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Req Run XBMC Library + Database as a Service / Daemon - Only want the UPnP Media Server? - Printable Version

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+--- Thread: Req Run XBMC Library + Database as a Service / Daemon - Only want the UPnP Media Server? (/showthread.php?tid=43646)

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Run XBMC Library + Database as a Service / Daemon - Only want the UPnP Media Server? - gabriell - 2009-01-12

I want to run XBMC as service in Windows XP SP2 so it runs in the background without disturbing normal Windows use. I have a PS3 and it would be great to have the server always running as soon as I power up my PC. I was navigating through XBMC configuration menus and I haven't found what I'm looking for. Also I've been reading the forum but I've only found references on how to run XBMC instead of Windows shell, run XBMC Live! (without Windows support) and things like that, but I think that my question is a bit different. Anyway I expect you can help me to get this working. Thanks for the support!!


- dpassent - 2009-01-12

Why you need XBMC running in the background? For serving files? What is the scenario?

DP


- Gamester17 - 2009-01-12

No, you can not, and no, we will not add the ability to run XBMC as such No
XBMC is a designed to be a front-end media center, not a back-end service:
http://xbmc.org/about/vision/

Why don't you just run a standalone UPnP MediaServer that is made for it?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UPnP_AV_MediaServers
http://www.tversity.com/
http://www.allegrosoft.com/ams.html
http://www.streamium.philips.com/
http://www.cybergarage.org/net/index.html
http://resnet.uoregon.edu/~gurney_j/jmpc/pymeds.html
http://www.twonkyvision.com/
http://www.digital5.com/
http://www.awox.com/


- jmarshall - 2009-01-12

I personally would welcome any work done (by a 3rd party developer) to separate XBMC's library system from the UI. I suspect that with a few well-placed #ifdef's to essentially take away the main game loop, something like this would be doable.

Cheers,
Jonathan


Run XBMC as a background service? - tjdadj - 2009-02-22

Tried searching, but was unable to find anything?

So, Has anyone had any success running XBMC as a service?

I would like to do this on my WHS machine, but due to it's finicky nature, I thought that I would ask first before attempting.
(Don't want to risk rebuilding a 2TB machine, if at all possible!)

Any and all comments welcome...

TIA


- SickIcarus - 2009-02-22

Why would you want to?
Set up a user account to auto-login, and simply add the xbmc shortcut into the startup folder.


- tjdadj - 2009-02-22

There's a couple of reasons:

One, I need a secure server, so auto-login is out.. It's running much more than a stock WHS normally runs, and there are apps and data that shouldn't be accessible to anyone..

Two: if XBMC is running in one session, and I RDP into the WHS w/ XBMC in the startup folder, it tries to run again, then crashes and trashes the previous running process..

but thanks for replying anyway..


- althekiller - 2009-02-22

If security is a concern I wouldn't run XBMC on it period Smile Nor would I trust 2TB to windows :p


- tjdadj - 2009-02-22

althekiller
"If security is a concern I wouldn't run XBMC on it period"
SO, are you saying that XBMC is insecure and easily hackable, or that it is unstable, and can expose WHS to system penetration?

I've been running the original Atlantis (SMB) release since it day one, and have found that it is quite stable, and I have tried stressing many aspects of WHS to expose any instabilities w/o success. I have ran database apps w/ the database stores in the shared folders, being accessed by multiple users, and have never experienced any issues. all while streaming 2 different 720p video feeds on an old dual 2.0G Opteron based system w/ 4G.

The security issue is only related to console access, as the WHS is on a very secure intranet.

At this point it's still an exercise to determine the viability of the build, and to determine the optimal configuration.

"Nor would I trust 2TB to windows"

While I typically agree with most M$ bashing, I have found WHS an exception, but only when using folder dupication. There are still a few small issues with it, but in general, it's probably the highest quality product they've released in years..

If XBMC would run as a service, I can see that the combination WHS/XBMC would be an extremely desirable system the the home environment.

So, Thanks for the input..
I'll take it under consideration.
tj


- Maxim - 2009-02-22

There really isn't any method to making it a service since it's a rare desire to make this happen. I'm sure that any method for making "any" application a service will do.

