Question : Problem: What software/OS is best solution for streaming video from network drive to PC over wireless home network?

When I first began storing mpg video on my network hard drive, I had no trouble watching it over my wireless network.  Now I find that playback frequently stops while more is downloaded.  I use VLC as the local player on Windows XP laptops.  Network is a gigabit wireless system.  I am wondering if installing Windows Medica Center might help or maybe switch to a different playback app that is better at downloading everything up front?  Any recommendations would be welcome.

Answer : Problem: What software/OS is best solution for streaming video from network drive to PC over wireless home network?

I missed your earlier comment r.e. using a wireless-N adapter.   Unfortunately, the Linksys 310 uses an internal antenna which is not as effective as several of their other models with external, adjustable antennas.   (e.g. the 300N, 350N, or 4400N)  

An even better choice would be one of the dual-band routers that transmit on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.   These can get outstanding range, as they aren't subject to the bandwidth congestion in the 2.4GHz area (cordless phones; neighbors routers & phones; etc.).   Of course if you use one of these (e.g. the Linksys 600N) you'll also need a dual band adapter on the laptop to take advantage of this capability (e.g. a Linksys WUSB600N).

Another alternative is to install a separate access point (NOT another router -- an Access point) closer to where the laptop is generally used.   But this will require an ethernet cable between your router and the access point --> which may/may not be something you can do.