It's a crazy, fast-paced technological world that we live in. When that technology gets to be a bit too much for us, it's helpful to have someone that you can turn to help for. For those of us who are more technically adept, a quick Internet search might solve our most troubling problems, but for those of us who struggle with our computers, having a helping hand is much more effective. But we can't always have someone walk over to our desk, and show us where to click or what to type.

But, for those of us who use an operating system like Windows XP, a speedy Internet connection and technically savvy friend somewhere on the planet, you can get your help. Thanks to a feature called "Remote Assistance", a friend or coworker can virtually hold your hand and help you through your computer troubles.

Now, wouldn't it be great if you could get your granddaughter to help you program your VCR from her dorm room? That would involve connecting your VCR to the Internet, and that's just what engineers at a company called SUN had planned for you back in 1992 when they invented the programming language called Java. These days, you might use a Java application when playing a game in your web browser. It could also be powering an enterprise level application where you work, but Java's original roots were intended to be planted in the soil of small appliances, all connected together though a network.

Even though Java's original design didn't work out exactly as planned, there have been many small steps toward the same vision of network connected devices. Take for instance the proliferation of the X-10 technology. You can buy simple and complicated devices that are controlled through your regular home power lines. X-10 allows you to turn lights on and off, control irrigation, open your garage door and any number of other things in your home or office. With the proper network connection, you can use X-10 to control your appliances from a remote location.

Networks can be used to remotely monitor devices as well. The "Big Belly" trash compactor sends maintenance workers a signal when the trash bin is full and needs to be emptied. Not only does it save space by compressing the trash, but having the bin emptied only when necessary saves time and money for the city or company that installs them.

Some people that can't wait for the corporate world to create products for them have taken the connected home a lot further on their own. For instance, the "MisterHouse" open source project provides software developed for controlling many home devices from the Internet. I believe the main contributing author of the software let Internet users control his own home devices at one time, although I couldn't find any way to do this now (would you want a sleepless teenager turning your bedroom light on and off during the night?). The system is setup to monitor events within the home such as the room temperature, when doors open and close, when e-mail arrives and so on. The system can trigger actions based on monitored conditions, such as opening the curtains when the light and temperature are at levels that would require more sunlight to come into a room to keep it comfortable. MisterHouse can also schedule events to happen such as recording television shows on the VCR.

As more devices are connected to home, corporate and Internet networks, perhaps we'll all be able to get the help we need. As long as there is a real and caring person looking out for us on the other end of line, I think we will.

Update: I can't find evidence that the "Big Belly" products available currently send messages when full, but I do recall hearing about this technology, and notices this blog posting regarding future developments they are planning.

Update 2007/01/27: The MAKE: Magazine blog has this post that points to some DIY appliances (including a smoker) with their own IP addresses