[Geek] (Windows) Remote Control Winamp as a service (nearly)

[azekeil]

Ingredients

1 Windows 2000/XP computer (preferably one connected to a hifi or decent speakers)
1 Copy of Winamp (version 5?)
1 BrowseAmp plugin for Winamp

Method

The following is all done on the Windows 2000/XP computer:

1. Install Winamp. I suggest configuring it so just an icon shows in the system tray, rather than the default of the task bar.


2. Install BrowseAmp. Configure it as you see fit.


3. Open Notepad. Copy & paste the following in:

   @echo off
   tasklist "IMAGENAME eq winamp.exe" | find "Image Name" && exit
   
   :: This bit is only reached if no other winamps are running
   
   start "" /min "C:\Program Files\Winamp\winamp.exe"

   Save the file as "RunWinampOnceOnly.bat" in the 'Shared Documents' folder.


4. Create a shortcut to this file in the "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup" folder - right click on the newly created shortcut, choose Properties, and make sure the program starts minimised.


5. Re-log in, or start Winamp. Access from http://localhost/ on that computer, or http://yourcomputername/ on other computers on the network!

Serves as many as you see fit.

Comments

[serena-lesley.livejournal.com]

You love trying things out on my home network, don't you? *Pats your head*

[azekeil.livejournal.com]

Yes, why not?

[serena-lesley.livejournal.com]

No reason why not, it means I get loads of cool stuff installed even if I'm not completely sure how to use it... :)

[azekeil.livejournal.com]

Well for you it's http://Panther/. I'm not sure I could make it much easier than that :p

[serena-lesley.livejournal.com]

SQUEEEEEEEE!!! OMG That's so cool!!!!

[meltie.livejournal.com]

*grin*

Isn't it nice when things just... work? :D

[serena-lesley.livejournal.com]

Yes! Especially when it requires no effort on my part. ;)

[wechsler.livejournal.com]

It always amazes me how well technology works when there's a geek to do it all for you ;)

[serena-lesley.livejournal.com]

It's great.. he fixes things that I never even knew were broken, and installs things that it didn't occur to me to look for but which I obviously desperately needed. Yay!

[azekeil.livejournal.com]

Hrm, yes. Now I just have to deal with my home network, Jordan's PC, etc. etc. :/

[wechsler.livejournal.com]

PS: Startup folder != service

[azekeil.livejournal.com]

I know. It's why I said (nearly) in the title. I used to use FireDaemon, but they've gone commercial. Someone mentioned using some tools from the NT resource pack to do it - but to be honest, I've played with FireDaemon before, and it can be troublesome getting the program to interact properly with the desktop. I think this will work just fine. The only time it won't is when no one is logged in, and from experience I think the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz soundcard drivers don't work until someone is logged in anyway.. :/