HTPC set up help. What software.

Django x2 · 23 Jan 2009 at 18:20

Guys, I could do with some tips to keep the amount of software on my HTPC down.

It runs TV so obviously needs to be able to get updates from the interweb. However, I'm trying to decide if I need an AV program. I have a server and mini home domain and wondered if the HTPC could update through the server which does have AV installed.

Also, I'd like to remove IE7 (which is possible) but then again I may occassionally use it.

No Office or Adobe, so what other software would you have on an HTPC and what would you install?

Bomag · 24 Jan 2009 at 01:42

What OS are you using?

I duel boot XP MCE - on the C drive I have Anti Virus, spybot, games, all the AV programs (power cinema for fressat, power dvd, full quictime etc, ). The on D: I just have MCE, power DVD, Firefox, spybot and QT lite.

The HTPC normally in in S3 sleep using drive D:. As long as you limit internet access to program data and BBC or similar sites you don't really need a backgrand resident antivirus program

Supertaff · 24 Jan 2009 at 01:55

I'd add My Movies to link into Media Centre if your going to rip all your DVD's to a hard driver on the HTPC or the Server.

Taff

Vimes · 24 Jan 2009 at 11:12

DivX 7 for the codec, will decode mkv's nicely.

Media Portal to use as the front end....

http://www.team-mediaportal.com/

spend sometime reading their forums and once you have it set up and customised how you want it to function you will be amazed.