly sites and games. The sites are approved by a group of teachers and other types of people who have a strong interest in educating and protecting children. You can also generate reports of what your kids have been doing etc.

I installed this software on an 8 year old's laptop, and also use OpenDNS's free family filter package to catch anything odd going on. So far it has been a huge success.

Now keep in mind this software doesn't replace the task of having to supervise the kid, but it sure helps catching unexpected but unacceptable popups/images etc., and organize many fun resources in 1 location.

Hope you'll see this comment.

From the article:

Other companies in the private space race include aerospace giant Boeing, the Nevada-based Sierra Nevada Corporation, and Washington state-based BlueOrigin LLC.

More info about their private space plans.

Check out CocoonTech.com, a site dedicated to home automation, home security, and all the other fun stuff, DIY style (but plenty of professionals hang out there as well). That said, I hope you aren't doing it for your friends, you need to enjoy the home yourself ;)

There is also the Wiring Your New House guide in case you have access to the walls and want to future proof your home.

It definitely made me better at soldering (I had to do this one some exotic fax machines), but with most of my motherboards, I just didn't have the time or space to do this. It sucks that manufacturers were never held responsible for this.

I know I am not supposed to complain, but the whole capacitor debacle should have at least given us a 'dead capacitor' option. I have lost 40+ machines, fax machines, media players, and many other devices, thanks to this disaster.