Belkin F5D4050 User Manual download pdf (Page 6)

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C. File server

Keeping all of your audio files, digital photos, and video files in one location is ideal; this makes it easier for

a media receiver to access them. If you have room on one of your PCs to store all of your multimedia files,

then a dedicated file server isn't necessary. But we recommend one for the Browns, because they have a

large and growing collection of such big files.

Since servers usually run 24/7, produce a lot of noise (because of the fans), and generate a lot of heat, we

recommend that they be placed in a remote location, such as the garage loft in the case of the Browns'

house. We also recommend that the server be hard wired to the network.

If you have an old PC lying around—and we mean two to three years old, not an ancient machine—you

can convert it to a file server by adding a larger hard drive (either internal or external) and more memory.

(To learn how to convert an old PC to a file server, visit www.pcmag.com/homenetworking

.) If you'd rather

save yourself the effort, consider buying a file server.

Products:

• Dell PowerEdge 2600, $1,700 direct. Dell Inc., www.dell.com.

• Mirra Personal Server M-120, $499 direct. Mirra Inc., www.mirra.com. (Reviewed January 20, 2004

. )

Device Alternatives

Multimedia PC

A computer specifically designed with audio, video, and photo playback in mind can serve as a PVR,

media receiver, and DVD/CD player all in one. Most major manufacturers offer models with Microsoft

Windows XP Media Center Edition, though some, such as Asus and Sony, offer proprietary media-centric

software. (Sony also offers a PC that uses Windows Media Center; details below.)

The couch-friendly interface and remote control make Media Center PCs seem at home in living rooms.

But the reliability and video quality of Media Center PCs used as PVRs aren't yet as impressive as those of

standalone PVR devices.

Products:

• Gateway Media Center FMC-901X, $1,799 direct. Gateway Inc., www.gateway.com. (Editors' Choice, reviewed

January 13, 2004. )

• HP Media Center PC m370n, $2,050 direct. Hewlett-Packard Co., www.hp.com. (Editors' Choice, reviewed

November 25, 2003. )

• Sony VAIO Digital Studio PCV-RZ46G, $2,200 direct. Sony Electronics Inc., www.sonystyle.com. (Reviewed

February 3, 2004. )

Upstairs Bedrooms

April 6, 2004

When the grown kids come for visits, or when friends are in town, the Browns want them to be able to go

online anywhere in the house, including the bedrooms. It isn't essential to have the fastest connection in

the extra bedrooms, since guests will most likely just be checking e-mail or browsing the Web. One other

hospitality the Browns want to impart to their guests is the gift of music; they want any visitor to enjoy the

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Belkin F5D4050 User Manual Page 6