Home automation is becoming more popular in new homes--smart homes, they are often dubbed--but people in older homes may also want to add elements of home automation as well. PC-based home automation is one of the easiest ways to get started. Many of the software applications out there offer a range of features and room to grow, but can be started with something as simple as a couple lights on timers. Here is a breakdown of some of the major players in home automation software that is suitable for home use:

ActiveHome--Put out by X10, ActiveHome is amongst the cheapest PC-based home automation software out there. Kits that include the basic software, modules, and control a single lamp start at $50 or less. This is a very good starting point for home automation as it shows you the basics without requiring a huge financial investment. ActiveHome can be purchased online.

HAL--Made by Home Automated Living, the basic HAL CD is about $40. For the introductory kit that controls a single lamp, it is about $100. HAL is operated via voice commands that you can speak to your computer through a microphone. The program also responds with a computer voice, delivering home automation information. It can also search the Internet for you and report the latest news or stock quotes out loud.

HomeSeer--Created by HomeSeer Technologies, their basic home automation software costs about $150 with starter kits beginning at $200. HomeSeer software is designed for newbies to home automation. It uses a familiar Windows interface. HomeSeer offers both X-10 and Z-Wave (kinds of home automation technology) integration and comes with a built-in Web server which allows you to remotely access your system through the Internet.