So, you got a BodhiBox HTPC and now you want to stream movies to it from your home server or work station and don’t know how? Here we will show you the proper steps to take to successfully stream not just movies, but pictures and music as well.

1. Turn on your remote computer (home server or workstation) and share your media files. (media files are ones with pictures, movies, music, etc..). Sharing can vary depending on the operating system in use. For Microsoft Windows Operating System it is quite easy. Just right click the folder with the files you want to share. Click on “Sharing and Security” and set the users you want to have access to the media files (typically set to everyone so anyone on the network can view them including your HTPC). Finally click “OK” and your file is shared. Do this for all folders you wish to share.
2. View your network settings on the host computer (the one with the media files) and make sure to have file sharing enabled. Under Microsoft Windows this is typically found in the Control Panel under Network Preferences.
3. Turn on your HTPC and click on “Network Neighborhood” and find the home server or workstation that the media files are hosted on. Type in a username and password if prompted and click “OK”. The media files will be displayed (typically shown as folders).
4. Double click one of the folders and view your media files.

This is a very basic way of viewing your files but it you would like to use a program like Microsoft Windows Media Center then do the following:

1. Make sure your files are already shared on your home server or workstation.
2. On the HTPC click on the Microsoft Windows Media Center icon (looks like a green button with 4 colored window panels).
3. If you haven’t started this program before it will typically ask you to set it up click “ok”. Otherwise goto “Tasks” and click on “Settings” and then “Setup”. Look for the media setup section.
4. The program will first check your network for computers and then it will scan for any shared folders within those computers. This can take a few minutes.
5. Once the scan is complete you should see your shared folders displayed. Make sure to put a checkmark on the folders you wish to have Media Center display and click “Next”. The folders will be added.
6. Click “Finished”
7. To view your media files in Microsoft Windows Media Center just navigate over to “Pictures and Videos” and click on library.
8. To view other media files just navigate over to their respective areas (“Music, Pictures, Movies” etc.).

Using the Media Center option is a great one to showcase your system or even just to use it leisurely. It has a great interface making reading titles easy and navigating through it a simple click. Use it as often as you like. Media Center has lots of great other features that you might find appealing so try it out!