[steve1977]

I have seen quite a few guides out, but before I go ahead and spend my day going ahead with following one of them, I would like to seek your advice:

What I want to achieve:
* Have a Revo 1600 running Windows XP and want to change to Linux
* Want to install XBMC using VDPAU functionality
* Also want to be able to run Hulu desktop and Boxee
* Need to access SMB drives from a NAS

Optional
* Would love to somehow have access to the photos from my Aperture Library (stored on my NAS)


What would be the best for (minimal, full, live) and where can I find the best guide to get it done. Thanks a lot for your help!!!

[uomiarz]

If you are new to linux then install Ubuntu Karmic from CD (full install)
You should have dual boot at that point (XP or Linux)
Then install XBMC and Boxee as applications (pretty straight forward)
Of course you will need to install nvidia drivers before that.
Finally you can have a script that switches between Boxee and XBMC from single remote push button.

This is the easiest way.

[myrison]

My signature has a suggestion for the XBMC / Ubuntu installation, but I've not used Boxee. It might help to get you started, after which you'd just have to add Boxee to the installation.

[Gaudi]

Go with the LiveCD and install in a dual boot setup. I have made it that way.
If you feel comfortable, resize the partitions using any soft like Acronis and leave an unpartitioned space to install XBMC to it.