Media Center File Server with Linux and Samba
A while ago we wrote a guide on how to use FreeNAS and its benefits as a file server for Windows Media Center. Since then Windows released their home server edition, which offers the same functions but in a more familiar GUI and file system. Unfortunately Windows Home Server (WHS) is plagued by a faulty source code and causes file corruption under certain circumstances. More about the WHS issue can be found here. We wanted to explore WHS and its possible Media Center features, however since Microsoft wont fix their faulty code until June or possibly later we wanted to answer a few requests regarding Linux and Media Center.
Not only is Linux extremely reliable but it is also free and runs well on low resource computers. With a great community supporting the different distributions it is no wonder the Linux platform is becoming more and more popular. However, Linux has a steep learning curve and many new adopters will end up consulting forums for hours before they become familiar with the OS.
To setup a file server or Network Attached Storage (NAS), on the other hand is easy and a great option because of all the possibilities Linux can offer as you become more proficient with the OS. And yes your windows machines will be able to hook up to the server, which means, much like our FreeNAS guide you can use the Linux box as your storage and watched folder in Windows Media Center.
Tom
Post a Comment
Reqiuem: bloodymare Beta Key Giveaway
Once again we are giving away a beta key. This time it's for the horror MMORPG Requiem: Bloodymare. As always first comment gets the key.
Overclocking e8400 Wolfdale :: how to reach 4.3Ghz with air
It's finally here, the moment we've all been waiting for. The public is graced with 45nm technology and it comes in the form of Intel's Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0Ghz Wolfdale.
So, what's next? Do you plug it in, apply stock cooling and enjoy 45nm technology at a cruising speed of 3.0 Ghz with 6MB of L2 Cache. Or do you get a decent heat sink, pump the little sucker with as much juice it can take, laugh at the void warranty sticker in hopes of reaching uncharted overclocking boundaries. Lets do the latter.
The following guide is a short "how to" for anyone interested in overclocking their E8400 with a P35 Chipset motherboard.
Test System
- Intel Core 2 Duo e8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W
- DFI BloodIron P35-T2RL LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX
- Team Xtreem 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) 4-4-4-10 TXDD2048M800HC4DC
- Thermalright Ultra-120 CPU Extreme
- CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 620W Power Supply
- EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16
- LIAN LI PC-V1200Aplus II Silver Aluminum ATX Mid Tower
12 References
How to Apply CPU Thermal Paste
There's really no wrong or right way to apply thermal paste on your CPU and the topic is still heavily debated. There are some basic rules to follow however. First of all, concerning thermal paste "less is more". Whatever method you're using , please refrain from applying too much paste. And second dont use prepackaged thermal grease. Don't get us wrong, it will get the job done, much like your prepackaged heatsink from Intel or AMD. However, there's a reason the third party heatsink market is so prevalent today. And it's simply because they do a much much better job of cooling your CPU, especially during heavy CPU load or when overclocking. Since you've already decided to get a new heatsink you might as well spend the extra $7-10 for a decent thermal paste.
The main reason for applying thermal grease is to to fill any potential air pockets/gaps created by the uneven surface of the heatsink and CPU. Since air is less efficient at conducting heat, the goal is to eliminate as many as possible. Keep in mind that the air gaps are microscopic in nature.
Pirates of the Burning Seas Open Beta
Highly anticipated swashbuckling MMORPG "Pirates of the Burning Seas" is currently in its open beta stage. Register for a key here. Still can get a key? Don't worry Fransatech will give away a key to the person who posts the first comment. Display Calibration
When was the last time you calibrated your TV or monitor?
DisplayCalibration.com offer a quick and easy way to calibrate areas like Brightness and Contrast which are often hard to setup without reference points. Check out the website if you are unsure of your calibration.
Save the tubes
The SavetheInternet.com Coalition is more than a million everyday people who have banded together with thousands of non-profit organizations, businesses and bloggers to protect Internet freedom.
Review: Cooler Master CM 690
Following the succefull release of the high end case Cosmos, Cooler Master introduced CM 690. The Cosmos had a great design, it was quiet and came with great features. Everything you would expect from a case with a price tag that will set you back at least $225.
On the other side of the spectrum the CM 690 was introduced with emphasis on cooling and competitive pricing.
Unfortunately, the low price segment have been plagued with small cases, poor interior design, low features and lousy cooling. Will the CM 690 break the trend?
Crysis Beta Key Giveaway
Unless you've been living under a rock for the past couple of months, you've probalby heard about Crysis. The game is currently under Beta testing and Fransatech has one key to give away to the person who posts the 1st comment.
Running a free Network Attached Storage with Media Center: Part 2
Disk Management and MCE integration
Part 1 / 2
Welcome to part 2 of our guide to FreeNAS, where we will discuss how to add, share and access your storage on the NAS unit / file server. We will aslo show you how to integrate the storage with Windows Media Center as discussed in part 1.
After installing FreeNAS you'll need to login through a web browser. In the address bar, type in the IP address of your NAS unit. When the login window appears use "admin" and "freenas" as default username and password respectively.