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HTPC for parents...

C

cpals

Diamond Member
Should I go with the no-brainer (WinXP Media Center Edition) or use Sage? I have Sage running on my computer and while it is great and is very customizable, MCE might be a little easier for the folks to understand.

What would you install for your parents if you were going to?
 
Originally posted by: minendo
WinXP MCE and give them a basic user account so they don't kill it with spyware.
Click to expand...

How would they get spyware on it just from watching tv/movies??

It's strictly a HTPC, so no internet browsing or anything.
 
I've only used BeyondTv and really like it, so I can't really say which to choose. But I'd make sure you get at least 2 tuners and try to add a small UPS.
 
I'd say Windows MCE with the remote. It's probably the most idiot proof setup short of a TiVo.
 
Originally posted by: cpals
Originally posted by: minendo
WinXP MCE and give them a basic user account so they don't kill it with spyware.
Click to expand...

How would they get spyware on it just from watching tv/movies??

It's strictly a HTPC, so no internet browsing or anything.
Click to expand...
You'd be amazed at what illiterates can accompolish.

If it is soley for HTPC needs, keep it off all networks and allow absolutely no internet connection whatsoever.
 
Originally posted by: minendo
Originally posted by: cpals
Originally posted by: minendo
WinXP MCE and give them a basic user account so they don't kill it with spyware.
Click to expand...

How would they get spyware on it just from watching tv/movies??

It's strictly a HTPC, so no internet browsing or anything.
Click to expand...
You'd be amazed at what illiterates can accompolish.

If it is soley for HTPC needs, keep it off all networks and allow absolutely no internet connection whatsoever.
Click to expand...
You have to have an internet connection to download guide data.

Buy them a tivo.
 
I have a Sage setup at home and while I like it, it is not ready for your non-computer geek type person. I bought the PVR-350 bundle from Sage and use the TV-Out which to this day still locks up at the End of Files. Unless you have a rock solid set-up I would avoid making an HTPC for someone else as you will be stuck supporting it. 😉
 
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