This is an article which looks at the alternatives for networking your home to use all the media you have with any computer, or audio or video device in your house. Here is part of the story…
At these prices, a roll your own thing built around a low-cost PC becomes quite tempting. Start with a $200 Linux box from Wal-Mart, the Microtel PC with an AMD Sempr0n 2200+. Throw out the CD-ROM and replace it with a double layer DVD drive ($99). Add your choice of disk drives, since it has two open 5.25-inch bays and a 3.5-inch bay, plus four USB 2.0 ports. If a no-name box from Wal-Mart makes you a little uncomfortable, you can get your hands on an entry-level Mac Mini for $499, add a couple of drives through its USB and/or Firewire ports, and set up file sharing. It’s not the prettiest answer, but you get a Mac to play out of the bargain.
The Inquirer