Possibly Microsoft's most important OS for the home market

Glenn · Jul 10, 2008, 07:13:15

It's not a piece of software for your general computing, but a storage/backup soloution. Windows Home Server, it just works http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/windowshomeserver/default.mspx.

I have been using it for the past 2 weeks, and I must say it is one of the best backup solutions I have seen for the average user. Once the server is running, the PC's are connected to it via another install disk, you set when you want the backup to run and that is all that is necessary. If you need to rebuild the PC a 3rd disk allows you to recover backed up files.

Steve · Jul 10, 2008, 08:19:44

I seen this allied to the HP smart server and I suppose I have been put off by the initial outlay £400 ish for 500Gb version but since seen the 1TB version is going for £450 on Amazon. Obviously you can buy a linux based NAS for some £250 -£300 pounds less. I seen the software priced at around £100 oem so need to think about a cheaper hardware option possibly?

Rik · Jul 10, 2008, 08:23:49

I wonder if I can persuade Sue...

Glenn · Jul 10, 2008, 08:30:24

£90 for the software http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?MS-WHSO, it could be loaded onto an old PC or one of these with a couple of 500Gb drives fitted http://www.hotukdeals.com/item/211879/acer-altos-server-g330-mk2-intel-xe/

Glenn · Jul 10, 2008, 08:40:53

Here is a brief description http://download.microsoft.com/download/2/f/c/2fc09c20-587f-4f16-aa33-c6c4c75fb3dd/windows_home_server_drive_extender.pdf

Steve · Jul 10, 2008, 08:45:11

Stop getting tempted! I wonder about the running costs as I tend to turn PC's off when not using them.

Rik · Jul 10, 2008, 08:49:00

Quote from: Glenn on Jul 10, 2008, 08:40:53
Here is a brief description

Get thee behind me, Glenn.

Steve · Jul 10, 2008, 11:40:20

The HP mediasmart server 1TB comes with 2x500Gb drives with room for more and is said to use about 50 watts. Obviously not the processing power of the Acer above but presumably cheaper to run.

Glenn · Jul 10, 2008, 11:51:03

Quote from: Rik on Jul 10, 2008, 08:49:00
Get thee behind me, Glenn.

Rik, I have a 600 page book if you want to read that?

Rik · Jul 10, 2008, 12:14:23

Sue would drain what blood I have left, Glenn.

Sebby · Jul 10, 2008, 21:03:51

I'd love a WHS, but just can't justify the cost, at the moment.

Steve · Jul 11, 2008, 16:52:41

These are expensive but cheap to run and no fans

Tranquil PC

Rik · Jul 11, 2008, 16:58:04

Looks good, Steve.

Glenn · Jul 11, 2008, 18:09:01

It sure does

Sebby · Jul 11, 2008, 18:41:54

Wow, that's a nice bit of kit.

Steve · Jul 13, 2008, 16:47:08

Lots of good information here and plenty of hardware choices

http://www.wegotserved.co.uk/

Certainly becoming very tempting

Rik · Jul 13, 2008, 16:48:24

Computers and gadgets are always tempting, Steve.

Glenn · Jul 13, 2008, 17:27:14

Quote from: stevethegas on Jul 13, 2008, 16:47:08
Lots of good information here and plenty of hardware choices

http://www.wegotserved.co.uk/

Certainly becoming very tempting

I'm already a member there

Glenn · Jul 13, 2008, 17:28:35

I'm pondering what AV to install on my server, I'm leaning to Avast WHS.

Steve · Jul 15, 2008, 20:43:03

Thought this an interesting link with regard building a cheapish home server.

http://blog.evolvedsoftwarestudios.com/2008/01/15/how-to-build-a-cheap-and-low-power-server-for-windows-home-server-whs-or-server-2008-also-works-for-a-home-media-center/

It was about £300 pounds,but without an OS, not checked todays prices

Sebby · Jul 15, 2008, 21:04:16

Interesting read.