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The FAQs are divided into several categories. Click on one of the following to go directly to that section. As its name implies, the Media Center PC is a computer that's made to combine many of your entertainment electronics into one unit. This includes, DVR, DVD, CD, etc. You can hook a Media Center PC directly to your desktop cable or satellite receiver. If you want to know more about the features of the Media Center PC or need other information click here. What operating system does a Media Center PC use? Windows XP Media Center PC Edition is a superset of Windows XP Pro. Microsoft has announced the updated version released in August 2004. Windows XP Media Center PC Edition 2004 is available to all Media Center PC owners at no cost. This is included with Windows XP Service Pack 2. Why should I install Windows XP Service Pack 2, including Media Center PC Edition 2004? Windows XP Service Pack 2 includes many security updates. Installing SP2 helps protect your computer from malware, such as viruses, trojans and spyware. This is a Service Pack every computer running XP should have installed. Media Center PC Edition 2004 is a part of SP2. Media Center 2005 has been released. How can I get it? Media Center 2005 is an upgrade for existing Media Center computers. The upgrade is available through your OEM. Some OEMs have lists of models that are upgradeable while others are not offering the upgrade. This is something that has nothing to do with Microsoft. Please contact your OEM or check their support site for more information. Why should I buy a Media Center PC rather than a notebook? The Media Center PC can replace both an aging laptop or PDA with state-of-the-art entertainment components. If you have limited space, or just want the ease of having everything in one unit, then take a look at one of the many available models of the Media Center PC. The Media Center PC includes many innovations, including an operating system that's a superset of the very stable Windows XP Professional. Several of the improvements in Windows XP Media Center PC edition are listed below: Windows XP Media Center PC Edition extends the strong features of Windows XP Professional through unique technological enhancements designed to provide a more versatile PC experience. The additional Media Center PC functionality added to the operating system allows users to control the Media Center PC as well desktop receivers, TVs, etc., using a remote control. Which is the better format for a Media Center PC, the desktop or notebook? This is strictly a user preference. There are benefits to each. Does a Media Center CD have as fast a processor as a comparably-priced computer? The Media Center PC uses a Pentium 4 or an AMD Athlon processor. The AMD is available in both 32 bit and 64 bit models. How much storage is onboard? Different Media Center PCs have different storage capabilities. Many users find that they quickly fill a drive with video, etc. Upgrading the drive size is a user option. Can I upgrade the hard drive? Many vendors offer hard drive upgrades. Can I watch my DVDs and video CDs on the Media Center PC? Yes, most models include a CDRW-DVDRW drive within the unit. Using a Media Center notebook's power will drain the battery much faster. Can I use the Media Center PC as an MP3 player? The Media Center PC is made to play all your typical forms of music, video, etc. What kind of video out ports are there? Depending on the video card used, there may be S-video, component video or DVI connections. |
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How long will the battery last without recharging? The batteries used in notebook Media Centers can last more than 4 hours. The way the Media Center PC is used will determine the actual time before the battery needs to be recharged. Obviously, using battery-intensive programs will shorten the battery life substantially. What type of security is used with the Media Center PC? Different models offer different security options. Check the manufacturer's website for more specific information. Is there a security lock slot like on portables? Many notebook models do have a security lock. How secure is this wireless connectivity? Wireless is not the most secure way of communicating. Just as with cell phones, the signals can be "overheard." There are security options, and it's highly suggested that safe computing is practiced. Will all the Windows applications I already have run on the Media Center PC? All existing applications that are Windows XP compatible should run on the Media Center PC. Windows XP is one of the most robust operating systems released by Microsoft, allowing even older programs to work on newer machines. What operating system does the Media Center PC use? The Media Center PC uses a superset of Windows XP Professional - Windows XP Media Center PC Edition.
Windows XP Media Center PC Edition 2004 will be available to you as a free upgrade if you already own a Media Center PC, and it will come installed on any new Media Center PC hardware unit purchased in the second half of 2004. Windows XP Service Pack 2 includes the update for Media Center. How can I upgrade my computer to Windows XP Media Center PC Edition 2005? Windows XP Media Center PC Edition 2005 is not only available with the purchase of a new Media Center PC or with an MSDN subscription. Subscribers to MSDN can use it for development purposes only. You can now purchase it through system builders or from some websites. Please note the requirements before purchasing. Media Center 2005 is an upgrade for existing Media Center computers. The upgrade is available through your OEM. Some OEMs have lists of models that are upgradeable while others are not offering the upgrade. This is something that has nothing to do with Microsoft. Please contact your OEM or check their support site for more information. My computer is on a domain. Can I upgrade to Windows XP Media Center PC Edition 2005? The Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 is based on XP Pro, not XP Home. It has full Pro security, networking, etc. Its only limitation is that it's not possible to join a domain once MCE 2005 is installed. If you must join a domain, it's possible to do so only if an MC computer running a previous version is already set up to do so before doing the upgrade to MCE 2005 or if it's done during a clean install. Since most Media Centers will be purchased, not built by the consumer, joining a domain will not be possible in the majority of cases. Be aware that Media Center extenders will not work if the MCE machine is on a domain. Can I use the Media Center PC as a remote control for my TV like my Pocket PC? Yes. The remote control that comes with a Media Center PC can also control most TVs, desktop receivers for both cable and satellite as well as other equipment. Is there a video camera built into the Media Center PC? As the Media Center Edition is a superset of Windows XP Pro, you can easily add any camera that is XP-compatible. What kind of expansion ports are on the Media Center PC? Many notebook models include wireless networking, including 802.11a/b/g, as well as additional ports for firewire, pcmcia cards, networking, connectivity and smart media. Can I upgrade the wireless support to 802.11a or 802.11g? Some models are equipped with 802.11a and/or b, while others are now using 802.11g. Check with the individual manufacturers to see if they'll be supporting an upgrade to 802.11g. Some newer models are being released with the faster wireless capabilities. Do portable scanners and/or printers work with the Media Center PC? Yes. Media Center PCs have additional ports available for connecting peripherals. This is a really cool machine! Why don't you have a better name for it? The Media Center PC is a term used to cover all versions. The manufacturers have named their products individually. |
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Microsoft, Windows and the Windows logo are registered trademarks o the Microsoft Corporation. All other copyrights and trademarks are properties of their respective companies. The Media Center PC is written and edited by Terri Stratton unless otherwise noted. Copyright © 2004-2006 TheMediaCenterPC |
