Channel 9 - Entries tagged with WHS

LaCie Reveals New Windows Home Server with Up To 10 TB Storage

Sarah Perez — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:08:00 GMT

LaCie has announced the debut of its new WHS-powered server, the LaCie 5big Backup Server. Originally revealed at this year’s CES, the new server is designed for small businesses (or serious storage enthusiasts) to backup a network of PCs or Macs without needing I.T.’s help. The server can support configurations that allow it to backup up to 10 PC and 25 Mac workstations simultaneously.

It also includes 5 hot-swappable hard disk drives with capacities up to 10 TB (you can order it with either five 1 TB drives or five 2 TB drives). And it’s scalable with USB and eSATA connections. The server runs Windows Home Server as its OS and uses Intel’s D410 single-core processor running at 1.6 GHz. Prices start at $1,199.99 (€1,239 in Europe) for the 5 TB option.

Engadget says the new server offers “vaguely HAL 9000esque styling” like all the other LaCie 5big devices…which really just makes it that much cooler.

(via WeGotServed)

Vail is Here: New WHS is 64-bit Only

Sarah Perez — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:30:00 GMT

The Windows Team has announced the next version of Windows Home Server, code name “Vail” has now been launched into beta. Everyone can download the public beta (English only) here from the Microsoft Connect website.

The top four things that are new in Vail are an extended ability to stream media outside the home/home office, multi-PC backup and restore, simplified setup and user experience, and expanded development and customization tools.

However, the most important new “feature” is the fact that Vail is only going to be a 64-bit OS. No 32-bit version will be released.

To run the beta, you’ll need a 64-bit system with a 1.4 GHz x64 processor, 1 GB RAM, and at least one160 GB hard drive.

To see a demo of Vail in action, check out the YouTube video here.

WHS Featured on TLC

Sarah Perez — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:16:00 GMT

According to news from the Windows Home Server blog, the “stay-at-home server” is going to be featured on an upcoming episode of the TLC show “Designing Spaces,” a DIY-type show for homeowners, now in its sixth season. The segment will feature Senior Product Manager, Mark Pendergrast, who will explain what WHS is and how it can be used in the home and even in the home office. There will be some short demos, too. Seattle-based WHS users, Jim and Cindy Combs, who also participated in the original beta program, will join Pendergrast to talk about how they use WHS. Cindy in particular will explain how she runs her PR/marketing company from her home office using their WHS setup.

The program airs nationally on both the WE and TLC networks. Other local markets will air the show, too, starting April 9th. The full schedule is available here on the WHS blog.

HP MediaSmart Home Servers Link up with Tivo

Sarah Perez — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:33:00 GMT

HP just announced a partnership with home DVR system maker Tivo which allows MediaSmart Home Servers to connect with Tivo devices. The connection will be made by way of a free WHS add-in that lets you manage your recordings via the WHS console. The benefit for Tivo users is obvious: you can now record all the shows and movies you want without worrying about running out of space. Well, I suppose that you could, in theory, run out of room, but since the servers come with either 1 TB or 1.5 TB hard drives plus 3 available expansion bays, it would certainly take some time before you’re maxed out.

In addition to the extra storage, MediaSmart owners can watch the recorded shows on either a PC, Mac or TV by way of the Home Server’s remote streaming option.

WHS Power Pack 3 Arrives

Sarah Perez — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:42:00 GMT

The next major update for Windows Home Server, Power Pack 3, was set to roll out starting November 24th. The new update will deliver support for the newly launched Windows 7 operating system as it will allow WHS computers to back up and restore Windows 7 PCs. It will also offer Windows 7 Library integration, enhancements for Windows Media Center, and better support for netbooks, reports the Windows Home Server blog.

With the Libraries integration, WHS users can install the WHS Connector on computers running Windows 7 in order to access the server’s shared folders from within their Libraries, just like how other network shares can also be added to a particular Library.

Other changes include the addition of Windows Search 4, a TV archive, and a console view which you can read more about in the full list of updates available here.

Windows Home Server users won’t have to do anything special to receive the update assuming they already have Automatic Updates turned on. If so, the update will be installed automatically.

A Sweet Deal on a Home Server

Sarah Perez — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:37:00 GMT

Thanks to CrunchGear, we’ve discovered a great deal going on now at Amazon.com for the HP MediaSmart Home Server (Amazon link). Normally priced at $600, Amazon currently has it marked down to only $449.99. The server in question is the EX485 model which features an Intel Celeron 2.0 GHz 64-bit processor, a single SATA 7200 RPM 750 GB hard drive, 4 hard drive bays (up to 9 TB of storage possible), 2 GB of DDR2 DRAM (800 MHz), 4 USB ports, one eSATA port, photo and video sharing features, remote access, network-based backup, and more. It looks like this may be a limited time only deal, so if you’ve been thinking about getting a Home Server, you should order right now.

