Is it my imagination or is this version of XP actually faster than the original version? I ask this because I managed to pick up a copy of MCE 05 from our local computer shop in their bargain bin and couldn't resist buying it. When I installed it I noticed that it seems to be quicker than XP. Especially the interface, it just seems quicker. Either that or this is the first signs of insanity setting in.
Windows MCE 2005 XP faster than XP?
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Soldato
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mayb its just cuz of it being a new updated version a.......... or its a fresh install of Xp and it always goes nice and fast on a new install
squiffy said:It's just Windows Home with a (naff) HTPC front end. If you're going to use a HTPC I recommend Media Portal, it's more powerful than Media Centre HTPC front end.
As for the speed have you timed it?
Quick random question.
Would i be able to use a laptop as a HTPC using Media Portal ?
What would i need, just a TV card ?
Cheers
squiffy said:It's just Windows Home with a (naff) HTPC front end. If you're going to use a HTPC I recommend Media Portal, it's more powerful than Media Centre HTPC front end.
As for the speed have you timed it?
i don't mean to be pedantic (really annoys me when people are), but its more like xp pro -remote desktop is included, just domain joining is patched to not be available, you can hack it back in using recovery console + xp pro disc tho
Soldato
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I stongly dislike MCE. I find XP Pro a tad bit faster as it doesn't come with all the extras that I would never use.
I haven't timed it. I should I guess, but then I guess its too near Christmas to be doing too much faffing about. I think the front end is great. My girlfriend and I find it easier to view our pictures, watch our flicks and listen to our albums without loading up many different applications. I certainly like the idea of purchasing a remote control - this is something I need to be looking into. I guess it comes into its own once you have the remote. There must be nothing better than relaxing on the couch and listening to music without being crouched over the computer desk. There probably are better applications but then why would I bother buying something else to do the same thing - besides MCE does the job reasonably well. Ever used the front end of the NTL service; now that is terrible!
I am not knocking anyone here, but I often wonder at the advice given by some people. Anyone with only two computer's in the house doesn't really need to be joining domains. If I was to buy a third I probably still wouldn't setup a domain because this would entail the purchase and maintenance of a fourth machine. I admit you could use this fourth machine as a mail server, a proxy server, a file server, a print server, a firewall on so forth. But there are only two of us in a three bedroom house - hence it would be overkill to configure a domain. Perhaps if I was a student again in 5 bedroom house - then that would be an ideal time to setup a domain. (If only to spy on what porn everyone is downloading
).
I am not knocking anyone here, but I often wonder at the advice given by some people. Anyone with only two computer's in the house doesn't really need to be joining domains. If I was to buy a third I probably still wouldn't setup a domain because this would entail the purchase and maintenance of a fourth machine. I admit you could use this fourth machine as a mail server, a proxy server, a file server, a print server, a firewall on so forth. But there are only two of us in a three bedroom house - hence it would be overkill to configure a domain. Perhaps if I was a student again in 5 bedroom house - then that would be an ideal time to setup a domain. (If only to spy on what porn everyone is downloading
).This confuses me as the only extra thing in MCE is the media centre software which you don't have to use. I have used XP Home, MCE and Pro and they are all identical in performance, because apart from a few different features here/there they are all identical.Tony Williams said:
squiffy said:It's just Windows Home with a (naff) HTPC front end. If you're going to use a HTPC I recommend Media Portal, it's more powerful than Media Centre HTPC front end.
As for the speed have you timed it?
Whilst I agree Media Centre may not be the best, its certainly the most stable, can`t say the same for Media portal !!
No problems with Media Portal, and just as stable. Must be your system. One thing I don't like with Media Centre front end, you can't ffwd or rrwd faster than 2x. Media Portal allows 32x speed scanning. Media Portal has far more configuration, MC is basic by comparison, although it does do the job. MP picture, photo browser is superior, and plugin feature, choice of players/post processing etc.
Then it's your system. I've setup three HTPC's with Media Portal and all work fine. Do you have .net installed?
Media Portal is free. Media Portal has lots of plugins you can use, local weather for example. Media Portal does the same thing, but does it better. Try and get Media Centre front end DVD player to use ffdshow scaling. It won't, you have to use a plugin, the plugin - My Movies 2 - is now called My "Movies", not "Play DVD" You can't remove Play DVD selection.
Trust me, I installed Media Centre, didn't like some ways MC did things so tried MP. Oh you can install MP onto of your OS, if you don't like it just uninstall it and go back to MC. You need the Media Portal remote control exe, that adds autorun of MP when Start button on remote is pressed.
Media Portal is free. Media Portal has lots of plugins you can use, local weather for example. Media Portal does the same thing, but does it better. Try and get Media Centre front end DVD player to use ffdshow scaling. It won't, you have to use a plugin, the plugin - My Movies 2 - is now called My "Movies", not "Play DVD" You can't remove Play DVD selection.
Trust me, I installed Media Centre, didn't like some ways MC did things so tried MP. Oh you can install MP onto of your OS, if you don't like it just uninstall it and go back to MC. You need the Media Portal remote control exe, that adds autorun of MP when Start button on remote is pressed.