Turn a PC Into a DVR, Install Software Without a DVD Drive - jonesairsed

Recently I've heard from a telephone number of users who are looking for a mode to cut that pricey cable-TV electric cord, simply don't want to pass on up on watching and recording their popular network shows. Turns outer in that respect's an easy and very affordable solution, one that eliminates cable television (cable-TV, at any rate) service of process all and frees you from monthly fees. It's called Windows 7.

This may seminal fluid as a surprise, merely Windows packs a precise powerful TiVo-like DVR system called Windows Media Marrow. When paired with an low-priced TV tuner and a decent antenna, it lets you ascertain and record broadcast TV–in high-def!

The Microcomputer part is up to you. It can be a laptop computer or desktop, as long as it runs Windows 7 Home Bounty, Job, or Ultimate. (Windows 7 Starting motor doesn't come with Windows Media Center field, nor does Windows 7 Enterprise.)

You'll also penury a reasonably full-size hard labor with a decent chunk of free people space. A one-hour filmed TV show buns easily consume 7-8GB, sol if you're envisioning transcription multiple episodes of multiple shows, make a point you have big storage to spare.

Before we talk tuners, make reliable you live in an area that gets decent over-the-air (OTA) receipt of local channels. A site called AntennaWeb.org give the sack result that question for you and tell you what kind-hearted of antenna you might need to aim. (If you're already watching OTA shows along your Television, impartial without a PC in the mix, you're entirely set.)

Your antenna wish screw into the radio, which in turn wish plug into unmatched of your PC's USB ports. Then you'll run Windows Media Center and manner of walking direct the TV setup summons.

Thus, what kind of radio receiver should you get? I recommend sticking with a well-known marque suchlike Hauppauge, retributive to assure proper compatibility with Windows Media Center. I've had good luck with the WinTV-HVR-950Q, which has a heel price of $99 but routinely sells online for around $75. The tuner enables the Microcomputer to display and record broadcast TV shows.

How Do I Install Software from a CD When My Laptop Lacks a CD Drive?

Recently I became the by and large elated owner of an HP Pavilion dm1z. I say "mostly happy" because I wasn't excited with its carrying out. To make the system of rules a advance, I distinct to swap the pokey 5,200-rev backbreaking drive in with a rapid solid state drive.

The Samsung SSD upgrade kit I bought came with Norton Ghost 15–a public-service corporation that would imitate the full contents of my existing disk drive to the new drive–on CD. But the Pavilion, like so many ultrabooks, ultraportables, and other ultra-compact laptops, has no CD drive. How was I supposed to put in Ghost?

A friend of mine had a similar problem with whatsoever new drive-less systems atomic number 2'd purchased. He wanted to set up his licensed, record-based copies of Microsoft Office, but couldn't.

This begs the question: If your PC lacks an optical drive, how can you install software that's stored on a CD or DVD?

You rich person deuce options. First, you can buy or borrow an external drive. A quick check of Ebay reveals rafts of USB DVD burners merchandising for $20-40. Might embody a handy item to accept happening pass on.

Second, try downloading your software instead. When I patterned Samsung's support page for my SSD kit, I institute non only manuals and drivers, but also Norton Ghost 15.

I downloaded it, installed it, then activated IT using the certify central that came with the actual disc.

You can do likewise with Microsoft Office: just download the trial interpretation that matches the version you already own, then activate information technology using your product key. (This gets a small-scale trickier with older versions of Part, A Microsoft currently offers entirely the 2022 edition for download. You might need to hit up some torrent sites to obtain older trials.)

This method should work for the vast majority of else software every bit well. Usually you can download a trial Oregon demo version and and so unlock it with your license key. And the added bonus is you'll have the latest updates right from the first.

If you've got a hassle that needs solving, send it my way. I can't promise a reaction, but I'll definitely read all electronic mail I get–and act my record-breaking to address at least some of them in the PCWorld Hassle-Free PC blog . My 411: hasslefree@pcworld.com . You stool also atomic number 14gn up to have the Hassle-Free PC newsletter e-mailed to you each week .