Premise Premise help

[jimsfield]

I feel really dumb about this so be patient with me.
 
I have decided I would like to use the Premise software. If I want to control lights, thermostat, door locks, sprinklers, water sensor alert, garage door, and stove alert what else do I need besides the Premise software? 
 
Do I need a microcontroller?  If so what do you recommend?
 
What's the difference between UPB, Z-wave and Zigbee?
 
More questions to follow i'm sure.
 
Thanks
 
Jim

 

[etc6849]

Z-Wave is what I use.  There's a listing of what Z-Wave hardware is required in the downloads section:
http://cocoontech.com/forums/files/file/176-vrc0p-z-wave-module-for-premise/
 
There are probably 20 threads on cocoon-tech that compare the technologies, so I'm not going to try and attempt to recreate them.
 
I'd use an Elk M1G for water and heat detection, but there's so many ways to do what you're asking...  The best approach is to search on here for each topic and study your options (a lot), then see which is compatible with Premise.