Looking to get started; some advice?

[TheAmorphous]

Hi all.  Title says it all.  I'll try to keep this short so hopefully more people will read it.
 
Here's what I want:
Control lamps and some overhead lighting (all CFL), don't really care about dimming.
Control ceiling fan if possible.
Eventually a garage door opener if they become a bit easier to set up.
 
 
I have an always-on server running Linux that I'd like to utilize.  Also, I'll need to be able to access all of my automation via Android (both phone and tablet).  Tasker integration would be wonderful, but I'm not holding my breath on that one.
 
Simple, right?  I've already done some research and found the Aeon Z-stick might be the way to go, but what controller software would I run on Linux that has an Android client?
 
 

 

[ano]

If you only want to control lights with an Android app.  look at the Philips Hue bulbs. They can be controlled with a phone app. nothing more. No server required. 
 
Typically people with use a ELK M1 or HAI Omni Pro II as the heart of their system, because in addition to control, people need sensing.  Don't you want lights to go on or off in response to something?  Or do you just want to control with your phone?  Linux server is fine by itself, but typically controlling and sensing things requires lots of hardware interfaces, and a PC can't do that itself, but you could put an I/O card in your PC to control and sense things.
 
We need more descriptions on what you expect to do. "Controlling lights from a phone" is just one action.  Like I say if you ONLY want to do that, look at the Philips Hue. 

 

[TheAmorphous]

If you only want to control lights with an Android app.  look at the Philips Hue bulbs. They can be controlled with a phone app. nothing more. No server required. 
 
Typically people with use a ELK M1 or HAI Omni Pro II as the heart of their system, because in addition to control, people need sensing.  Don't you want lights to go on or off in response to something?  Or do you just want to control with your phone?  Linux server is fine by itself, but typically controlling and sensing things requires lots of hardware interfaces, and a PC can't do that itself, but you could put an I/O card in your PC to control and sense things.
 
We need more descriptions on what you expect to do. "Controlling lights from a phone" is just one action.  Like I say if you ONLY want to do that, look at the Philips Hue. 

 
Sensors I figured would come later.  For right now I want to start out basic.  Let's say that the goal for right now is turning lights off and on with my phone and tablet (both running Android).  I was hoping to find something open source that I could tinker with, preferably one that would run on Linux, but that's looking to maybe be a tall order.
 
Are dedicated controllers like the Vera necessary?  From what I'm reading it's looking more and more like they might be.