Upcoming home assistant installation, concerns about using Linux
Upcoming home assistant installation, concerns about using Linux
I’m not familiar with HA in the context you mentioned, but I can assist with other topics. Raspberry Pi OS is essentially Debian enhanced with a dedicated Pi package, offering alternative versions of certain software. If HA exists for Debian, it should be available in RPi OS. You might explore using Docker as an alternative, though any limitations would depend on the specific setup. The Pi 5 has some unique quirks with the Linux kernel, which could affect booting or performance, but these issues should be resolved soon. You can configure stock Debian by adding the RPi repository to your package sources, though this may require adjustments to default settings like PAM. This approach works for both Pi models, though Raspberry Pi OS includes some extra configuration changes. The Pi 5 is capable of handling more than just HA, so it’s not a necessity for every scenario.
There is an ARM docker container for HA that runs well on a Pi5, but it really depends on what you are doing with HA. It depends if you are already running it in docker(?) or a dedicated "full OS" VM as to how easy it'll be to swap over. Web browsing is a strange one - as web pages and browsers become heavier I'd personally stick to a PC for this. One of the Pi5's I have in the wild runs HA and a 4 camera CCTV system - sits around 20% cpu usage, goes up to ~60% when it's decoding 4x1080p streams onto the 1080p monitor. As far as office documents it depends, you are limited to 8G of ram, so you will want to try and avoid any "background" processes swapping memory pages, if you can do it without it "messing with HA" then you'll be fine. No, this would be absolutely fine: Most of the tools you'd need for this are built into the Linux kernel, so run really well with very little overhead. When your core HA runs in a docker container all the config/data sits on an "external mount", this would make it really easy for you to "fiddle with" and get working on your main machine, then just copy over the "external mount" files and it would pretty much be working.
Running HA on Docker is straightforward: just skip the add-ons, and because those are essential for my smart devices, HA is out of the question. That’s why I’m exploring alternatives. Many users are very particular about Debian—some say it can’t be Ubuntu, only Debian works. As a beginner, I assumed anything else meant no Raspberry Pi OS, but the reality is even Debian installation feels too basic for serious use. Despite that, I managed to get it running on a Windows VM, which is advanced, so I decided to give it a shot. I’m looking for ways to reach the same outcome: lightweight browsing, KVM support, and maybe a bit of luck for 5G backup.
I don't need to take your word for it, I'm doing a complete update on my home automation system. I have around 20 devices, no cameras, just lamps, AC, and smart breakers. I'm using a VM and followed the instructions from the HA site. When unsure, I ask ChatGPT, which is a simple approach but it works. If something seems off, it might be network issues—my ISP changes my smart device IP when it goes online, so HA can't locate it. Part of the RasBpi overhaul is setting a new router, and I plan to assign each IP permanently. Hopefully this will fix the problem. That's good news, but how can I do it? Any guidance or tutorials would be helpful—I'm not very familiar with Linux.
Recently a toaster was promoted with the claim you could control it remotely via your phone while driving. In this country, using a cell phone while driving is prohibited. The choices were a $30 model or a $500+ version. To use the cheaper one, you’d press its lever, remove your coat and shoes, grab the butter, and it would likely explode. We assume the pricier model failed too or miscalculated your timing. Which option makes more sense? What defines "smart" here?
A smart home is essentially a place where people understand basic tasks like turning lights on or off, adjusting settings, and performing other actions that humans have done for centuries. Exceptions are made for those with disabilities, whose challenges prevent them from doing these things easily.
You asked for a specific focus on Linux users, since you believe not all non-computer users belong to smart homes. The Wikipedia page on smart home technology supports this view, highlighting its reliance on electronic devices rather than mechanical or simple switches.
It's about exploring new options, not being lazy. You're asking how to set up lighting controls with RGB and warm/cold white options, plus managing scripts across devices. Is that dishonest?