For software powerful enough to handle all your home automation control needs, you don't need to be a professional programmer. The INSTEON-Compatible Home Control Assistant (HCA) 8 Automation Software, Plus is an easy and intuitive computer interface for automating all the lights and appliances in your home to match your lifestyle. While the software has a focus on INSTEON home automation control, it can also communicate with X10, UPB and other home automation products. Using HCA 8 Standard, a fully functional automation solution can be built from those components that you need - choosing the best parts from all the automation worlds. From landscape lighting that turns on at dusk and off at bedtime, to thermostats that only heat/cool when you're home to enjoy it, to whole-house mood lighting that you can control with a single switch, HCA 8 Standard handles it with ease.Schedules You can also set vacation schedules that simulate an "at home" appearance to reduce the risk of being burglarized. A number of schedules can be used, including separate ones for weekdays and weekends. And there's no need to worry about power outages either, since Home Control Assistant automatically resets itself, catching up on the schedule you programmed. Quick & Easy Programming Home Control Assistant provides complete support for programming all INSTEON- and X10-compatible switches. For example, you can save hours of programming by adjusting the ramp rate directly on your computer screen making it easy to set lights to turn on with an elegant fade instead of popping on abruptly. This soft start feature is not only easier on your eyes, it also lengthens the life span of your light bulbs. User-Friendly Interface Best of all, this user-friendly, visually oriented software employs a true Windows approach, complete with drag-and-drop programming and QuickStart Wizards that ask you all the important questions. The easy setup walks you through an inventory of the devices in your home, and even helps create a system based on your needs. Remote Access Access your computer running HCA from any location on a local network or the Internet. Remotely control your lights and appliances, start and stop programs, switch schedules and even view the state of your home. Do everything you can do on HCA 8 you would on your home PC, except making changes to your design. The remote access interface adapts for mobile (hand held) browsers.