Need some advise on a HTPC

[Lethagized]

Hi lads, need some advice on setting up an HTPC. It's an old spec computer but will mainly be used for watching bbc iplayer, 4od, itv player and the odd divx film here and there. All standard definition.

Now the questions are..

What's the best os to use? ubuntu, XP or Win7?
What's the best remote which will give full functionality over the iPlayer, 4OD etc?

I'm leaning towards ubuntu because it's a low spec machine (2400+ Sempron, 1gb ram, 80gb hdd) so what's the best software that i could use with remote control inside ubuntu to control the various online players?

Same question goes with windows os, what's the best software to use?

Thanks lads

 

[blueacid]

I'd take a look at XBMC for both. It's a very versatile front end with skinning support.

SD content on that will be perfectly fine with either to be honest

 

[chipps101]

have to agree that xbmc is quite good, i have a shuttle running xp home with an xp 2000+, 2gb ram and a fx 5700 128mb and xbmc plays just about everything i have thrown at it fine even with that lowly spec and it also works with my cyberlink dvd remote with no configuring.

media portal is worth a look also.