Overview of Linear Actuator Control

Most linear actuators on the market are brushed DC motor driven linear actuators.  There are also brushless motor driven actuators, and actuators with a control interface built in, these tend to be targeted towards high end scientific and specialty uses.

Because most of the linear actuators are brushed DC motor driven, it makes it fairly simple to control.

You can use a simple rocker switch for the most basic installation to relays or custom built controllers.  It really depends on how you want to control the actuator and what you want to do.