User:Linux-SA

Introduction:

In early March (2008) I 'stumbled' on Linux MCE after watching a YouTube Video that pitted Linux MCE against Microsoft MCE.

As I watched & listened to that clip, I found myself sitting further and further on the edge of my seat. Innumerable Oooo's, Ahhhh's and Wowwww's later, I found myself wondering - even as I watched (eyes literally riveted to the screen) "Is it really possible this is all true? Can this be some kind of elaborate... Scam or practical joke???"

Almost immediately after finishing the video I found myself pouring through the LinuxMCE wiki (seemed pretty 'real' the more I read!) And after I'd devoured the wiki (at least five times!!!) I next found myself 'lurking' more and more on the IRC channel just watching and listening.

After many days of listening to constant chat about how to fix this problem or that issue (as well as people ranting and raving about this or that feature) I found myself chatting to the Developers and Users more and more; before finally deciding to 'take the plunge' and try the software for myself...

Now... I can't tell you what you should or shouldn't do and/or even if this is the right software for you... All I CAN say is that OHhhhhhhhhh mannnnn am I glad I took a chance and install this software because after only a short time 'playing' with it - there is just NO WAY I'm ever going back to Microsoft!!!

My Hardware:

This wiki entry outlines all of the hardware that I'm currently using to run my Linux MCE 0710 - i386 setup - so you (the new person to LMCE) can have a better understanding of what just works (plug and play) without messing around with drivers or 'hacking' the kernal or any other nonesense... (I don't know about you - but I don't WANT to mess around with such stuff - I just want it to WORK with minimal effort!)

Please check back regularly as this is most definitely a work in progress... Every month (at least) I'm constantly updating my setup as I add and take away different pieces of hardware that's pnp (plug and play) with Linux MCE.

Core/Hybrid - Media Director #1: (Lounge)

Infrared: USB-UIRT
Remote: Windows MCE
Motherboard: Asus P4P800-E
Processor: Intel P4 (2.4Ghz)
RAM: Corsair 2Gb (2x 1Gb sticks)
HDD: Western Digital (EIDE) 250GB
Power Supply: Thermaltake TR2-550W
Server O/S: Linux MCE 0710 - i386 
Video: [http://www.inno3d.com/products/graphic_card/gf7_agp/7600gs.htm

Inno 3D 7600GS - 512Mb (AGP slot)]

Audio:  Asus P4P800-E  standard audio out
Monitor: Panasonic 55" (1080P) HD-TV Plasma (Dvi-HDMI)  
NIC #1: For input, I'm using the onboard P4P800-E's 10/100
NIC #2: For output, I've added an Intel Pro MT (10/100/1000)  
DVD-RW: Pioneer DVD-R/W (model doesn't matter - all are pnp)  
Bluetooth: Don't remember brand - around $10AUD. (It worked pnp.)

Media Director #2: (Master Bedroom)

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-6OX 
Processor: Intel P3 (1.2Ghz)  
RAM: Hynix 1Gb (2x 512Mb sticks)  
HDD: Western Digital (EIDE) 80GB
Monitor: Panasonic 32" Flat Screen CRT  
NIC: Genuine Intel Pro MX (10/100/1000) 
O/S: Linux MCE 0710 - i386 (NIC boot)  
Video: Inno 3D 5200GS - 128Mb (AGP slot)  
Audio: Gigabyte GA-6OX onboard audio out 
DVD-RW: Pioneer DVD-R (model doesn't matter - all are pnp)  
Bluetooth: Don't remember brand - around $10AUD. (It worked pnp.)

Microsoft Windows XP-Pro: (Media Server)

This box serves Media (EG: avi, mpeg, mp3 - Etc)
Motherboard: Asus P4P800-E  
Processor: Celeron P4 (2.4Ghz)  
NIC: Intel Pro MX (10/100/1000)  
RAM: Corsair 2Gb (2x 1Gb sticks)  
O/S: Microsoft Windows XP Pro - SP2  
HDD #1: Western Digital (EIDE) 80GB 
HDD #2: Western Digital (EIDE) 320GB 
HDD #3: Western Digital (EIDE) 250GB 
HDD #4: Western Digital (EIDE) 250GB 
HDD #5: Western Digital (EIDE) 250GB 
Audio: Asus P4P800-E onboard audio out 
Video: ATI RADEON 9600 - 256Mb (AGP slot)  
DVD-RW: Pioneer DVD-R/W (model doesn't matter - all are pnp)

Additional Hardware:

Oddles of 10/100/1000 & 10/100 LAN cable 
Various other PC's running Windows XP-Pro 
1x Cisco 7960 IP Phone (running SCCP firmware)
5x Cisco 7910 IP Phone (running SCCP firmware) 
8 Port Gigabit Switch (Brand is irrelevant as long as it's not managed) 
Billion Bipac adsl 2+ modem/router (Everything forwarded to LMCE router)  
Other bits and pieces security related I prefer not to document for security reasons

My personal experiences with Linux MCE:

I have recently started documenting my experiences with LMCE at: Forum SA