Help: building an HTPC (software not hardware)

[downlinx]

Ok, i have my hardware ready and installed. now comes the time to choose a front end, this is where im a little noobish. I have been looking hard at MeediOS ulimate really hard but still cant make my mind up. I am looking for a front end that is easy to use, What do you guys recommend.
Hardware is fine
case:silverstone GD01B-R ATX
harddrives :WD black 500 gig, WD 1.5tb storage
motherboard:ASUS P5G41T-M LE
cpu: intel core2duo E-7400
memory: 4 gig corsair xms2
videocard: evga gts 250
powersupply: thermaltake 550 watt
blu-ray:LITE-ON Black 8X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM
OS: windows xp pro
any help would be greatly appriciated.

[Happy Joe]

I just use windows 7 (premium or ultimate, both are the same in this app) media center (included in both) with a compatible remote. Have used vista home premium media center(got me started) but w7 has more features (took some getting used to).
check out Microsoft to see if you can still get a free w7 trial...then give her a go!
Can always go back to xp if you don't like it.
I tried a couple of the free media programs but like the Windows 7 media center the best.

Enjoy!

[neo mike]

I dont see a HD tv card in your HTPC, ?:confused:

[downlinx]

oh sorry got a
DIAMOND ATI TV Wonder HD 650
i have been looking alot at media portal right now as well.

[schlafmuetze]

do you got a zapper for the htpc?
if not you could use linux and do everything per remote control as i do(using archlinux) with ssh.
works like a charm but im unsure if you want to configure or just click and go

[downlinx]

i prefer not to run linux