I'll be honest with you, I love its chemical compound, I do, I'm a Molten Boron fan. For my money, it doesn't get any better than when it bubbles "When an Atom Loves to Bond".
Actually you don't need an uber system for Windows MCE. Intel makes a great 945 chipset Media Edition motherboard http://www.intel.com/products/motherboard/d945gnt/ index.htm/ as do a couple of other vendors. You can get a DVI daughter card for less than $50 for your digital out, but I even skipped that for a better solution.
I have my MCE server set elsewhere in the house and use my XBOX as the head unit that's plugged into my home theater system. It was really easy to do and now I don't have to pay a monthly subscription fee to Replay or Tivo anymore.
The original XBOX 1 worked just OK at this but the XBOX 360 really shines as a MCE extender providing in Microsoft's promise of being a home entertainment hub...no I'm not kidding, I was really amazed at how I could play Uno on Live, listen to music from my MP3 collection and them jump out to watch a recorded TV show, all from my remote control.
My MCE server has a dual tuner card and several hard drives set up as RAID5 using the Intel motherboard. I also have two HDTV OTA cards but have not had a chance to get an HD antenna hooked up yet so I use those cards for my security cameras.
The whole thing was easy to build and set up and it integrates into my home theater very nicely.
True some stuff is dumped onto the HD. I am using the MS Xbox Extender software. It's works "ok". But when you use it on the 360 you really geta sense of just how much of an afterthought the Xbox version was. I would like to see an upgrade to the Xbox MCE software to make it more like the new 360, but really doubt that is in the works.
I guess I am being too critical of its functionality, look and feel. It does work, it just doesnt feel polished. So whats's my point? Well, I guess I didn't agree with the parent that it's a "great" MCE.
But hey, I did use it for a year because I didnt want to drag my Windows Media Center server into my media room. And I do plan on using it in the bedroom until the 360 price comes down in a year or two.
I would say its 'fair' at being a MCE (media center extender). I have been using mine that way for over a year and it's obvious that MCE was an after thought with the XBOX. It is however cheaper than some of the third party MCE devices. Mostly my compliant is that it does lock up or get wonky at times and that it had to load the MCE front end from the CD everytime. The visualls are also weak, and as I understand it you cant use an HD tuner from the MCE Server on teh orginal XBOX.
The Xbox360 however is amazing as an MCE. My only complaint is that I had to wait almost 6 months for it to be easily picked up. My old XBOX will now be a for my bedroom TV untill the 360's come down in price.
--bill
It also sounds like a way to institute a payment/subscription service similar to OfficeOnline offered by AT&T Wireless and other types of "corporate" services.
The firefox statement was "pro non MS browser" in other words i was saying there are possible good alternatives like firefox according to other reviews, however I havent had a chance to try it yet. Sorry for the confusion I should have been more clear. I do plan on trying it. Actually the whole post was taken from my website and I provided links to the the other browsers.
True the open source platforms do alow greater flexibilty in terms of finding issues, fixing and add-ons but there is a financial insentive for MS to fix their product, just before i typed this i read there is a fix out for the exploit. that was fast.
Ok, I am fan of Slashdot.org and read it daily but the headline of "Dept. of Homeland Security Says to Stop Using IE" is a bit misleading and even just flagrant sensationalism. They reference a Yahoo news article (which is a suspect news source anyway) and nowhere could I find the DoHS saying to stop using IE other than recommending the use of other browsers, which by inference could mean "stop using" but the DoHS goes on to say "Alternative browsers such as Mozilla or Netscape may not protect users...". So what the hell kind of recommendation is that? Let's all stay off the net from now on and that will fix the security problem...oh wait, what would I do all day then.
In Microsoft Server 2003 IE comes with Enhanced Security Configuration and that adds ample security to IE to the point of making surfing the web difficult but very secure. I am sure it won't be long till those features make their way in the regular IE. If you have MS Server 2003 give it try.
Firefox is being applauded as a good alterative however I have not tried it myself. I think any popular browser will become vulnerable to exploits as they gain popularity and at least Microsoft has an army of paid coders to fix issues quickly. I really hate switching apps all the time and prefer to stick with one vendor.