Create a Twitter Account for Your Home Server with New Add-in @WHSTweet

Sarah Perez — Wed, 27 May 2009 04:22:00 GMT

Donavon West of the Home Server Hacks blog has just released a brand-new add-in for Windows Home Server users called @WHSTweet. Using the Windows Home Server Technical Library, he created the add-in to monitor the health of your home server – specifically the “health status” which is those little messages that show up in the system tray when you turn on the setting “Display Network Health Notifications.” When the health of your server changes (the icon changes colors), the add-in will update Twitter with the information. For example:

Donavon recommends that you create a separate account just for your Windows Home Server so as not to confuse your followers with these automated messages.

For installation instructions including screenshots, check out this blog post. You can download the WHSTweet add-in here.

Windows Home Server Power Pack 2

Larry Larsen — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:48:00 GMT

Windows Home Server Power Pack 2 is out so we stopped by CJ Saretto's office to see what new features and fixes are included. Along with some nice fixes, PP2 has better remote access, better domain management (yourname.homeserver.com), expanded media sharing (Mp4 support) and Media Center integration.

If you have a Home Server just make sure automatic updating is turned on and you'll have it too. If you're new to Home Server, check out some past videos.

How to Build (or win) a Tiny Windows Home Server

Larry Larsen — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:43:00 GMT

Donavon from Home Server Hacks has put together instructions on how to build a tiny little Windows Home Server using an ARTiGO Pico-ITX kit. It's an interesting read and an especially good pick if your main concern is low power consumption - the Pico uses a staggering 13-watts of power at idle. While the board isn't the most plug and play compatible hardware out there for Home Server, this will show you how to make it work.

And if you're not so handy, Donavon is giving this one away to a lucky commentor. You have until Sunday January 11th to enter.

[Note: Just to be clear, leaving a comment here will get you nothing but my admiration. To actually enter this contest, head over to Donavon's blog and leave a comment there.]

OnTheFlyUnzipper for Windows Home Server

Sarah Perez — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:42:00 GMT

OnTheFlyUnzipper is a an add-on for Windows Home Server whose funny name may have you thinking XYZ PDQ! But this add-on isn’t about zippers…it’s about zipping and unzipping files. Once installed, the add-on is completely automated, requiring no user input – it will simply zip and unzip files as needed by immediately unpacking any downloaded files to a subfolder. The add-on can handle .rar files, too. In a recent review on WHS enthusiast site, WeGotServed, blogger Jim Clark notes that although some users have reported difficulties with multipart rar files and very large zip files, he didn’t have a problem in his test. Your mileage may vary, of course, but this still seems like a really useful tool. (I would like a browser add-on that does this!)

HP WHS MediaSmart Hardware Update

Larry Larsen — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:08:00 GMT

Engadget HP couldn't wait for CES to announce their latest HP MediaSmart ex485 and ex487, an excellent Windows Home Server starting at a very reasonable $599 (with $50 coupon via engadget).

The ex487 is similar to the previous HP MediaSmart (see more about the Media Smart in a previous Channel 10 video) but is more Mac-friendly (Time Machine compatible) and can stream media contained on the Home Server through the Internet. The new servers include Intel Celeron 2Ghz 64-bit with 2GB DRAM standard and smart power management for those who don't want to leave their Home Server on all day or night.

Pre-orders start January 5th 2009, shipping in February.

Windows Home Server Enthusiast Group

Larry Larsen — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 13:13:00 GMT

One of the new features of Windows Live wave 3 launched earlier this month is groups. Donavon West from HomeServerHacks.com has created a new Windows Home Server Owners/Enthusiasts group, already up to 380+ members and growing daily.

It's an invite-only affair, but mention Channel 10 and they'll drop the velvet rope for you.

MediaSmart Server Now Only $369

Sarah Perez — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:45:00 GMT

Looking for a good deal on a Windows Home Server? Ed Bott just found one for you. It looks like HP is selling the EX470 Windows Home Server for $399, a great price. I have to admit, this is a really tempting deal. (Too bad I just spent that same amount on a new netbook!) The MediaSmart is probably the home server I would get for myself if only for the Easter Egg involving the colored lights on its front. With an easy hack, you can unlock seven different light schemes including a multi-colored one called “Holiday Lights,” which is perfect for this time of year, now that I think about it.

[Update: Here is where you can get a EX470 for $369.99. - Thanks Charlie!]

Windows Home Server Now Under $100

Sarah Perez — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:01:00 GMT

According to the Windows Home Server team blog, the price of the System Builder SKU for Windows Home Server has now been lowered. This reduction means that the current retail price for WHS is now more affordable than ever. In fact, we’re seeing it appear on NewEgg for only $99! According to the team blog post, this decision was based on the user feedback they received in the Windows Home Server Community Forums, where consumers provided input on what they thought would be a better price for the WHS OS.

