Ultimate home media center help

[robo523]

what should i buy in order to have an easy to use but impressive home media center / computer. What do I need to have a media center? hardware software? Ease of use is important because I am just an average entry level computer user. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[coleman]

i am not very experienced in this field, however i did just purchase parts for my new htpc, based on what others had said to me. If you answer the questions below then i should be able to help you
1. what os r u going for media center 2005 or vista?
2. Intel or AMD (amd for me)
3. what is you budget?
4. what signal do you receive analogue or digital?

Considerations
1. storage (how much)
2. how to control the pc, I am going to purchase this when i have the money
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/3848&cl=US,EN
(small but you can still type)
3. noise, what fans? graphics card or on board? these all need to be looked at

hope this info helps, i will try and help you on wha hardware to chose after you post back

coleman