Q I’m running Windows XP Media Center Edition on a PC, but find its reliance on the Microsoft remote control for navigating the media interface quite infuriating at times.

I know you can use the mouse, but there’s no way it can emulate the Skip buttons on the remote, or fire up the Guide in one press. Are there any alternatives to the Microsoft remote?
Steve Watkins

A It’s not widely publicised, but the Windows XP Media Center Edition (MCE) interface can be completely controlled by keyboard shortcuts, and there’s a full list of what you need to know on Microsoft’s website.

Ctrl & G fires up the Guide, for example. You could therefore use a standard keyboard to fully control MCE, or if you have a remote control that can be programmed to store keyboard shortcuts, program it instead of having to use the Microsoft model.