Multitasking computer (1 Viewer)

[mattias73]

Hi there!

I wonder if one now can buy a computer with say Win XP install mediaportal and use the machine for the whole family in the following way

My GF uses the hard drive media portal for watching a movie on the tele

I use the computers word processor or play a game

We dont have to care about the other, it all works seamlessly


If I can do this: what is needed. What product should I choose?

mattias
regards

 

[onkl]

Hi there!

I wonder if one now can buy a computer with say Win XP install mediaportal and use the machine for the whole family in the following way

My GF uses the hard drive media portal for watching a movie on the tele

I use the computers word processor or play a game

We dont have to care about the other, it all works seamlessly


If I can do this: what is needed. What product should I choose?

mattias
regards

This is more or less possible, though you'll have to skip the "seamless" part.
I use this setup. If I start mediaportal, I actually start a ultramon shortcut, which switches the primary monitor to my TV and starts MP. Then I can still use the (now secundary) other monitor for www or word etc. Games won't work since most of them (besides the minesweeper genre) will also need DX9 exclusive and the primary monitor. Another thing to take care of is your remote. By default, remotes send their output to the focused program, which might be MSword. So you'll be irritated by some random texts in your document and your GF by a not responding tellie. A solution is a program like Girder, which can relay commands to MP, irrespectively of it's focus. I've uploaded a Girder file for this method with the MCE remote once to the repository, it might help you if you choose this method.

However, if your buget constraint isn't too constraining, it might be wise to get a dedicated (low-budget) HTPC.