Optimise Windows Media Center for TV

Windows 7 was certainly highly anticipated. Vista was never the easiest operating system (OS) to use and, with its many quirky functions and features - not to mention slow booting times - PC users have been crying out for an alternative for years.

Now that Microsoft has finally delivered, we're thoroughly impressed with Windows 7, from its sleek interface to its swift operation.

But if you haven't got the spare cash to buy the new OS, we'll show you some free or cheap apps available online that can speed up boot times for Windows XP and Vista.

Another feature of Windows 7 that has been subtly improved is Windows Media Center. It now offers better playback options and support for more media types. However, it remains most useful if you've got a digital tuner in your PC and use it to record TV shows. You can even watch Sky TV.

Committed telly addicts will find, however, that Media Center recordings munch through storage space at an alarming rate. Thankfully, there are ways to reduce the amount of space assigned to the program. Alternatively, you can expand your storage and record as much as you like.

Here we look at ways to get the best from Media Center in Windows 7 and Vista, as well as exploring ways to enjoy Windows 7 features without going to the expense of upgrading.

Optimise Windows Media Center for TV

Windows Media Center is the must-have software if you have a TV tuner in your PC - you can use it in place of a personal video recorder (PVR), recording television programmes or whole series to watch later.

There's just one problem: it can consume almost your entire hard drive.

For example, suppose you configure Media Center to record 'EastEnders' and 'The X Factor'. By default, the program records an unlimited number of episodes, regardless of whether some are repeats or it's on every day for years. If you leave it a while before sitting down to watch your shows (that's what a PVR is for, after all), you may find your hard drive is full up.

To ensure you've got enough disk space for actual computing, limit the amount of space Media Center can claim. Open Windows Media Center, scroll down to Tasks, Settings and press Enter.

Now choose Recorder, then Recorder Storage. (Note that these options appear only if you have a TV tuner installed and configured.) Use the minus icon next to 'Maximum TV limit' to decrease the storage (in 25GB increments) to the amount you want to allow Media Center. Click Save.

On the other hand, if your PC doubles as your home-entertainment system, then you may want to consider giving your PC more storage capacity. As with any PC that needs more space, there are two basic options.

First, you can replace the existing hard drive with something larger. This is a fairly major job, what with copying everything to the new drive, making the swap and so on.

Alternatively, you can install a second drive that works in tandem with the original. Ideally this would be an internal drive, but you'll need a free bay - the path of least resistance is to plump for an external USB hard drive. The main requirements are that it's quick (at least 5,400rpm) and quiet.