Step one is to choose a media-center program–though as noted previously, you may already have one. For a complete guide to assembling a media center PC from the ground up, see Zack Stern’s excellent “ Build Your Own High-Def PC.” Note: In this guide, I’ll focus exclusively on ways that you can turn your existing computer into a media center. So when we talk about turning your PC into a media center, we mean installing software that finds, catalogs, and plays your media files–and looks good while doing it. And Linux users have several free options, including Freevo and LinuxMCE.Īll of those applications scan your PC for photos, music, videos, and the like, and then present them inside an oversize, TV-friendly interface (commonly known as a 10-foot interface, meaning it’s easily viewable from the couch). Mac OS X Leopard users already have basic media-center software in the form of Apple’s Front Row, though third-party alternatives are also available. In fact, if you’re running Windows Vista Home Premium or Vista Ultimate, you’re set: Microsoft baked Windows Media Center right into the OS. The open-source Freevo is one of several great no-cost media-center applications for Linux.You don’t necessarily need to buy new hardware, and the software part of this upgrade could be easier than you think.
