Hello,

About 5 years ago I set out with linux, and have been tinkering with it ever since. I've had a headless 'server' box set up running some services such as httpd, smb etc, which I have grown accustomed to. However my 5 year old box is now getting old, and I'm going to upgrade it.

Now I figure, while upgrading it, why don't I throw all my storage (1.6 TB+) Into a box, and install a suitable OS media center OS (or software) onto it, and I have a box that does:
- Media (Music, HD, SD) playback onto my TV
- Web Server
- File Server
- Misc other servers (Ventrilo, maybe a bit of Counter-Strike if nostalgia strikes, etc)

The upside to this would be that my files would be centralized and therefore I could access them even if my main computer was off.

Now this is what I need help on:

1. OS - MythDora? MythTV? Etc. I can't decide. Can anyone tell me what the differences are? P.S. I like eye candy
2. Hardware - I've got this sorted, but I'm talking about the hardware I can use to control it (See below).

The hardware specs are:
AMD Athlon 3500+
2GB DDR400
2TB of SATA disks
Asus A8N-VM motherboard
Onboard Sound / Network

Now as far as control goes, it has to be really easy to use. This is because non computer savvy people will be using it. I could buy a full bluetooth keyboard, but I want to keep it simple for non computer savvy people to use. I've heard about several people using the Microsoft Media Remote to control their boxes; This would be an ideal solution! Can someone tell me if I'm on the right track here?

Thanks for any help in advance!

Edit: forgot to add that TV Tuner won't be required.