HTPC Configuration

It’s all about the correct configuration of the operating system and the used programs. You can have the best hardware and software components but only that won’t help you out. It is important to take some time to think about the configuration about each software you use on your HTPC system.

There are many questions to ask and problems to solve to improve a HTPC system. I asked me about each component I installed:

• Do you use the correct software? Or is there some more lightweight or better program out there?
• Do you really need all the programs?
• Did you configure the software to fit your needs or are there still some small problems regarding the usability?

I’m sure there are a lot of other ways improving the system. Just take the time and think about the way you like to use your system and the way you get the HTPC to work as you want.

Below you find a list of things I changed on my HTPC system. Some of the tasks are listed and others are described in detail on single subpages:

• BIOS: Disable unused components
• BIOS: Tune boot speed
• Windows: Autologon
• Windows: Using a ramdisk for MediaPortal timeshifting and often written logfiles
• Windows: VirtualCloneDrive as Daemon tool alternative
• Windows: Disabled unused services
• Windows: Minimize autostart applications
• Wake up the HTPC from the Internet
• Mounting network shares from MediaPortal and on logon
• Schedule recordings from remote
• DH-102 case iMon display, hotkey and remote configuration

You got some questions or additions? Let me know!