A computer can't do anything without the proper software installed.  I chose to run my system on a Windows XP Professional backbone.  The installation was done on the bench since it takes a few hours to configure everything.  Here's a photo of XP installing itself:

Windows XP isn't exactly the most touchscreen or car friendly operating system so I needed a front end to provide convenient access to the functions I use most in a car.  These functions are playing music (MP3, WMA, OGG, and everything else that's out there), video (every present and future format), DVD, XM, and GPS navigation.   The front end I am using can also use a cellular or WiFi network connection to check the weather, download audio CD information from CDDB, and surf the internet.

The GPS navigation is provided by the iNav iGuidance mapping software.

All the software costs (Windows XP Pro, GPS Software, DVD decoder, and the front end) are in addition to the parts cost estimated on the hardware page.  Final pricing of Centrafuse hasn't been released by the author yet.  I estimate that all the software needed to run the Mobile Infotainment System will end up between $400 to $500.

Media files get transferred to the computer over a wireless or wired network, USB memory drive, or a DVD/CD.

Now that everything is setup and installed, let's see the system in action!