Product Description

Finally, there is a guide to home networking that was written for true beginners! The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Home Networking goes far beyond traditional printer or Internet sharing and is geared to help you understand home network types and concepts, install, configure and interconnect various types of wired and wireless networks. This easy-to-understand guide will help you achieve the desired goals of entertainment, information access and home security control with Windows, MacOS and Linux-based systems. Soon you will learn to share and enhance entertainment and even integrate business network hardware with a home network to exploit telecommuting, work-from-home and remote education opportunities.

Customer Reviews (1)

Great guide for beginners
This book by Mark Soper delivers the essential information about home networking.I have recommended the book to several friends after using it myself for building a home network.If you are a novice and need help getting started or want to plan and deploy your first home network - this will be a great guide.Soper uses personal experience and humor to help you overcome any fear of technology.I found the book to be practical and a useful step-by-step map for setting up home networks.Bravo! ... Read more

Product Description

The only home networking book you'll ever need

Setting up a home network doesn't need to be difficult. You can use this easy-to-understand reference to set up your home network, secure it, and turn it into an entertainment network. Don't be fooled by other guides-it can be this simple:

• It's Easy-Set up your home network with this visual step-by-step guide.
• Quit Wasting Time and Money-Buy the network gadgets and equipment you need.
• Make It Secure-Use simple tips to make your network secure.
• Wow the Neighbors-Turn your home network into an entertainment network.
• What Went Wrong-Fix common problems you might encounter while setting up your network.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Don't waste your money
This book has lots of nice pictures.. but for learning home networking it is juvenile and lacks depth of explanation across multiple network routers, connection nodes, and how-tos.Don't waste your money.

An Expanded Linksys Manual
This would be an excellent getting started guide if it was included with a Linksys product, but it is disappointing as a separate purchase.Most of the step-by-step instructions presume that you have purchased a Linksys product.If you use another brand, this book may not give you much help.Even if you have a Linksys product, don't expect much coverage of intermediate or advanced topics.For instance, the book mentions remotely controlling a network computer, but it doesn't explain how to do it other than to briefly mention a few programs.I was expecting a little better coverage based on the previous reviews.

Nice Intro to Home Networking
This was a helpful and easy to understand guide book to home networking. I'm sure I'll reuse it as a reference guide for future networking projects. It covers the basics and provides detailed illustration for windows based wireless and ethernet networks. You'll learn about choosing the right network for you, what hardware options to buy, installation, setup, security, sharing.

A Dummies Guide from Cisco with Linksys Plugs
Not that many years ago, many people felt they needed either a technician or a 12-year-old to install and set-up a PC.Many homes now are starting to have more than one PC.Yet broadband connections and high quality printers are expensive if you buy one for each PC.How can those costs be reduced?Add a home network.

Before you faint with anxiety, look at this very simple book.It will guide you through the few technical questions you need to address and give you complete and simple directions you can easily follow (but feel free to recruit a 12-year-old to help you).

Before you are done reading, you will also realize that you may also benefit from being able to put noisy printers in quiet places, eliminate cables, and do lots of neat applications (like visually monitor your children's rooms and front door) with your network.

If you are like me, you've heard that wireless networks can easily be hacked into.This book tells you how to address those very real security problems.

As I stand on the brink of our first home network, I am clutching this book in both hands . . . and am ready to launch myself into familial shared cyberspace saying, "I think I can do it.I think I can do it.I think I can do it."And I know you can!

The only annoying quality about this book comes from the many plugs for Linksys products.But that's better than not having photographs and examples, so I bore with it.

This book is not only simple; you can read it very quickly.

It could have been greatly improved though by concentrating the material throughout around whether you want a wired or wireless network after providing an initial chapter that helped you choose one or the other.Now, you have to slog through every page to find all the information you need for one or the other.Perhaps in a future edition, this book will be updated to deal with that problem.

Great little book for home networkers...
I have read many of Mr. Underdahl's technical books over the years. I was in the bookstore recently and saw this on the shelf... I work in the IT arena and am always looking for books for my clients that can provide walkthroughs in a simple and clear, but competent, delivery. This is one of them. Sat down and read about half of it in the store and was very impressed. Definitely not for an advanced IT person or someone who wants heavy nuts-and-bolts type info, but for the 99.9% of the population that wants to get that home network up and running and also learn how to strengthen it and make it better and more useful (say, home office users), this is a great start. ... Read more

Product Description
This econometric study covers the latent demand outlook for home automation products across the states, union territories and cities of India. Latent demand (in millions of U.S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.) estimates are given across over 5,000 cities in India. For each city in question, the percent share the city is of it's state or union territory and of India as a whole is reported. These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a city vis-a-vis others. This statistical approach can prove very useful to distribution and/or sales force strategies. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each state or union territory and city, latent demand estimates are created for home automation products. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.