However, what would be the significance of doing this?

With the service allowed to interact with the desktop, it's possible (The true behavior is up in the air because I have no clue.) for XBMC to appear on the desktop of every user who logs into the console.

With the service not allowed to interact with the desktop, no one would be able to see the interface in order to interact with it.

In addition is the question of when the service should be started? What would be the point of starting the service when no one can see it?

XBMC needs a real desktop to be of any use.

Also I don't think it to be very nice to jump to consulsions that the XBMC insecure or unstable. XBMC is a Media Center application and it's designed to be as such. Take it for what it is and nothing more.


- tjdadj - 2009-02-22

Maxim

First of all, read the posts, I NEVER said it was insecure! I was responding to a statement made by althekiller, in a previous post.. He's the one that implied that it it shouldn't be used if security was an issue.. I just ask for clarification..

Also, if you would have read, and comprehended, my previous posts, you who have seen that I was using XBMC to stream video to client machines.. So, I am only using it as a server, and have no need to run the gui, once it's setup.. As for making changes in XBMC, it's very easy to stop the service, then run it from the desktop.

While XBMC is designed to be a Media Center application, the implication is it also acts as a Media Server (which it is), and as such, it should be able to run as a service, as all server services do.

As I stated in my original post, all I requested was information from anyone that had actually tried running XBMC as a service, and if they were successful. I am fully capable of implementing, and running it as a service, I just didn't want to risk trashing my current installation in the process.

If you didn't understand what I was trying to do, and was asking for clarification, you may want to take a more tactful approach next time.Oo

I appreciate you taking the time to respond, but next time you may want to read and understand the thread before doing so.. Blush

Respectfully,
tj


- althekiller - 2009-02-22

I'm not saying XBMC IS insecure, but we did very recently move to a platform where security wasn't an issue (xbox) to three where it is. So it's really up to you. If you're just trying to keep mom out of your porn you're probably fine. But if you have trade/govt secrets on this box, you're surely daft for dual purposing it like this.

As for WHS, all I have to see is, that self-corrupting feature was pretty bad ass.


- Livin - 2009-02-22

althekiller Wrote:I'm not saying XBMC IS insecure, but we did very recently move to a platform where security wasn't an issue (xbox) to three where it is. So it's really up to you. If you're just trying to keep mom out of your porn you're probably fine. But if you have trade/govt secrets on this box, you're surely daft for dual purposing it like this.

As for WHS, all I have to see is, that self-corrupting feature was pretty bad ass.

While being humorous this is also 100% on target. Nod

No one knows how truly "secure" XBMC is, or is not. This would require a battery of tests and to be hammered on by security vulnerability experts.

Bottom line... assume XBMC is not secure (in the corporate/gov't sense). Use it appropriately.


- tjdadj - 2009-02-22

althekiller
Hey, considering you're the dev, I was only asking for clarification regarding your somewhat ambiguous response, and fully realize that the it's ultimately my responsibility. I am also aware that the ports are fairly new, and external (to XBMC) security concerns are very low on the devs list (if at all?).

As to whether I'm daft, or not, is my concern, but so far, all I've heard from responders is the equivalent of:"You're stupid for wanting to run XBMC as a actual media server service.", and not a word about keeping the community/devs updated as to whether it's a viable option or not?
I'm beginning to understand why no one's responded to my original question.
As a SA (sysadmin) w/ 25+ years of real world experience, (ya, long before there was an internet), I find the attitude here could use some improvement, so please consider how your reply will be interpreted before posting.. (this is not aimed at anyone in particular, just an observation) thank you..

So sorry, no porn, or govt. secrets, just proprietary information, that is mirrored elsewhere, just need to have a secure local copy available for convenience..

As for the WHS corruption bug, that was resolved 8 months ago, old news..

Lastly, I would like to say that XBMC is an impressive piece of programming, and would like to personally thank everyone involved in bringing it to fruition.

Respectfully
tj


- Nazgulled - 2009-02-22

If you really want to do it, maybe this will help:
http://www.firedaemon.com/

Not free though...