I don't get it. Are Europeans to dumb to install the player of their choice? I don't think so. Nobody is forcing them to use media Player, MS is just providing a means for them to play media files and more, they don't HAVE to use it.
And the same people to bitch about it being there and clogging up their system would be the same people bitching if it wasn't there saying why can't MS even put a media player in there overpriced OS. Hypocrites.
I don't want Real or any other spyware software on my PC. WinAMP is nice but ultimately WMP does the job I need it to and it creates files that are portable for my Pocket PC
I think you can "break into" the computer field at any age. Many of the skills you learned in your previous career could carry over.
What may throw you for a loop is the constant change, don't get to comfortable and be prepared.
Midlevel management and IT planning areas are still viable, make sure you don't pick anything that can be commoditized like programming, support, operations, etc. You may want to look into medical IT companies that work with nano tech or DNA type of work.
I think anyone with the desire can be successful in any endeavor.
Why would they design it to require a "recharge battery" command? Shouldnt it just do that? Time for some AI on board to use self survival skills. AI may be the answer to these failed missions. 3 months later the AI figures out how to re tool its DSP chips and creates a new radio out of its broken parts and then "comes back to life" and sends its signal...now that would be a cool senerio, maybe AI can go into the next mission.
Nobody has mentioned Big Screen TV's. A 50" HDTV Wide Screen TV can be costly and you can not take them into the shop for repair (realisticly) so onsite repair is a must. The Big Screen and mega portable expensive items like iPAQ's I would have to say YES to on an extended Warranty.
Slashdot Mirror
I'll be honest with you, I love its chemical compound, I do, I'm a Molten Boron fan. For my money, it doesn't get any better than when it bubbles "When an Atom Loves to Bond".
(ducks for cover)
Actually you don't need an uber system for Windows MCE. Intel makes a great 945 chipset Media Edition motherboard http://www.intel.com/products/motherboard/d945gnt/ index.htm/ as do a couple of other vendors. You can get a DVI daughter card for less than $50 for your digital out, but I even skipped that for a better solution.
I have my MCE server set elsewhere in the house and use my XBOX as the head unit that's plugged into my home theater system. It was really easy to do and now I don't have to pay a monthly subscription fee to Replay or Tivo anymore.
The original XBOX 1 worked just OK at this but the XBOX 360 really shines as a MCE extender providing in Microsoft's promise of being a home entertainment hub...no I'm not kidding, I was really amazed at how I could play Uno on Live, listen to music from my MP3 collection and them jump out to watch a recorded TV show, all from my remote control.
My MCE server has a dual tuner card and several hard drives set up as RAID5 using the Intel motherboard. I also have two HDTV OTA cards but have not had a chance to get an HD antenna hooked up yet so I use those cards for my security cameras.
The whole thing was easy to build and set up and it integrates into my home theater very nicely.
HP is now 'Bear in the Big Blue House'?
True some stuff is dumped onto the HD. I am using the MS Xbox Extender software. It's works "ok". But when you use it on the 360 you really geta sense of just how much of an afterthought the Xbox version was. I would like to see an upgrade to the Xbox MCE software to make it more like the new 360, but really doubt that is in the works.
I guess I am being too critical of its functionality, look and feel. It does work, it just doesnt feel polished. So whats's my point? Well, I guess I didn't agree with the parent that it's a "great" MCE.
But hey, I did use it for a year because I didnt want to drag my Windows Media Center server into my media room. And I do plan on using it in the bedroom until the 360 price comes down in a year or two.
I would say its 'fair' at being a MCE (media center extender). I have been using mine that way for over a year and it's obvious that MCE was an after thought with the XBOX. It is however cheaper than some of the third party MCE devices. Mostly my compliant is that it does lock up or get wonky at times and that it had to load the MCE front end from the CD everytime. The visualls are also weak, and as I understand it you cant use an HD tuner from the MCE Server on teh orginal XBOX.
The Xbox360 however is amazing as an MCE. My only complaint is that I had to wait almost 6 months for it to be easily picked up. My old XBOX will now be a for my bedroom TV untill the 360's come down in price. --bill
It also sounds like a way to institute a payment/subscription service similar to OfficeOnline offered by AT&T Wireless and other types of "corporate" services.