This study does not report actual sales data (which are simply unavailable, in a comparable or consistent manner in virtually all of the cities in India). This study gives, however, my estimates for the latent demand, or the P.I.E., for home automation products in India. It also shows how the P.I.E. is divided and concentrated across the cities and regional markets of India. For each state or union territory, I also show my estimates of how the P.I.E. grows over time. In order to make these estimates, a multi-stage methodology was employed that is often taught in courses on strategic planning at graduate schools of business. ... Read more

Product Description
This report was created for global strategic planners who cannot be content with traditional methods of segmenting world markets. With the advent of a "borderless world", cities become a more important criteria in prioritizing markets, as opposed to regions, continents, or countries. This report covers the top 2000 cities in over 200 countries. It does so by reporting the estimated market size (in terms of latent demand) for each major city of the world. It then ranks these cities and reports them in terms of their size as a percent of the country where they are located, their geographic region (e.g. Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, North America, Latin America), and the total world market.

In performing various economic analyses for its clients, I have been occasionally asked to investigate the market potential for various products and services across cities. The purpose of the studies is to understand the density of demand within a country and the extent to which a city might be used as a point of distribution within its region. From an economic perspective, however, a city does not represent a population within rigid geographical boundaries. To an economist or strategic planner, a city represents an area of dominant influence over markets in adjacent areas. This influence varies from one industry to another, but also from one period of time to another.

In what follows, I summarize the economic potential for the world's major cities for "home automation products" for the year 2009. The goal of this report is to report my findings on the real economic potential, or what an economist calls the latent demand, represented by a city when defined as an area of dominant influence. The reader needs to realize that latent demand may or may not represent real sales. ... Read more

Product Description
This econometric study covers the latent demand outlook for home automation products across the prefectures and cities of Japan. Latent demand (in millions of U.S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.) estimates are given across some 1,000 cities in Japan. For each city in question, the percent share the city is of it's prefecture and of Japan is reported. These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a city vis-a-vis others. This statistical approach can prove very useful to distribution and/or sales force strategies. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each prefecture and city, latent demand estimates are created for home automation products. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.

This study does not report actual sales data (which are simply unavailable, in a comparable or consistent manner in virtually all of the cities in Japan). This study gives, however, my estimates for the latent demand, or the P.I.E., for home automation products in Japan. It also shows how the P.I.E. is divided and concentrated across the cities and regional markets of Japan. For each prefecture, I also show my estimates of how the P.I.E. grows over time. In order to make these estimates, a multi-stage methodology was employed that is often taught in courses on strategic planning at graduate schools of business. ... Read more

Product Description

This IDC study forecasts the size of the U.S. home automation and management market in the context of an IP-based home network. It outlines the drivers and inhibitors of the market, provides the foundation for the market, and points out areas of growth and opportunity. Home networks will provide a strong platform on which to build home automation and management technologies, and consumers have already expressed an interest in using home networks for functions such as security and device management. Home automation has long epitomized an unfulfilled promise, but IDC believes that several elements are coming together to bring home automation and management closer to mainstream adoption.

"We're tantalizingly close to reaching that home automation and management promised land, but we still need several elements to fall in place, and most of those elements are not so much the technologies themselves, but the implementation of them, marketing, and channels," said Jonathan Gaw, research manager for IDC's Consumer Markets: Home Marketing research service.

Product Description
This econometric study covers the outlook for home automation products in Africa, Europe & the Middle East. For each year reported, estimates are given for the latent demand, or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.), for the country in question (in millions of U.S. dollars), the percent share the country is of the region and of the globe. These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a country vis-a-vis others. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each country and across countries, latent demand estimates are created. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.

This study does not report actual sales data (which are simply unavailable, in a comparable or consistent manner in virtually all of the countries in Africa, Europe & the Middle East). This study gives, however, my estimates for the latent demand, or the P.I.E. for home automation products in Africa, Europe & the Middle East. It also shows how the P.I.E. is divided across the national markets of Africa, Europe & the Middle East. For each country, I also show my estimates of how the P.I.E. grows over time (positive or negative growth). In order to make these estimates, a multi-stage methodology was employed that is often taught in courses on international strategic planning at graduate schools of business. ... Read more

Product Description
This econometric study covers the outlook for home automation products in Asia. For each year reported, estimates are given for the latent demand, or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.), for the country in question (in millions of U.S. dollars), the percent share the country is of the region and of the globe. These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a country vis-a-vis others. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each country and across countries, latent demand estimates are created. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.

