1. A method of remotely controlling an external device over a communications network using a personal communication device, comprising: providing an external device for linking to a communications network; activating on the personal communication device having a messaging user interface which allows a user to input both a textual segment and to select at least one icon from a series of icons, said textual segment and at least one icon are in a format compatible with a message service standard; composing an iconic message using both said at least one icon and said textual segment from said messaging user interface; transmitting said iconic message over said communications network from said personal communication device to instruct said external device which is located remotely from said personal communication device; and wherein a non-display function of said external device is automatically operated according to at least one instruction encoded by said iconic message from said personal communication device transmitted over said communications network.