How do you set up a home automation system using a computer? Ideas and features

I’m sorry, as someone might take offence.
I don’t think this sort of excessive automation is a good thing. One day we’ll forget how to breathe, because some ‘convenient’ person will upgrade us to a neural module…
That’s just my point of view. Computerised heating control – OK. Fridge control – OK (e.g. switching between holiday and normal modes). Voice-activated light switching – sometimes handy. Heater and light in the aquarium – OK. But automatic feeding? I’m not sure it’s a good idea. When we sit down and feed the fish ourselves, we always know exactly how much to put in – what if the fish aren’t actually hungry since the last feeding? Besides, it’s nice to watch them, taking a break from the screen for a moment.
Personally, I’m a bit sceptical about it. Everyone does as they see fit, though. I wonder how much electricity it’ll actually ‘consume’ and whether it’ll be cost-effective in the end. And just like that, without any exercise, the tummy grows then it’s time to lose weight...
Best regards.

Finally, diodak1, when setting off on a business trip, will check all the windows on the monitor, set the alarm, leave a note saying when he’ll be away (i.e. when he’ll be back), and when he does return, it turns out that… the window motors are gone, the smoke detectors are gone, the car stereo has vanished, the computer’s gone, and they’ve taken the telly too – basically, you might as well be living on the windowsill – there’s only one thing left: a smoke detector and a window motor that’s broken down

I’m closing this thread; there are too many posts to merge and too many users to warn.