This study does not report actual sales data (which are simply unavailable, in a comparable or consistent manner in virtually all of the countries in Asia). This study gives, however, my estimates for the latent demand, or the P.I.E. for home automation products in Asia. It also shows how the P.I.E. is divided across the national markets of Asia. For each country, I also show my estimates of how the P.I.E. grows over time (positive or negative growth). In order to make these estimates, a multi-stage methodology was employed that is often taught in courses on international strategic planning at graduate schools of business. ... Read more

Product Description
This econometric study covers the outlook for home automation products in Latin America. For each year reported, estimates are given for the latent demand, or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.), for the country in question (in millions of U.S. dollars), the percent share the country is of the region and of the globe. These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a country vis-a-vis others. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each country and across countries, latent demand estimates are created. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.

This study does not report actual sales data (which are simply unavailable, in a comparable or consistent manner in virtually all of the countries in Latin America). This study gives, however, my estimates for the latent demand, or the P.I.E. for home automation products in Latin America. It also shows how the P.I.E. is divided across the national markets of Latin America. For each country, I also show my estimates of how the P.I.E. grows over time (positive or negative growth). In order to make these estimates, a multi-stage methodology was employed that is often taught in courses on international strategic planning at graduate schools of business. ... Read more

Product Description
This econometric study covers the outlook for home automation products in North America & the Caribbean. For each year reported, estimates are given for the latent demand, or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.), for the country in question (in millions of U.S. dollars), the percent share the country is of the region and of the globe. These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a country vis-a-vis others. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each country and across countries, latent demand estimates are created. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.

This study does not report actual sales data (which are simply unavailable, in a comparable or consistent manner in virtually all of the countries in North America & the Caribbean). This study gives, however, my estimates for the latent demand, or the P.I.E. for home automation products in North America & the Caribbean. It also shows how the P.I.E. is divided across the national markets of North America & the Caribbean. For each country, I also show my estimates of how the P.I.E. grows over time (positive or negative growth). In order to make these estimates, a multi-stage methodology was employed that is often taught in courses on international strategic planning at graduate schools of business. ... Read more

Product Description
This econometric study covers the outlook for home automation products in Oceana. For each year reported, estimates are given for the latent demand, or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.), for the country in question (in millions of U.S. dollars), the percent share the country is of the region and of the globe. These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a country vis-a-vis others. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each country and across countries, latent demand estimates are created. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.

This study does not report actual sales data (which are simply unavailable, in a comparable or consistent manner in virtually all of the countries in Oceana). This study gives, however, my estimates for the latent demand, or the P.I.E. for home automation products in Oceana. It also shows how the P.I.E. is divided across the national markets of Oceana. For each country, I also show my estimates of how the P.I.E. grows over time (positive or negative growth). In order to make these estimates, a multi-stage methodology was employed that is often taught in courses on international strategic planning at graduate schools of business. ... Read more

Product Description
This econometric study covers the latent demand outlook for home automation products across the states and cities of the United States. Latent demand (in millions of U.S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.) estimates are given across some 12,900 cities in the United States. For each city in question, the percent share the city is of it's state and of the United States is reported. These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a city vis-a-vis others. This statistical approach can prove very useful to distribution and/or sales force strategies. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each state and city, latent demand estimates are created for home automation products. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.

This study does not report actual sales data (which are simply unavailable, in a comparable or consistent manner in virtually all of the cities in the United States). This study gives, however, my estimates for the latent demand, or the P.I.E., for home automation products in the United States. It also shows how the P.I.E. is divided and concentrated across the cities and regional markets of the United States. For each state, I also show my estimates of how the P.I.E. grows over time. In order to make these estimates, a multi-stage methodology was employed that is often taught in courses on strategic planning at graduate schools of business. ... Read more

Product Description
This econometric study covers the latent demand outlook for home automation products across the regions of Greater China, including provinces, autonomous regions (Guangxi, Nei Mongol, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Xizang - Tibet), municipalities (Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, and Tianjin), special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macau), and Taiwan (all hereafter referred to as "regions"). Latent demand (in millions of U.S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.) estimates are given across some 1,100 cities in Greater China. For each major city in question, the percent share the city is of the region and of Greater China is reported. Each major city is defined as an area of "economic population", as opposed to the demographic population within a legal geographic boundary. For many cities, the economic population is much larger that the population within the city limits; this is especially true for the cities of the Western regions. For the coastal regions, cities which are close to other major cities or which represent, by themselves, a high percent of the regional population, actual city-level population is closer to the economic population (e.g. in Beijing). Based on this "economic" definition of population, comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a city's marketing and distribution value vis-a-vis others. This exercise is quite useful for persons setting up distribution centers or sales force strategies. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each region and city of influence, latent demand estimates are created for home automation products. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the ... Read more

Product Description

This IDC study looks at three wireless technologies contending to form the backbone of home automation and management systems. Home automation and management is just beginning to emerge, and as part of that maturation, a battle over the standard for wireless communications for home automation applications is in full swing. Manufacturers need to carefully target their products to distinct markets that vary widely in emphasis.

