Software for a Media Centre/Downloader PC

[stroebs]

I currently have the following software installed on a PC that sits in my lounge and downloads 24/7:

-Windows 7 32-bit Retail.
-ReConnect (To reconnect my PPPoE connection if it drops and to connect it on statup)
-UltraVNC (For remote controlling of the PC)
-uTorrent (For all my torrents of course - WebUI enabled)
-AltBinz (News servers... None of which work atm - DigiChilli)
-UPIP (IP update app to update my Dynamic IP with dynami.co.za)
-NOD32 (Wouldn't want viruses would we)
-Free Download Manager (HTTP downloads)
-Download Upload Meter (To measure the speed of my PPPoE connection constantly)

Is there anything else I should need or anything I should change on the list above? I've set Windows Media Center to open up automatically so that when my parents want to watch vids/listen to music/watch a DVD, they can do it easily with WMC.

EDIT: Anything I should change hardware wise?

Currently I have:
AMD Athlon X2 7750BE, Asus M3A-H/HDMI Mobo, 2GB DDR2-800, 2x80GB Seagates running in RAID (Striped) - SATAII, 1x40GB Samsung for OS - IDE, Onboard ATI HD3200 for display, Sony DVD-Writer, CoolerMaster Elite RC-360 chassis, Zalman CNPS7000C CPU cooler.

 

[BlaQ_PhoeniX]

Personally I would switch out Alt.Binz for sabnzbd that way you can manage your NNTP downloads remotely etc. via the web interface and use XBMC instead of WMC.

 

[LazyLion]

+1 for XBMC

 

[stroebs]

+1 for XBMC

Downloading it now.

Does anyone know of a HTTP download manager that does Multiple threads and can be managed from a WebUI? Cos then I wouldn't have to use UltraVNC anymore.

Another thing: I'm having trouble transferring files from my PC in my room to the PC in the lounge as it's all going via wireless and every time the media PC wants to watch a HD movie/vid from my room, it either lags immensely or slows down immensely or stops for a minute or so to get the vid information from my PC. Another thing is that I tried to update the library of the WMC on the Media PC and the library of vids on my PC was included and it was going well then it just stopped and the wireless drivers for my PC crashed and eventually, my PC just gave me a BSOD.

Should I buy a new WLAN card?

EDIT: It's USB

 

[LazyLion]

Does anyone know of a HTTP download manager that does Multiple threads and can be managed from a WebUI? Cos then I wouldn't have to use UltraVNC anymore.

Getright FTW! The Pro version has a web Interface and it really is one of the best download managers in the world. It is worth registering. Works perfectly under Windows 7 and with Firefox and Opera.

 

[ToxicBunny]

WLAN will never be the best for streaming media....

As for software for a mediacentre I'd actually look at Media Browser, its pretty much the best thing out there atm.

 

[stroebs]

Okay I'll try convince my dad to let me install a LAN cable in the house. Unfortunately we live in an apartment so there's no chance of me simply hiding it in a roof and it would have to run from their bedroom to my bedroom where my PC is. Otherwise I'm just going to fork out a grand and buy a terabyte HDD.

Downloading Media Browser now. Also gonna see if I can buy GetRight. I've used the standard version before.

EDIT: Thanks so much for recommending XBMC!!! It's everything I wanted! uPnP, Web UI and everything!