Save Money with Linux, FOSS and the HTPC

My first post and what better way of doing my first post than explaining the purpose of this blog. I am here to promote the use of free and open source software(FOSS) and the home theater personal computer(HTPC) and inform consumers how each can save a lot of money.

For those who do not know, FOSS is software that anyone can obtain and modify and it is completely free. You may be familiar with FOSS if you have ever used FireFox, Mplayer, Open Office or VLC. The most famous and most important use of FOSS maybe GNU/Linux. GNU/Linux is a free Operating System that is comparable to Microsoft Windows, but without the security vulnerabilities (viruses).

Below is a list of important FOSS:

GNU/Linux - Free OS
Xorg
Gnash - Alternative to adobe flash
FireFox - Popular web browser
VLC - Good all-purpose media player
Mplayer - Good all-purpose media player
Open Office - Great alternative to Microsoft Office
FFMPEG - The back bone of a lot of multimedia software
MythTV - Great PVR suite for the Linux HTPC


Now to the HTPC. A HTPC is a custom PC that incorporates home theater equipment with the uses of traditional PC. A HTPC basically takes the place of various components of a home theater setup and places them all into one box. This may include a tivo or dvr, DVD/BluRay player and A/V receiver. With the use online streaming video, digital TV tuner and satellite DVB tuner, a HTPC could potentially replace the need to have cable or satellite TV service. Utilized in the right way, a HTPC combined with FOSS will undoubtedly save a consumer money.

Below are some features of a HTPC:

Convenient Video and Music Jukebox
DVD and BLuRay Player
Watch Free Streaming Video on Demand
PVR/DVR for ATSC and DVB-S


FOSS and the HTPC combine to form a Linux HTPC. Here is a video:


Visit here for more Linux HTPC Videos

If you are interested in some components and hardware for a Linux HTPC than please visit The Open Source HTPC Store