The System Builder SKU for WHS is a great version of the OS for do-it-yourselfers who want to pick out their own hardware and build their own devices.

A WHS box gives you the power of of Windows Server but with all the functions you would need in a home environment. On the WHS platform you can centralize your home network’s frequently accessed data like photos, videos, and music, while also backing up your multiple machines. The data stored on a WHS can also be accessed outside the network, thanks to the built-in web server functionality that lets you access your files from a web interface.

If you’ve been thinking about installing WHS on one of your home machines, now is a great time to buy.

Windows Home Server + Live Mesh @ PDC2008

Nic Fillingham — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:30:00 GMT

The Windows Home Server team were at PDC2008 presenting sessions on developing WHS applications and services which are now available for on-demand viewing over at Channel 9.

We sat down with Mark Pendergrast, Brendan Grant and Doug Berrett to chat about their PDC sessions and how Live Mesh is being integrated with Windows Home Server including a prototype demo of WebGuide running as a Silverlight application from the Live Mesh desktop.

Session links: Exposing Connected Home Services to the Internet via Windows Home Server (ES12) & Developing Connected Home Applications and Services for Windows Home Server (ES11)

The New Tranquil PC Home Server Revealed

Sarah Perez — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:28:00 GMT

Tranquil PC has just announced their newest Windows Home Server, the SQA-5H, or - for more fun – the “SQUASH” Server. The new server offers 5 “tool less” HDD drives, but the SQA-EX slave expansion unit provides five additional drive bays connected with a single cable expansion unit for potential storage up to 10TB. A one-touch backup button on the device lets you do a quick backup to a removable HDD from the server itself. Another button (the “mode” button) allows you to see the storage capacity of your drives at a glance by using an LED light display on the front panel.

The SQUASH server also offers near-silent operation thanks to its fanless CPU cooling system. A 1.66 GHz Intel Atom 330 Dual Core CPU keeps the power consumption low which saves you money while conserving energy.

There are two different variations on this server – the SQA-5H-1000 and the SQA-5H-2000. The 1000 is the entry-level unit featuring 1 GB RAM and a 500 GB HDD. The 200 has 2 GB of RAM and a 1 TB HDD. Because Tranquil is a UK-based shop, prices are in pounds, not dollars. The 1000 unit is £399.00 and the 2000 unit is £499.00.

The server comes in both black and white and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Units will begin shipping on November 6th.

My Movies Plugin, Now For Home Server

Sarah Perez — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:57:00 GMT

The upcoming My Movies plugin for Windows Home Server has a lot of people excited. Already available for Windows Media Center users, the plugin will soon allow Home Server users to organize their extensive movie collections and use their Home Server as more of a media server. According to a new post on the We Got Served blog, the plugin will function as a standard server for My Movies clients, will include an automated “Disc Copier,” will automatically monitor movie folders added to or located on a WHS share, and will function as a metadata provider without the need for a My Movies client for Microsoft DVD library, Niveus Movie Library, Open Media Library, Media Portal, and hopefully soon XBMC. The plugin isn’t available in its final form just yet, but if you just can’t wait to try it out, a pre-release version is now available for download from here.

Add-In Cleanup For Windows Home Server

Sarah Perez — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:17:00 GMT

If you have a Windows Home Server then you’ve probably been having fun trying out the numerous add-ins that have been made available for WHS users. These add-ins let you do all kinds of things from running Outlook to syncing your TV shows from Media Center to listening to the radio and so much more. But what if you’ve been having a little too much fun and have overloaded your server with add-ins? Or, even worse, what if you installed an add-in that wasn’t quite ready for prime time and now it won’t uninstall? Well now there’s an add-in for that!

The Add-In Cleanup Tool helps you clean and uninstall up whichever add-ins you need to get rid of. It will even remove them from the registry, too, after first doing a backup. The tool is installed via Remote Desktop by connecting to your WHS and putting the file ‘addincleanup.exe’ into the C:\Program Files\Windows Home Server folder. You can then choose to add the shortcut to your desktop, if desired. The tool is a free download available from here (zip file). (via We Got Served)

TV Manager for Windows Home Server Now Out of Beta

Sarah Perez — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:56:00 GMT

In July, we told you about a new plugin for Windows Home Server called TV Manager. This plugin lets you copy your recordings from a Vista Media Center PC or XP Media Center 2005 over to your Home Server for storage and management. At the time we originally wrote about it, the plugin was still in beta. But now, the first version of the plugin has been officially released: TV Manager 1.0. With TV Manager, you can view your recordings stored on your WHS in Media Center as if they physically resided on your PC. Recordings can also be deleted from either the WHS Console or Media Center.

Since the beta, several fixes and additions have been added to the software, including the following, listed below.

