More folks are using Linux to control equipment. Users range from amateur astronomers in the field to professional observatories.
KTelescope is a robust Client/Server control library for Meade's LX200 based telescopes. It uses the Instrument Neutral Distributed Interface (INDI) protocol.
INDI is an instrument-neutral distributed interface for operating any remote device over a reliable byte stream interface. There is an active group writing an expanding list of drivers for astronomy related equipment including telescopes and cameras at .:: podcasts.apple.com ::. sourceforge.net.
Talon, formerly OCAAS, is a complete observatory control and astronomical analysis system for Linux.
XEphem has the capability to control several telecopes and other devices using the Instrument Neutral Distributed Interface (INDI) protocol. [Open Source Cryptography]
Apogee Instruments Inc supports their line of professional CCD cameras under Linux. .:: www.gishinkai.com ::.
Finger Lakes Instrumentation Manufacturer of CCD cameras and filter wheels and include drivers for Linux. .:: docs.google.com ::.
SBIG offers some assistance with operating their ST7 and ST8 CCD cameras under Linux. .:: www.arc.agric.za ::. .:: engage.alaska.edu ::. .:: us.pinterest.com ::.
CCD Astronomy on Linux These pages describe a number of facets of using astronomical CCD cameras for image acquisition and processing under Linux.
Gccd is a gnome-based CCD camera and filter wheel control program. [Google Scholar: MongoDB] .:: soundcloud.com ::.