For the relay module, I think he's probably referring to something like this:
http://www.electronickits.com/kit/co...lec/ck1601.htm
If not the same unit. It has a Windows GUI, but can also be controlled via command line commands. I'll just hope the software is free, but like vmobit, i'm a bit wary of having to have .NET installed. (I've seen the WONDERS that .NET Platform 1.1 does on the machines at my work...)
Software looks good though. Hope it becomes another viable option for us!