"While home automation and management remains in its infancy, the early market has high-margin opportunities as the applications focus on luxury markets and applications that address specific pain points. These early applications will lay the groundwork for moving into the larger consumer market," said Jonathan Gaw, research manager for IDC's Consumer Markets: Home Networking research program.

Product Description
Until recently, only hobbyists and professional installers generally pursued applications for home security, digital entertainment, lighting, heating, cooling, and ventilation. As these applications migrate to Internet protocol (IP), though, they become opportunities to diversify service portfolios. ... Read more

Product Description
Come on out and play

You can only surf the Net so long. You can only play so much video poker. So if you’re a PC addict who’s ready for some new fun, this book is your toybox. Each of the 14 projects inside includes a parts list, suggestions for finding the needed equipment, clues to the cost, helpful Web links, and complete directions. What’s that? You have a few ideas of your own? Check out the suggestions in the final chapter, and start inventing your own PC toys.

The Toys

Each with a complete materials list and detailed, illustrated instructions

1. TiVo-like video recorder
2. MP3 or CD jukebox
3. Coffeepot controller
4. Telescope tracking station
5. Workout monitor
6. Home surveillance with Internet remote access
7. Fridge and freezer monitor
8. Fish tank monitor
9. Auto diagnostic center
10. In-car navigation system
11. Weather station
12. Robots
13. Networked video games
14. Model train controller

CD-ROM includes

• Trial version of Pinnacle Studio
• Visual GPS, freeware, and SocketWatch, shareware version
• Demo versions of GoldWave and Nero Burning ROM
• Unreal Tournament 2003 demo

Customer Reviews (12)

For people with more dollars than sense
I've been building computers (soldering parts on circuit boards - not just plugging in a couple of cards and a power supply like people who say they "build" computers these days), but I thought some of the ideas mentioned in the description of this book sounded cool.Alas, as another reviewer pointed out, it basically directs you to go out and buy a bunch of pre-made stuff, plug it together, and turn it on.Expensive, inflexible, and not very educational.I mean... "Telescope Tracking Station": first, buy an expensive Meade telescope.Then, buy an expensive telescope tracking controller from the same company.Finally, plug it in and turn it on.Please.And the author seems to be hung up on Microsoft products and/or commercial software.There are _lots_ of pieces of free software available on the Internet that will let you do the things he talks about in the book - without spending a bundle with Microsoft or some other big company.And you'll learn something in the process.Skip this book, unless you've got lots of money and know little to nothing about PCs and software.

All of it can be found on the web for free

This is just a repackaging of info freely available on the web.

Very disappointing
I was immediately disappointed after I received this book and first browsed through it. The authors' idea of a "project" is buying some off the shelf gadget and plugging it into your PC. I don't need a book to explain THAT.

Oh, and if you don't know what an MP3 file is, HERE ARE ALL THE DETAILS. What rubbish. Of the 14 "projects" maybe 3 or 4 are easier with this book, but the chances of you're being interested in one of those seems poor.

If you get the chance to look this thing over before buying you'll quickly know if it's for you. If you have any experience interfacing PC's at all, just skip this book.

Pass this book up
It does give you step by step on how to complete these projects; but it will cost you.Example telescope tracker parts list runs about $900, then you can connect it to a PC.Build a PVR uses a P3933 with 512MB ram.I don't have one of those sitting on a shelf.This cook book shows you what software to buy, cables and plug and play modules, but does not teach anything.I guess I wanted to solder something.Please try to find a copy and flip through it before you buy it.

Very "old school" retro flavour
Ever wonder what fun things you could do with your PC, aside from playing games? Barry and Marcia Press offer some suggestions. These involve integrating your PC in some ingenious fashion to your surroundings. Quite distinct from running games or surfing the web.

Actually, while they deal with the latest PCs, there is a definite retro flavour to this book. You see, before the web arose, most PCs were standalone, or perhaps connected to a LAN if the PCs were in a workplace. But home PCs were usually on their own lonesome selves. Plus, the games of that era lacked the intensive graphics and complexity of logic of today's offerings. So quite often, PCs were used by hobbyists who were hardware buffs. This goes all the way back to the Homebrew Computer Club of San Francisco in the 1970s.

