HTPC OS Advice: OpenELEC vs. Windows 10?

Pippa55 · Nov 16, 2015

Hi there,

I am looking into building my first HTPC and I have been reading a lot about OpenELEC as a good (and free!!) OS for and HTPC. But here is the rub: I am a noob when it comes to software knowledge and have only ever used Microsoft-based OSs. I have a few questions that I am hoping you folks with more experience and knowledge can help me with.

The Background:
I am building the HTPC to be able to handle basic media functions such as watching Netflix, videos, listening to music, looking at pictures. I do not plan on doing any advanced gaming.

The Questions

1. Is one OS seen as better/better suited for and HTPC? If so why?
2. Can OpenElec handle torrent downloading?
3. Is OpenElec challenging to navigate/set up? Is it kid-friendly?

Thank you. Your help is appreciated!

getochkn · Nov 16, 2015

Just replying so I can track the thread and type a response when I get home. I'll reply in a bit if no one else does.

getochkn · Nov 16, 2015

OpenElec is a Linux based OS, so if you don't know Linux, it's a lot harder to get used to things. There is no netflix app for OpenElec, so you are limited to browser based netflix only. I don't know if browser netflix does surround sound or not, so you may be limited with that. Hardware support is limited to a set number of devices as linux driver support is more limited and openelec only includes a subset of that.

Windows costs money, but everyone knows it. It's easy to use, windows 10 has a netflix app available from the store that gives you 5.1 sound, etc. It's easier to get support as everyone makes drivers for it.

OpenElec is small though, and great for a lightweight system. You can run it on a $30 raspberry pi minipc, and a host of other devices.

My HTPC runs windows, I like windows, easy for file management and drivers, etc. I am a PC geek but I don't care to fiddle with linux and a limited Os for my media PC. My choice but I have a decent system too, so it works. And as much as people always say my HTPC will only ever do this or that, it always get's expanded for other uses and running a media only OS limits you.

Pippa55 · Nov 16, 2015

Thank you for your response. Definitely something to mull over. There seem to be a lot of people really dedicated to the platform and it is hard to pass up the $0 mark, however I do want something with good support, and relatively user-friendly for kids and mid-range tech-savvy folks like me.

In your opinion, if I opt for a Windows based build, is Kodi still one of the top free option for HT Software? I definitely like the look and feel.

getochkn · Nov 16, 2015

Yes, kodi is one of the best HT's. It handles so much.

Once a OpenELEC based PC or a Windows PC or a $60 android box are running Kodi, using it is the same. It looks the same across all platforms so there is no difference there. Setting it up takes a bit of work for Kodi regardless of OS. It all takes time to learn to configure, especially if you want to make Kodi kid friendly. You need to lock out all file manager access and settings and stuff.

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HTPC OS Advice: OpenELEC vs. Windows 10?

Pippa55

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