Send ON/OFF commands remotely to Raspi

[feverish]

I now have a new Raspi B+. On it, I intend to have an Apache server, and loaded into the server an HTML file I have already drafted and tested for layout but which currently contains no script code. The HTML file includes a button.The Raspi will be connected to my home LAN when I return there from UK. I'd like to send a heater ON/OFF command from the HTML file(ON/OFF.html) button displayed remotely in a browser when I load it, to a Pyhton application I can write, running on the Raspi to use a solid-state relay to connect/disconnect the mains power to the heater. I've spent hours reading about JavaScript, Ajax, jQuery, Comet on the web and am sure it should be easy but I can't seem to get the exact code into my ancient head.
Anybody having snippets they are willing to pass on will be listened to with much joy.

[BMS Doug]

this Instructable gives instructions for operating a garage door opener from a web page, you should be able to modify the python code to your purpose easily enough.

[feverish]

Many thanks. I've read it through a few times and it seems an excellently detailed and understandable tutorial. Wish me luck! I'll report back when it is up and running.