On Tue, 15 May 2001, you wrote:
> I'm looking for a good way to keep watch over the temperature in the
>  

Try B&B Electronics,  been using the 232DTT on a DOS serial port for years
with no problems, and it's has programable alarms.  Not sure about Linux
app's.  $75

http://www.bb-elec.com/product.asp?sku=232dtt

John Goerg