Is there some kind of way I can turn something like my TV on or off with my computer via remote link? Maybe a usb switch that I have my TV plunged in to or something?

For home use, two popular home automation technologies that can be interfaced with a computer are X10 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X10_%28industry_standard%29) and INSTEON (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insteon). The systems offer various modules that plug in between the device to be controlled and the wall outlet. Typically, the minimum components needed to control a TV by computer would be 1) the PC interface software, 2) PC/powerline interface/controller (USB or serial), and 3) an appliance module.

Smart Home (http://www.smarthome.com) and Home Controls (http://www.homecontrols.com/) are two sources for products. Their catalogs are a wealth of info.

I accualy came across a infra-red application for my phone one. Could control most IR applications.