A major concern with a connected home is system crashes. Computers do crash, so how are you supposed to protect your home from crashing when it is run by a computer? This is a

concern that Lifeware and Exceptional Innovation have addressed head on.

# To reduce software conflicts, Lifeware installers remove any unnecessary software from the primary computer used to manage the home control system and install only the software required to run the home. Additionally, user accounts are limited to prevent unwanted and potentially dangerous software from being installed on the computer.

# Lifeware installers harden the system by installing a firewall on the home network, and installing and configuring anti-virus software. In addition, Internet security options are set on high to help prevent spyware and Web-borne viruses from affecting the system.

# The rest is up to the homeowner, who can significantly reduce the risk of a system crash by not using the home control PC to access the Internet or check e-mail. It's also important to regularly update the virus protection on other PCs on the home network.

# If a problem does occur, Lifeware maintains a support call center that can provide assistance for software installations, configurations and upgrades, and support for Lifeware products as well as partner vendor products.