So if you try some of the book's projects, like monitoring your fish tank or your fridge or freezer, or making a control centre for model trains, you are actually indulging in an "old school" ethos. ... Read more

Product Description
The home of the future can be the home you live in today. As you were growing up, you probably remember cartoons, movies and television that forecasted a home that would make your food, walk your dog, and instantly greet you when you came home.
While we haven’t gotten quite to that point, home automation has taken the home into a new dimension. Today, you can control virtually anything in your home with a remote or even voice recognition.
You may think that this is too hard to do or that it’s too technologically advanced for you. There’s nothing to worry about because home automation has become easy and affordable. In most cases, you can make significant changes for under $100.
Are you ready to step into a world that offers you the ability to take control? Home Automation 101 will prepare you to do just that. Learn what your options are, the different methods of control and just how to get these benefits into your home today. Yes, today!

Introduction …………………………………………………………………page 4
Chapter 1: What Is Home Automation? …………..………………..5
Chapter 2: The Benefits Of Home Automation ………………..15
Chapter 3: What Will You Take Control Of? …………….………22
Chapter 4: Methods Of Home Automation Control ………….36
Chapter 5: Just What Is X10 Technology? ……………………….45
Chapter 6: Building An Automated Home ………………………..52
Tips For When Automation Doesn’t Go As Planned ……………59
3
Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………60 ... Read more

Product Description
Are you planning on updating your home with the most recent technology?If so, pay attention!

There's finally a new, breakthrough book created just for people like you!

And, if you really want to have the most successful, home automation that will bring a smile to your face, then this book is definitely for YOU!


I myself have been transforming my home for a couple of years now, but it wasn't easy getting started!I mean, information on this is pretty hard to come across.Especially the kind of information I wanted to know more about.To be quite honest with you, I got tired of looking and searching all over the place, so I decided to create the definitive book on home automation 101!

This Isn't Like Any Other General or Generic Book
On Home Automation You Can Find In Any Store..

...On the internet, or even at your local library for that matter!

This book covers everything there is to know about home automation. In fact, some people have called it the "Home Automation 101 Manual "!

It's like having your very own home automation guide that you can reference and ask questions anytime that you need to!

You'll uncover a wide array of tips including interesting facts that made it what it is today! ... Read more

Product Description
"A fascinating insight into potentially one of the most exciting developments that affects each and every one of us as we move forward into the 21st Century. This book indicates the direction industry must take if we are to achieve the dream of living in a Smart Home." Steve Hearnden, Mobile Telecommunications Consultant, UK

"A timely and much needed compliment to more technology-led explorations of the Smart Home. It draws attention to the complexity, diversity and conceptual richness of domestic life and critically reflects on the adoption and use of technologies in the home to date." Geraldine Fitzpatrick, Sapient Ltd, UK

If the predictions of leading electronics and consumer companies are to be believed, in the future you may never again have to worry about forgetting to switch the lights off, or locking the front door when you leave your home. Even mundane chores such as visiting your local supermarket to stock up your fridge will become a thing of the past, as the Smart Homes of the future will be able to decide what is needed and order them for us. Inside the Smart Home looks at the designs and technologies behind these new innovations, along with their time-saving, environmental and security benefits, amongst others. Despite these clear advantages however, Smart Homes have so far failed to reach the levels of success originally anticipated, thereby forcing designers to further examine the roles and practicalities of these new technologies. Through the use of detailed case studies from such international giants as Orange, Ariston, Philips Electronics and Electrolux, this book clearly demonstrates what will be possible for our domestic settings in the future if we continue to develop the concept of the Smart Home. ... Read more

Product Description
Recent years have witnessed rapid advances in the enabling technologies such as wireless communication, smart sensors / actuators, robotics and smart devices / services. As the pervasive computing technologies become more and more mature, people in both academia and industry are thinking of how to deploy those technologies to enhance the quality of life for all the world citizens and maintain independent living for elderly and disabled people. With the goal of using assistive technology to help elderly and disabled people carry out daily living activities, socialize, and enjoy entertainment and leisure activities, This publication focuses on "smart home and health telematics" and choosing again "independent living for persons with disabilities and elderly people" as the theme of the ICOST conference. It has to be clarified that smart home techniques are not only limited to home environment, but can also be deployed into other environments such as hospitals, offices, schools, or even train stations. ICOST intends to provide a forum for researchers, practitioners, business leaders and policy makers to exchange ideas and experiences in the smart home and healthcare domain. ... Read more