# Editing Actions

The event and responder windows offer a variety of actions. You can change the type of action by selecting from the menu as shown here:

## Tell Device | The controller tells a device to operate.
The remaining types of actions are Mac-only and require Thinking Home to be running. This can be enabled in the Preferences.
## Log | Adds a log entry with text of your choosing.
## Announce | The Mac speaks an announcement, using a message you provide.
## Open Item | Opens a file, web page or other item. Examples are provided in the Open Item window.
## Play Sound | Plays a sound. It can be a built-in Mac sound or a sound file you select.
## Run Script | Runs a script, which can make decisions. This can be a very powerful feature, making your home “intelligent”. The script can be an AppleScript or any scripting language that is installed. These normally include Perl, Python, Ruby and unix shell scripts. Javascript is also available from Late Night Software. The script can be typed in place in the script editor window or it can be a file. Virtually any file format will work, including text, compiled scripts and applications.
## Send Email | Sends a short email to the address of your choosing. This uses Apple’s Mail application to send it. Examples are provided in the Email window.
## Send Instant Message | Sends an instant message to the buddy of your choosing. This uses your default application to send it. The most popular ones are supported: Apple’s iChat, AOL Instant Messenger and Adium. Examples are provided in the Instant Message window.