combine 1 single pc for htpc/office pc?

[benandjerry]

Is there an easy way to do this?

I've no experience with htpc software, but would it be possible to to just run say win7, and then with pretty much a single click fire up a htpc application like xbmc or mediaportal (or what else there is)? Its my understanding that people set these softwares up to launch on startup so you get their interface as a startup screen?

I was wanting to set up a pc for someone, mainly as for regular office/browsing usage so I would have a regular windows setup, but I would also like for that person to be able to switch it to a htpc in a very easy way like a single click on a shortcut. Would that be possible?

If it is, whats the best htpc software out there. Simplicity is priotized quite highly.

 

[Modelworks]

You can load xbmc with a shortcut just like any other application, it doesn't have to load at startup. That is just an option for people that want to dedicate a pc for that use.

XBMC doesn't require any codecs or other stuff to be installed so you can just run the setup exe to install and then click the shortcut to use.

Best software is subjective. Windows Media Center is good, it comes with windows 7 and you can get a remote like I bought that will launch it and control the functions. It has support of netflix online built in which is really nice.

XBMC has more features but it takes some time to customize the options.

Hulu has hulu desktop which you can download that is a media player dedicated to their site. Really easy to use.


The remote I recommend to people is this one, all you have to do is plug in the usb receiver and it works, no drivers or configuration needed. And the remote is good quality. $24

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...21003&cm_re=mce_remote-_-80-121-003-_-Product

 

[benandjerry]

Thanks for your reply, I guess I'll play around a bit with the different softwares.

As for the remote, I'm unfortunately not located in the US and I had a look around for that one here but couldnt find it. I found some decent looking Sony and Logitech though which I might pick up later. With most decent universal remotes, would it be possible to program it to even launch the htpc software with a button, and maybe switch screen setup (monitor/tv) with another button or is that wishful thinking?

 

[0roo0roo]

don't mix work with play.

unless you are working for kicks and are loaded.

 

[benandjerry]

don't mix work with play.

unless you are working for kicks and are loaded.

care to elaborate?

this pc isnt gonna be used as a heavy work station, I dont see a reason not to use it as a htpc at chosen times just as a bonus if easily possible.