Fixes:

TV Manager Service setting permissions.
Compatibility with limited user accounts.
Launch recordings straight from the Windows Home Server Console.
Changed how recordings were moved (to fix ghost file issue) but lost the ability to monitor progress percentage.

New Additions:

Added Media Center Extender compatibility.
TV Manager Add-In interface redone.
Experimental ComSkip feature (disabled by default)
Regenerate the Xml in case of cache corruption without tester.exe.

If you’ve been waiting for the final version before trying out this software on your WHS, you don’t have to wait any more: you can download TV Manager 1.0 from here and the documentation from here.

WHS Outlook Beta

Sarah Perez — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:48:00 GMT

Mike Craven has been working on a way to put Outlook on your Windows Home Server through the creation of a WHS add-in. The WHS Outlook Beta add-in will let you use Outlook right from the Windows Home Server Console to check your email, switch between Outlook profiles on-the-fly, access all of your RSS Feeds, create new tasks or appointments, and more. You will get all the power of Outlook right through the WHS Console application. The add-in will require that you use Outlook 2002 or newer and you’ll be able to customize where your PST file is stored – either on the system partition or on the network shares. This add-in has not been released yet but a working beta should be available soon. If you’re interested in testing the beta, visit this thread on the WGS Forums and let Mike know of your interest. Active beta testers will receive a copy of the add-in at no charge when the beta period is over, but for everyone else the software will sell for $29.95 (U.S.) when ready. (Thanks to We Got Served for the tip!)

My Movies Media Center Plugin

Sarah Perez — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:51:00 GMT

WeGotServed has the scoop on another new plugin for Media Center - and it’s one of the more useful ones we’ve seen, too. This plugin, called My Movies, adds an extra tab to the “TV+Movies” button in Media Center and shows a list of all the ripped movies stored on your Windows Home Server, including cover art, cast and crew info, and even a link to a trailer. Of course, we can't condone ripping DVD's, but there is plenty of info on the subject.

With My Movies you are able to index your movies, browse them, stream them for viewing, share your movie database with multiple clients, and configure each client with its own parental control limitations. You can download the MyMovies plugin from here.

TV Manager Beta for WHS

Sarah Perez — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 05:42:00 GMT

There’s a new plugin for Windows Home Server users called TV Manager which copies your recordings from a Vista Media Center PC over to your Windows Home Server for storage and management. The plugin, still in beta, actually has 2 parts to it – one part for the WHS and one for Media Center. After the plugin copies the recording to the WHS, the original is removed from the Vista PC, freeing up valuable disk space on your machine. However, the plugin allows you to still watch the recordings just like you would normally watch “Recorded TV” in Media Center. The part of this program that runs on the Home Server displays a console for managing the recordings and deleting the ones you don’t want to keep. This plugin was created by Brent Friedman of We Got Served, where you can read in more detail about the features, requirements, and updates in the latest version of this beta software. (Image courtesy of WGS)

Home Server Toaster Mod

Sarah Perez — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:25:00 GMT

Yes, a toaster mod. A Windows Home Server modder by the name of Edgar Voorbraak sent in photos to the Home Server Hacks blog showing off his WHS build that is enclosed in an old toaster casing. He even used some of the toaster buttons to operate the computer - for example, the toaster time knob controls the fan's speed and the emergency stop button is the power button. The toaster server is green, too - it only draws 55W at full load. Inside it contains 4 HDDs totaling 4TB, 1 GB RAM, and VIA C7 1.5 Ghz processor. You can see more photos of the toaster server on the HSH blog post here. For more cool mods, check out the site's DIY gallery where you can submit your own photos too.

ShareMaster Gadget for WHS

Sarah Perez — Fri, 02 May 2008 03:45:00 GMT

The Home Server Hacks blog has just announced a new Windows Vista Sidebar gadget just for Windows Home Server users. This gadget, called "ShareMaster for Home Server," gives you quick access to the Windows Home Server's standard shared folders (Music, Photos, Public, Software, Users and Videos). The gadget has six icons on it that correspond to those six shared folders on the server. Clicking an icon on the gadget will open up that network shared folder. What's even cooler, though, is that you can drag and drop files onto the icons themselves to automatically move them from your PC to your Home Server. That's handy! This is definitely a must-have tool for any Windows Home Server owners. You can download the gadget from here. (image via Home Server Hacks)

Building a Green Windows Home Server

Sarah Perez — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:57:00 GMT

I've been following a very interesting series of posts over on the Home Server Hacks blog. They detailing, step-by-step, the process of building a $400 "green" Home Server. The server is encased in a Shuttle KPC housing, which is, according to the Shuttle web site, a low power consumption appliance, using only 55 Watts when in use and 33 Watts when idle. To go even greener, you can use Western Digital Caviar GP series drives. There are five parts to this post about building the green WHS and you can began reading the series here. It's a great idea, and just in time for Earth Day, too!