Software Essentials

[electron]

Post names and links to the author's website of the coolest tools (in your opinion) here.

Wizmo http://www.grc.com/wizmo/wizmo.htm : This tool lets you control tons of uncommon functions on your computer, using command line parameters, such as: StandBy, Hibernate, Logoff, Exit, Reboot, Shutdown, Control CDROM door, Control screensaver, Control soundcard audio levels, and more!

Reso http://bcheck.arsware.org/#reso: Allows you to create a shortcut to run an application at your favorite resolution (useful when running MCE).

 

[electron]

A very useful screensaver if you run a PC based HTPC

http://www.phm.lu/Products/PC/#PHMDarkScr

This simple screensaver darkens the screen.
I created this especially for Windows XP Media Center Edition, to keep the Media Center display while not keeping my TV completely lit all the time (which is not good for televisions), it behaves like many video game systems including the Xbox.
It does, however, work on any version of Windows 95 and higher, there are however technical differences.


Darkens the screen to save display from burn-in caused by displaying a high contrast image for a long time
Based on Windows GDI, no DirectX required
Lets you set the darkness level to anything between clear and black (not available on 95 edition)
Keeps the screen updated so you can still see what's happening on your desktop (not available on 95 and 98 editions)
1.0.5 add Fade effect for 2000 edition
Notes:

Because this uses your display as the original image for the screensaver, sensitive information shown on the screen might be visible for other users.
95 Edition (for Windows 95 and NT 4) does not support darkness level customization and up to date display.
98 Edition (for Windows 98 and Me) does not support up to date display.
2000 Edition (for Windows 2000, XP and Server 2003) supports all the features.
When using Media Center or other fullscreen applications, enable "Auto-hide the taskbar" to prevent it from appearing on the screensaver.

Version 1.0.5 (11 january 2004), includes 95, 98 and 2000 editions

Check website for download details

 

[Spam]

Hey Electron. I just tried this link and its a no go. Any updated info or a possible newly working url?

 

[electron]

yeah, if you go to the first link in the post, it will give you the new link for the download, I will update the post to reflect this change. Thanks!

 

[JohnWPB]

WebGuide 3 is a program to allow you to REMOTELY schedule Windows Media Center to record shows. In addition, it will allow you to Pull recorded TV shows, Pictures and Music from your MCE machine to your local machine!

(Thanks to ELectron for turning me onto this, I'm supprised he hasn't posted the link here as of yet!)

Secondly, Windows has officially launched their own remote service for scheduling your MCE system. Within MCE go to "Online Spotlight" then "TV & Movies" and click the link for MSN Remote Recorder to install it.

 

[CollinR]

Event Ghost!

Awesome app that allows you to use any remote with just about any software. FREE and I HIGHLY suggest you try it out.

http://www.eventghost.org/wiki/EventGhost:About

 

[electron]

Interesting app, looks like it could be really useful. Welcome to CT btw.

 

[CollinR]

Don't take my word for it electron, download it any play with it. It is one of the best free apps I have found. Works with RF X10 remotes, all IR remotes, serial data both ways!!!, TCP packets and windows messages. I just can't say enough about this app.

 

[dbinaz]

A very useful screensaver if you run a PC based HTPC

http://www.phm.lu/Products/PC/#PHMDarkScr

This simple screensaver darkens the screen.
I created this especially for Windows XP Media Center Edition, to keep the Media Center display while not keeping my TV completely lit all the time (which is not good for televisions), it behaves like many video game systems including the Xbox.
It does, however, work on any version of Windows 95 and higher, there are however technical differences.


Darkens the screen to save display from burn-in caused by displaying a high contrast image for a long time
Based on Windows GDI, no DirectX required
Lets you set the darkness level to anything between clear and black (not available on 95 edition)
Keeps the screen updated so you can still see what's happening on your desktop (not available on 95 and 98 editions)
1.0.5 add Fade effect for 2000 edition
Notes:

Because this uses your display as the original image for the screensaver, sensitive information shown on the screen might be visible for other users.
95 Edition (for Windows 95 and NT 4) does not support darkness level customization and up to date display.
98 Edition (for Windows 98 and Me) does not support up to date display.
2000 Edition (for Windows 2000, XP and Server 2003) supports all the features.
When using Media Center or other fullscreen applications, enable "Auto-hide the taskbar" to prevent it from appearing on the screensaver.

Version 1.0.5 (11 january 2004), includes 95, 98 and 2000 editions

Check website for download details

Doesn't look like he has this anymore. Does anyone have it?

 

[dbinaz]

I found it. It's in this package

http://www.phm.lu/products/PC/Plus/

 

[JohnWPB]

If anyone reading here has not heard about XBMC, then CHECK IT OUT! The downside is it does not have TV (Such as tuning, and recording shows) built in. For me this is not a problem, as I do all that with the DVR set Top Box from Direct TV. I use it to catalog my 1,700 plus movies and 50 plus TV shows.

XBMC is a phenomenal HTPC front end! There are tons of skins, and it is totally customizable. It is top notch as far as nice animations, hi-res graphics and the likes. Point it to your ripped DVD/ TV Shows on your HD, and it will scrape the covers, fanart, actors lists and all pertinent information for the show/movie.

It will play just about ANY video file you toss at it. Unlike WinMCE, you can easily fast forward and rewind, which was a MAJOR plus for me!

It is multi-platform and available for the PC, Mac, Linus, and even the old Xbox, which it was originally written for.

It is absolutely free, and available at XBMC.org

 

[DaveW42]

I just ran across a site that lists tons of HTPC related software. Click here for the details. While a lot of it is targeted towards Windows Media Center, a good number of the titles have broader applicability as well.

Dave