Windows Xp Media Center Edition 2004 Pc For Dummies

The fun and easy way to get up and running quickly with Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition, the new operating system version specially outfitted for TV, DVD, video, music, and digital photo applications Media Center PCs are the first PCs to feature an easy-to-use interface and all preconfigured hardware and preloaded software needed to create a complete integrated home entertainment system Explains how to integrate a home computer network with a home theater system, control connected TVs with the Remote Control Interface, record TV programs using a TiVo-like recorder, acquire and play back music files, organize digital videos and photos, play DVD movies, and much more Written by the authors of Home Theater For Dummies (0-7645-1801-1)and Wireless Home Networking For Dummies (0-7645-3910-8), who worked closely with Media Center Edition product management at Microsoft to complete the book.

* Explains in plain English how to evaluate online music services, download music, select a portable player, turn a PC into an audio jukebox, burn custom CDs, and create and edit music files from commercial CDs * Apple iTunes reported 50 million music downloads as of March 2004, and the new Napster had 5 million downloads after just 4 months of operation * Covers the leading online pay music sites (iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody) as well as free alternatives (with advice on what's legal and what's not) and profiles Apple's iPod and other top portable players.

Covers Windows XP basics, customization, the Internet, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Network, hardware, multimedia options, and home networking

If you work in an office, you probably don’t lose much sleep worrying about whether your files are safe if your PC melts down. Company IT departments handle those things for business networks. But how about all those precious photos, address lists, the family genealogy, and everything else that lives on your home network? Windows Home Server can save the day if one of your personal PCs hiccups, and Windows Home Server For Dummies serves up all the stuff you need to know to put it to work. Forget everything you’ve heard about previous versions of Windows Server; this all-new variation has been designed for people who don’t wear white lab coats or pocket protectors. Woody Leonhard has tested it and it passed with flying colors. If you have a home or small business network, this book shows you how Windows Home Server helps you Share files among all the PCs in your home Access your files from anywhere Make regular backups automatically Store files securely Play music, TV shows, or movies on your Xbox Share multimedia across your network Keep your virus protection and system upgrades up to date Get regular reports on the overall health of your network Windows Home Server For Dummies provides sage advice on choosing a version of Windows Home Server, installing it, setting up users and passwords, using remote access, scheduling automatic scans and backups, and having fun with multimedia. Trust Woody— you’ll sleep better.

Wireless home networks are better than ever! The emergence of new industry standards has made them easier, more convenient, less expensive to own and operate. Still, you need to know what to look for (and look out for), and the expert guidance you’ll find in Wireless Home Networks For Dummies, 3rd Edition helps you ensure that your wire-free life is also a hassle-free life! This user-friendly, plain-English guide delivers all of the tips, tricks, and knowledge you need to plan your wireless home network, evaluate and select the equipment that will work best for you, install and configure your wireless network, and much more. You’ll find out how to share your Internet connection over your network, as well as files, printers, and other peripherals. And, you’ll learn how to avoid the “gotchas” that can creep in when you least expect them. Discover how to: Choose the right networking equipment Install and configure your wireless network Integrate Bluetooth into your network Work with servers, gateways, routers, and switches Connect audiovisual equipment to your wireless network Play wireless, multiuser computer games Establish and maintain your network’s security Troubleshoot networking problems Improve network performance Understand 802.11n Whether you’re working with Windows PCs, Mac OS X machines, or both Wireless Home Networking For Dummies, 3rd Edition, makes it fast and easy to get your wireless network up and running—and keep it that way!

Do you long to listen to your favorite CD from anywhere in your house? To set up a wireless network so you can access the Internet in any room? To install an iron-clad security system? To fire up the coffee pot while you’re still asleep and wake up with automated lighting? Smart home technology can help you do just that! Smart Homes For Dummies, Third Edition, shows you how easy it can be to create and live in a cutting-edge, fully connected home—without breaking your bank account. With this user-friendly guide, you’ll discover all the latest trends and gadgets in home networking, automation, and control that will help you make life more enjoyable and comfortable for your entire family. We help you plan for things such as flat-screen TVs, intercom systems, whole-home audio systems, gaming consoles, and satellite systems. We talk about your wiring (and wireless) options and introduce you to the latest technologies, such as VoIP and Bluetooth. You’ll see how to: Build your home network on a budget Turn your home into an entertainment center Access the Internet from any room Get VoIP on your phone network Boost in-home wireless and cell phone signals Connect your computer to your TV Secure your home and property Increase your home’s resale value Avoid common networking pitfalls And much, much more Complete with a resource list for more information and neat toys of the future, Smart Homes For Dummies is your plain-English, twenty-first century guide to a fully wired home!

Although the Windows XP Media Center is designed as a consumer product, it is actually more complex than the conventional computer and home entertainment devices it replaces. That's why this book--written in the fun, friendly Absolute Beginner's style--is required reading for buyers of these multitasking, media-centric machines. It is written in an easy-to-understand tone that won't confuse readers with lots of technical jargon.

Packed with information on the latest tools in Windows Vista, this book covers updated interface features, security options, DVD authoring, and setup processes, plus the newly introduced Windows Desktop Search.