Why do we need car Front End software?!

**Seraph** · 11-23-2003, 10:09 PM

I'll have a look at it mike.

The thing behind my own front end is that I have control of what I want and if anything I need is not done yet, I have only myself to blame. I was waiting for myHTPC2 to roll out but I may end up making everything myself for the car. At home, I use myHTPC with Girder.

**CarComp** · 11-23-2003, 10:50 PM

If you guys want flexibility and a "module" based system, why doesn't someone give us a concrete example of some code on how to do it. Personally, I don't know where to start with doing a modular system, so I doubt I would do it "the best way" right off.

We strive to include the most common and wanted features in our app, MediaEngine, and this includes (finished or in the works) a flexible database with search functions and automatic maintenance, an audio media player, support for almost any file type (at least it will play), a file based movie player, a DVD player, a CD player, a movie CD player, support to launch other applications, Remote, touchscreen, and keyboard inputs, and good user support and application stability. Not forgetting future GPS and XM.

If you want to know the purpose behind the frontend software, it gives us all something to do, something to talk about, and embodies the common goal to eventually have a system that everyone can use and customize the way they like. We may have to make a few compromises, and get in a few arguments, but in the end, the purpose of the frontend software is to drive the car based computer idea forward.

**Superduck** · 11-24-2003, 02:08 AM

Hmm.. just a thought. If someone is interested enough in using the OS without a frontend, wouldn't it be possible to use Windows' Active Desktop as a frontend? No additional programs to become unstable, easy html modification, and scripts to create on-the-fly changes.

Has anyone done this? Would it work okay? I've never really spent any time with Active Desktop, though I set up my start page as my background once. It just seems like it would be an easier way to do things. I know a lot more about (d)html/JS/cgi than I do about software SDK's and ActiveX and VB.

Anyway, like I said before, go with what you like.

Cheers,

Kris

**SjLucky** · 11-24-2003, 02:13 AM

you know while we arre goin down this road....

how come no one has came up with an OS that does it all with none of the crap that is included
you linux guys could whip something out

or perhaps we should make a full circel and go back to biskit boards for the ****z and giggles of it. I mean they played the mp3s and more than likely they could do more with a little codeing and some new hardware plus they would be smaller (am I right on the size? The only sizes I know are, A,B,C,D, and DD)

**frodobaggins** · 11-24-2003, 03:27 AM

Originally Posted by Superduck

Hmm.. just a thought. If someone is interested enough in using the OS without a frontend, wouldn't it be possible to use Windows' Active Desktop as a frontend? No additional programs to become unstable, easy html modification, and scripts to create on-the-fly changes.

Has anyone done this? Would it work okay? I've never really spent any time with Active Desktop, though I set up my start page as my background once. It just seems like it would be an easier way to do things. I know a lot more about (d)html/JS/cgi than I do about software SDK's and ActiveX and VB.

Anyway, like I said before, go with what you like.

Cheers,

Kris

Funny you should mention that, although not being exactly the same, I managed to convert an earlier version of my player into an ocx and host it on the active desktop, only problem was it kept re-instancing, so I had several players going at once !

But anyway, it might be possible to make some bad-*** things with active desktop.

Also did you know you can load web pages in the taskbar ? (as a toolbar)

**Alphared** · 11-24-2003, 08:23 AM

Originally Posted by Superduck

Hmm.. just a thought. If someone is interested enough in using the OS without a frontend, wouldn't it be possible to use Windows' Active Desktop as a frontend? No additional programs to become unstable, easy html modification, and scripts to create on-the-fly changes.

Has anyone done this? Would it work okay? I've never really spent any time with Active Desktop, though I set up my start page as my background once. It just seems like it would be an easier way to do things. I know a lot more about (d)html/JS/cgi than I do about software SDK's and ActiveX and VB.

Anyway, like I said before, go with what you like.

Cheers,

Kris

Its really resource intensive to use active desktop.
Frodo, you can try an app previous in you code so that it doesn't launch multiple players

**redbullah** · 04-06-2006, 05:13 PM

A front-end software ensures you that the application will start as usual.
What would you think if your pc ask you:

Shall i clean the unused icons? or There is a unknown error? or other silly windows issues.

A front-end gives you a solid platform without a suprise.
Second point, what do you want to do with your computer that you can't do with a front-end as you are driving.