What software should I run? This is giving me a headache...

**Bailey** · 01-10-2005, 11:37 PM

This is definitely the hardest decision when building a carputer, in my opinion. I have WinXP Pro SP2, WinXP Media Center 2005, and Linux to choose from. Do all front ends run on WinXP? I wonder why there isn't an FAQ on this stuff? My goal is to run a stable and fast system, with a drop dead sexy interface.

No bloated buttons, crazy colors, anything like that. I also need to read up on minimizing system resources, but that's another story. Whatever I do, it needs to accomodate the usual: GPS, WiFi, MP3, VCD, DVD, OBD-II, Computer diagnostics (temps, hd space, volts), etc

**0l33l** · 01-11-2005, 12:12 AM

Good luck getting all of those things to run in linux without custom software. I'm possitive that the most popular frontends will run in XP SP2.

**frodobaggins** · 01-11-2005, 01:16 AM

Dude, just pick one. Try it. If you don't like it, try something else.

**Bailey** · 01-11-2005, 07:05 PM

I guess you suggest Frodo Player anyways

**frodobaggins** · 01-11-2005, 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by Bailey

I guess you suggest Frodo Player anyways

I try not to. I like to be objective. They all have their advantages.

**Bailey** · 01-11-2005, 08:36 PM

And the only way to find out advantages/disadvantages is to try them yourself, right? No write-ups on this subject exist or anything?

**DRWeside** · 01-11-2005, 09:16 PM

Go through some of the threads in each of the forums to get an idea of what each frontend has to offer and what some of their shortcomings are. Most people tend to stick to the first frontend they try, because they read many of the threads and see what they can put up with and what they can't when it comes to a particular application.

Even then, when someone spends a lot of time working to get the many different applications to work with their initial choice, I doubt that they would try another frontend unless a choice application weren't supported by said frontend. Then again, the user would've read the many threads and would've seen what works and what doesn't with that particular frontend from the start. Am I repeating myself? I'm confused. :-)

**DRWeside** · 01-11-2005, 09:19 PM

BTW: I thought I had seen a poll asking people what frontend they were running. If there isn't one, can we get one up? Frodo?

**xBrady** · 01-11-2005, 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by DRWeside

BTW: I thought I had seen a poll asking people what frontend they were running. If there isn't one, can we get one up? Frodo?

There have been plents of threads where people have asked what front end is the best, what their features are etc... There is a sticky in the software forum that gives info on each piece of software. Just read and try them all.