Requirements

• Windows XP Media Center 2005 requires a system running Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows 2003, Windows NT or Windows XP with 256 MB of RAM and at least 4.0 GB of free hard drive space. The operating system also requires a system with a 4x DVD-ROM drive, an extended graphics array, or XGA, monitor and a DirectX 9.0-compatible AGP graphics card with 64 MB of video memory.
  
  

Media Center Specifications

• The operating system is built on the Windows XP structure, containing Windows Explorer and all of the components of the Windows XP operating system, but also contains specialized utilities that manage photo, music, streaming Internet media and video files as well as the ability to decode and record television programs. The utilities make up the Windows Media Center application accessible via the Start menu. PCs running this edition of the operating system are known as Media Center PCs and include television tuner cards for receiving TV signals. Media Center PCs also include a remote control that lets you access your files without having to use a keyboard or mouse.
  
  

Supports

• Windows XP Media Center 2005 supports digital and high-definition local television programming and multituner television support so you can watch one television show and record another one. The Windows Media Center application interfaces with your computer's CD/DVD drive for burning purposes once you are ready to move media to a removable medium. The operating system/application also lets you access media on another computer that is networked to your Media Center PC as well as transfer music and videos to portable devices --- music players and portable video players.
  
  

Availability

• The operating system is available from computer/software outlets and online software stores that specialize in selling previous versions of the Windows operating system. Windows XP Media Center 2005 is no longer supported or sold directly by Microsoft. However, a variety of manuals, support materials and third-party tech support services exist for learning the operating system and obtaining help when problems arise within it.