One of the features of WinINSTALL is the ability to install Ubuntu through the PXE Client Reset feature; this makes it easy for admins to install Ubuntu. I saw this as an opportunity and grabbed an old retired Dell desktop from the garage and pressed the go button. A few months later I’m immersed in a wonderful hobby that cost relatively nothing to enjoy. Below are my three favorite projects:
One: Zone Minder http://www.zoneminder.com/.
Zone Minder is a Linux video camera security and surveillance program. I purchased two wireless cameras from Amazon and truly enjoyed setting up and configuring the system. I can view and control the cameras via an internet accessible secure website or my smart phone. You can setup triggers, alerts, zones, and all sorts of automated functions. I mainly use the cameras to watch my dogs when I’m not home, but the uses are limitless.
Two: HeyU http://www.heyu.org/.
HEYU is a text-based console program for remotely controlling lights and appliances in the home or office. I use it as the backend for my X10 network. I purchased a CM11A started kit from Ebay that came with the controller and two X10 connection boxes. The controller plugs into a serial port on the Ubuntu machine and an electrical outlet. It then controls the X10 network over the power lines. Currently I’m using DomusLink as a front end. It has a web page and a smart phone app. I can turn my porch lights or open my garage door with my Cell Phone, which I truly appreciate. I can also set schedules to turn on\off lights or appliances. The system is connected to the internet and knows exactly when the sun sets and that is when I’ve scheduled  my house lights to turn on.
Three: Mythbuntu http://www.mythbuntu.org/.
This is by far my favorite project. Mythbuntu is a build of Ubuntu with Myth TV integrated. It’s a Media Center on steroids. Mythbuntu is divided into two parts. The backend, which is the “cable box”. This has the tuner installed and where all the Live TV Recording is done. It also holds your movies and miscellaneous audio\video files. The frontend access the backend and plays the media on your TV. Currently my setup is just one machines with the Frontend\Backend installed connected to my living room TV. I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for Google TV Apps to be released (ETA Spring 2011) so I can turn my Logitech Revue GTV appliance into a Mythbuntu front end. This will give me the ability to access all my Media data from any TV in my house.
I’ll end in a joke I’ve heard involving patch day for a Microsoft user, Apple user, and a Linux user.
Microsoft User: 72 updates, seriously?
Apple User: $79, just for an upgrade?
Linux User: Hey Cool, some more free stuff!