A few months ago there was a thread about using Linux and other freeware to create a video server from an old computer. I now have an old computer to convert. The question is this: Am I better off using Windows XP Media Center, or Linux and the freeware?

The advantage of Windows is that I already know how it works and the media center function is built-in. The disadvantage is that I need to figure out how to get Windows off the office computer and onto the spare...any help there would be appreciated.

The advantage of Linux and freeware seems to be that it is free. The disadvantage is that I don't know how it works...any help there would also be appreciated.

just jump into the Linux and try to swim... thats what I am doing (c:

I don't think you will be able to take the windoze off one computer and put it onto another one...

chipslave,

If I can make Norton Ghost migrate the disk image from my good computer to the spare, then I'll have Windows XP Media over there. The question is IF I can make the migration.

I think you may be talking about my old thread:

http://www.cigarbid.com/auction/forum/forum.cfm?action=list&forumID=7&messageDisplay=0000000036806 

Mine is only streaming music. My old PC does not have the horsepower to stream video. Let me know what questions you have and I'd be happy to help.

I'd go with Linux. My server has been streaming music 24/7 since January and has not been rebooted once. Its free, so that is always a plus. You'll find tons of open source software to do what you are wanting to accomplish.

Good luck.