The process of configuring Windows and installing software applications is not covered in depth here. The applications you choose to install depend on how you intend to use the system. For my system, I split the 60GB drive into two partitions. The C: drive, aptly named Boring, is 10GB and will hold the Windows OS and all other applications. The E: drive, aptly named Fun, is approximately 50GB and will be used to store my movies, emulators, and game images.
USING THE EPIA-M WITH A TV
1. Windows XP Professional
2. Windows XP Update: Service Pack 1a, critical updates and patches
When you first configure the VIA EPIA-M motherboard, it will only boot via the VGA connector and not through the TV output. This is a known issue between the EPIA-M series and Windows (which overrides the motherboard’s display settings in the BIOS). Apparently, this is not an issue with Linux-based systems.
3. VIA drivers (again, check the VIA website for the latest versions)
Once Windows has loaded, you can enable the TV output using the Control Panel Display dialog box. With the TV output mode enabled, you can boot the computer using only a TV and without the monitor. You only have to select these settings once, because they will be saved for future use.
4. D-Link DWL-122 802.11 USB adapter To have a readable display on a TV, you might want to configure drivers Windows to use the High-Contrast Black display setting at 800x600
resolution and set the system fonts to Large. The display settings aren’t very conducive to performing actual work on the machine, but they are fine for selecting and controlling applications.
5. Logitech cordless keyboard and mouse drivers
6. Nero 5 Burning ROM
7. PowerDVD XP
8. Emulators: MAME, z26, Atari800 Win, MESS
With the cordless keyboard and
mouse drivers installed, you can
now remove the wired keyboard
and mouse. When all the software is
configured to your liking, the final step
is to enable the TV output so you can
attach the computer directly to a TV.
View of screen with Windows XP and software installed onto the PC.
References:
Archives