How to Connect a New Media Center PC to a Network or Domain

By eHow Computers Editor

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Connectivity is all that matters when it comes to data sharing. Today we expect all our handheld items to have wireless connectivity to as many other devices as possible. Media Center PC is a home entertainment system that provides computing help. So how do you connect your media center PC to your network or domain?

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Understand the difference between connection and accessibility. Windows Media Center PC allows you to access a network or domain but does not allow you to connect.

Step2

Learn about the operating system of Windows Media Center PC. It uses a different Windows XP Media Center operating system that is primarily designed for home users, not meant for serious computing wizards.

Step3

Check other operating systems of Microsoft. For example, the XP Professional provides features of Domain Join and Cached Credentials. These two key features of Windows XP Professional are not provided in the Media Center PC. As a result, every time you access your network or domain you will need to log on to the system using a username or password. You can have multiple sessions but once you reboot or shut down your Media Center, you will need to log on again.

Step4

Identify other features. Features such as Remote Desktop and Encrypting file system are available on your Media Center PC.

Step5

Access the network or domain per session. You will have to provide sharing option (remote access) in your network for authentification. The access limits serious computing.

Tips & Warnings

Consider using the network and domain access for temporary data sharing and transfer work.
Place a partition (dual operating mode) in your Media Center PC. This allows you to operate Windows XP or Windows 2000 while still having full functionality of the Windows Media Center edition.