The firefox statement was "pro non MS browser" in other words i was saying there are possible good alternatives like firefox according to other reviews, however I havent had a chance to try it yet. Sorry for the confusion I should have been more clear. I do plan on trying it. Actually the whole post was taken from my website and I provided links to the the other browsers. True the open source platforms do alow greater flexibilty in terms of finding issues, fixing and add-ons but there is a financial insentive for MS to fix their product, just before i typed this i read there is a fix out for the exploit. that was fast.
Ok, I am fan of Slashdot.org and read it daily but the headline of "Dept. of Homeland Security Says to Stop Using IE" is a bit misleading and even just flagrant sensationalism. They reference a Yahoo news article (which is a suspect news source anyway) and nowhere could I find the DoHS saying to stop using IE other than recommending the use of other browsers, which by inference could mean "stop using" but the DoHS goes on to say "Alternative browsers such as Mozilla or Netscape may not protect users...". So what the hell kind of recommendation is that? Let's all stay off the net from now on and that will fix the security problem...oh wait, what would I do all day then.
In Microsoft Server 2003 IE comes with Enhanced Security Configuration and that adds ample security to IE to the point of making surfing the web difficult but very secure. I am sure it won't be long till those features make their way in the regular IE. If you have MS Server 2003 give it try.
Firefox is being applauded as a good alterative however I have not tried it myself. I think any popular browser will become vulnerable to exploits as they gain popularity and at least Microsoft has an army of paid coders to fix issues quickly. I really hate switching apps all the time and prefer to stick with one vendor.
--MysticAlpaca
I don't get it. Are Europeans to dumb to install the player of their choice? I don't think so. Nobody is forcing them to use media Player, MS is just providing a means for them to play media files and more, they don't HAVE to use it.
And the same people to bitch about it being there and clogging up their system would be the same people bitching if it wasn't there saying why can't MS even put a media player in there overpriced OS. Hypocrites.
I don't want Real or any other spyware software on my PC. WinAMP is nice but ultimately WMP does the job I need it to and it creates files that are portable for my Pocket PC
news flash, you are stressed out by technology :)
how imagine having no technology and just telling people to wait until its done, kind of like ID software does.
This is awesome! Ive been waiting for them to get stung by their tactics. This is thebest news I've heard in over a month. B
I think you can "break into" the computer field at any age. Many of the skills you learned in your previous career could carry over. What may throw you for a loop is the constant change, don't get to comfortable and be prepared. Midlevel management and IT planning areas are still viable, make sure you don't pick anything that can be commoditized like programming, support, operations, etc. You may want to look into medical IT companies that work with nano tech or DNA type of work. I think anyone with the desire can be successful in any endeavor.
Wow, Bill G didnt look amused. In an unrealted news report after the interview these guys gave David Bradley a visit.
I am turning in my running shoes and quitting the Human Race! Bill
Why would they design it to require a "recharge battery" command? Shouldnt it just do that? Time for some AI on board to use self survival skills. AI may be the answer to these failed missions. 3 months later the AI figures out how to re tool its DSP chips and creates a new radio out of its broken parts and then "comes back to life" and sends its signal...now that would be a cool senerio, maybe AI can go into the next mission.
You need to be shipped off to China and live in a state run society for a year or two.
Gov mandated OS market share!!! Just what we need, the Gov crawling up our ass and the asses of business. I dont think so.
Just dont buy Win XP, its pretty simple. Most people who dont want XP typically dont buy pre fabbed systems and build thei own anyway. Am I wrong??
Anyway, Just Say No to Gov controlled OS mandates.
Umm, I was thinking local area not personal :-) I want to add weather sensors and link them up. thanx for the tip :P
-----
Technology is just too cool!! I love this stuff. Where do i sign up to put sensors in my area.
We have a pic and news brief posted here: http://www.pdatoday.com/weblog.php?id=P638
Nobody has mentioned Big Screen TV's. A 50" HDTV Wide Screen TV can be costly and you can not take them into the shop for repair (realisticly) so onsite repair is a must. The Big Screen and mega portable expensive items like iPAQ's I would have to say YES to on an extended Warranty.