In this golden age of technology, families seem to spend less time on their home computers. We can blame this trend on the demands of modern day work and school coupled with the fact that most kids and adults spend a majority of their day already working on computers. Even though Bill Gates' dream of a computer in every home is nearly a reality, many machines sit idle except for an occasional email, digital photo and of course game.

For several years companies have created products to expand the reach of the home PC beyond the features that we all take for granted. These include viewing digital photos on a TV and listening to MP3's on a stereo. Sadly, most were either too expensive or just too complicated to reach critical mass with consumers.

Realizing it's untapped potential, some companies have successfully extended the power of the home PC through user friendly software programs to control lights and appliances, wireless entertainment products that connect the computer with stereo and TV, and wireless surveillance cameras to name a few.

This all begs the question, "Why do we still have to manually turn on lights when it gets dark? By now should there not be a technology available for this function to occur automatically? What if your whole family could control lights and appliances from a PC...and the computer does not even have to be running?

One such option is from X10, the pioneers of home lighting control. The new ActiveHome Pro PC Home Control System. This $49.99 starter kit consists of a colorful, easy-to-use software program and a new USB Computer Interface Module. The basic concept is simple, just set and forget. Suppose you're worried about the family arriving home to a dark and scary property this winter. No problem. Select the lights inside and outside that are normally turned on after dark. Plug an X10 controller into each lamp. X10 even has wall switch controllers for lights without plug-ins. (Controllers are sold separately and range in price between $10-13) (You can even take advantage of better offers by signing up for X10's email newsletter)

Now the whole family can gather around the home computer and devise their high tech home. You can add lamps and wall switches based on their location in the house. The versatile software makes it fun and easy to metaphorically rewire your home with a few key strokes. Using the Macros feature, one light switch can even control multiple lights.

The numerous timer options include time of day, day of week, and a special security setting to make your home look occupied while you're away. Since the program knows my home address, I can even choose the dusk/dawn setting and lights will work automatically based on the seasons.

All I have to do now is download the instructions to the Computer Interface and turn the computer off. The commands will automatically run year round. The family can easily continue to rewire and add events such as movie night.

X10 will soon release plug-ins to send remote control commands using the Internet or a cell phone. In the future you will also be able to control X10's popular line of wireless color video cameras. X10 also manufactures and sells accessories such as motion sensors that will automatically turn on lights and handheld remote controls for real-time commands.

This product does a good job of integrating the home PC to ensure its future utility. ActiveHome Pro is compatible with all of the major Windows based operating systems such as 98, ME, 2000 and XP.

Limited Offer
For a limited time, X10 the ActiveHome Pro upgrade kit is available for $49.99, a 50 percent discount at www.x10.com/family or by calling 1-800-675-3044. A 5 Year Extended Warranty Plus Plan is also available for worry free protection and unlimited phone support.

About X10 WTI
X10 Wireless Technology, Inc. designs, engineers, markets and sells easy-to-use affordable products to make everyday life safer, more convenient and more fun. The X10 PowerLine Carrier protocol was created in the late '70s and continues to be the de facto industry standard for home remote control of lights and appliances. Our proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless protocol enables affordable transmission of audio and video from a PC to another TV or stereo in the home.

We feature factory direct savings on a variety of wireless color video cameras, wireless audio/video systems, wireless remote control kits and third party electronics such as MP3 players, DVD players, Boom boxes, memory sticks and digital cameras/camcorders. All orders over $49.99 include free Fed-Ex shipping. All orders come with a 30 day money back guarantee. For more information, visit us online at www.x10.com