X-10 is great for controlling your system. Just make sure that you get appliance modules, not the weaker Lamp Modules. If there is a Fry's Electronics in your area, they also carry some of the modules, and some controllers.

If you want a timer program without having to purchase the ActiveHome package, AND you have the Fireworks module (They were practically giving these away a while back), I found this FREE timer program that works pretty well. You can download here. http://users.ntplx.net/~jpjones/tech/downloadf10.htm

HTH,

Jim