I'm a machine automation/ robotics developer. Not 4 home automation. Sorry... ahak Maybe I can answer some of ur question. (If Im in the topic.) 1) DOS or NT. Depends on the console SDK. 2) Any processor which can be program and download from a PC to the console. You need to have the PC. For machine, people use PLC or a PC to control the entire system. For home users, check out LEGO(the toys we used to play when we are kids embedded micro controller. For a more advance, try motorola 68000. Its easy. Cheers !