Computer Basics -
25
Your software can be found:
✓
Preinstalled: your software is ready to use or to set up. However, some titles require a CD or DVD to run
(typically, games or encyclopædia). You will find these discs in your computer's packaging.
✓
On a CD or DVD: the software first needs to be installed. To do so, insert the installation CD or DVD. An
installation wizard will start automatically and all you have to do is follow the instructions on the screen.
Playing Multimedia Files
You may use the media software on your computer
to play music, films or photo slide-shows and watch
television (if your computer has a TV tuner). Other
options allow you to create CDs or DVDs.
One or more media programs are installed on your
computer,
Windows Media Player
and optionally
Windows Media Center
are provided by Microsoft.
Other media programs may have been installed by
Packard Bell to provide an improved media expe-
rience.
Windows Media Player
Windows Media Player
may be used to play MP3 or WMA audio files, CDs or most video files.
Note: It is not recommended that you use Windows Media Player to play DVD movies. Other media
players (such as PowerCinema) provide additional playback options.
Windows Media Center or PowerCinema
Certain computers also include all-in-one media
‘centers’ such as
Windows Media Center
or
PowerCinema
. These programs can handle a variety
of multimedia content, presented with simple menus
that may be easily controlled with a remote control.
You may watch live or recorded TV (if your
computer has a TV tuner), listen to digital music,
view pictures and personal videos, create CDs and
DVDs, or access content from online services.
To start the media program installed on your
computer, either click on ‘Start’
> Windows
Media Center or ‘Start’
> All Programs > Photo/
Video > PowerCinema.
Setup
Caution:
If your computer includes a remote control (page 7) or TV tuner (page 11) they must be con-
nected and active before starting the media program for the first time.
The first time you start the media program, it will start a setup wizard, which will configure some basic
settings. If available, select the
Express setup
option, you may then configure additional options as needed.
Note: If you have an Internet connection, the Guide (Electronic Program Guide) allows you to view a
list of current TV shows. This shows channel and network information, as well as the title, description
and scheduled broadcast time of shows.