Remotely controlling your home from within

Last week I wrote about methods for controlling your home while you're away. This time, let's touch on some nifty software that's handy while you are at home, but not sitting in front of your computer.

In other words, what are some of the ways you can talk to your Mac using a remote control? It turns out, there are a lot of options. Some methods still use the network, but it's your local network so it's much easier to configure, and other methods rely on you being in close proximity so technology like infrared and Bluetooth are used.

Let's start with some network-based options. The first is the open source project called Telekinesis. This app sets up a local web server on your Mac, which you access using a web browser, such as Safari on iPhone or iPod touch. Once you've connected, you can browse all of the files on the host Mac, execute AppleScripts, launch applications, peek at the computer's screen, take iSight snapshots, and control iTunes. Whew, there's even more that I haven't listed. It's an impressive tool, and very handy for in-home access to a computer. If you configure your network correctly you can even access it from the Internet, but given all the power it grants, even I'm a little apprehensive about that.

Another fascinating option for remote control is IO Spirit's Remote Buddy. It's a commercial product with a lot of polish and a long list of impressive features. Not only can you control a Mac via a browser, there's a complete iPhone-optimized interface and, if you're so inclined, support for plenty of traditional remote controls. The screencast videos at the site explain it well, and if you're new to Remote Buddy, prepare to be impressed. If you're using iTunes to send music to an Airport Express you'll almost certainly find it very compelling.

Both Telekinesis and Remote Buddy let you control a Mac without being able to see its screen, but if proximity and line-of-sight isn't an issue for you, then you'll want to check out Twisted Melon's Mira. Using an Apple Remote, or a third-party remote control, you can use Mira to take control of many applications and launch AppleScripts that automate tasks.

Finally, if you're looking for a freeware alternative to expanding the capabilities of the Apple Remote, check out iRed Lite. It lets you control nine applications and provides an AppleScript option so you can reach out to others that aren't included.

Remote control is a popular feature, particularly with iPhone, iPod touch, and the Apple Remote being so common, so there are other applications available too. If you're using one, chime in with a comment and let the rest of us benefit from your experience.