frontsm

WGS' New eBook "Windows Home Server 2011 Step By Step" Is Now Available

Following the release in December of our popular Using OS X Lion Server at Home eBook, we were asked a question, “Why haven’t you done a guide to Windows Home Server”? We couldn’t think of a smart enough answer, so got to work writing one over Christmas…. and it’s ready for release! Authored by Microsoft Windows Home Server MVPs Terry Walsh and Jim Clark, Windows Home Server 2011 Step by Step is WGS’ comprehensive guide to Microsoft’s home server platform, covering hardware, software, add-ins, apps, tips, tricks, advice, support and a whole lot more.


By Terry Walsh on February 8, 2012 @ 10:12 pm
Filed under: How to Guides, News, Windows Home Server 2011.
whsyoutube-beta_2

WHS YouTube Downloader

WHS YouTube Downloader is a Windows Home Server 2011 (WHS) add-in that lets you download YouTube videos using Windows Home Server’s remote web access site. Just add your videos to the download queue and leave your home server downloading.

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Synology Debuts First 8 Bay NAS Server, the DiskStation DS-1812+

NAS specialist Synology this week took the wraps off their first ever 8 bay NAS server in the shape of the DiskStation DS1812+, a high-speed/high-capacity device targeting prosumers and SMBs.

Read full story · Comments { 0 }
screen11

Add-in Update: RemoteLauncher v1.01

RemoteLauncher provides access to additional administration features and system tools within the Windows Home Server 2011 dashboard.

Read full story · Comments { 1 }
website

Using Apple OS X Lion Server as a Home Server (Websites, Blogs and Wikis)

Way back at the beginning of the series, we discussed the core features of a home server, and we’ve walked through most of those features as they appear in OS X Lion Server. In the last chapter, I showed you how to set up and configure the platform’s VPN server for remote access to files and folders. But we can also access a richer view of published content on the server (both internally and remotely) via a web browser, by setting up Apple’s Web and Wiki Servers. Today, I’ll show you how.

Read full story · Comments { 2 }
KB334B-1.jpg

Hands On: AZiO KB334B Wireless Multicontrol Keyboard

If you are looking for a keyboard that can be used on a multitude of devices and/or need to get back the screen real estate you lose from a virtual keyboard, look no further than the AZiO KB334B.

Read full story · Comments { 1 }
drivepool

Add-in Update: StableBit DrivePool v1.0.0.5677

StableBit DrivePool combines the individual hard drives on your server into a storage pool and offers enhanced folder duplication features for data protection.

Read full story · Comments { 0 }
stable

Add-in Update: StableBit Scanner v2.0.0.1267

StableBit Scanner is an advanced hard drive scanning and monitoring tool for Windows Home Server v1, Windows Home Server 2011 and Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials. It monitors all hard drives in your home server looking for damage then analyses and retrieves files from the damaged sectors of the disk.

Read full story · Comments { 0 }
drive-bender

Add-in Update: Drive Bender v1.2.4.5 (Beta 3)

Drive Bender presents multiple hard drives as a single pool of data storage, either as a logical drive letter, or a network shared drive. Drive Bender is able to do this with internal and USB (or any externally) connected hard drives, of any size.

Read full story · Comments { 3 }
frontsm

Windows Home Server 2011 Step By Step – Part 2: Building Your Home Server

We start with home server hardware. The first release of Windows Home Server in 2007 shipped on a variety of hardware that you could pick up from your local Best Buy, PC World or favourite online store. Fast forward to Windows Home Server 2011, and dedicated hardware is more difficult to find. So you’re left with the choice to either purchase an off the shelf PC or small server (such as HP’s excellent ProLiant MicroServer) and install the Windows Home Server 2011 software, or build your own. If you don’t fancy a build project, then skip to Chapter 4 for installation goodness. Otherwise, grab your screwdriver and spirit of adventure and come with me!

Read full story · Comments { 1 }
whsyoutube-beta_2

WHS YouTube Downloader

WHS YouTube Downloader is a Windows Home Server 2011 (WHS) add-in that lets you download YouTube videos using Windows Home Server’s remote web access site. Just add your videos to the download queue and leave your home server downloading.

Read full story · Comments { 1 }
screen11

Add-in Update: RemoteLauncher v1.01

RemoteLauncher provides access to additional administration features and system tools within the Windows Home Server 2011 dashboard.

Read full story · Comments { 1 }
drivepool

Add-in Update: StableBit DrivePool v1.0.0.5677

StableBit DrivePool combines the individual hard drives on your server into a storage pool and offers enhanced folder duplication features for data protection.

Read full story · Comments { 0 }
stable

Add-in Update: StableBit Scanner v2.0.0.1267

StableBit Scanner is an advanced hard drive scanning and monitoring tool for Windows Home Server v1, Windows Home Server 2011 and Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials. It monitors all hard drives in your home server looking for damage then analyses and retrieves files from the damaged sectors of the disk.

Read full story · Comments { 0 }
drive-bender

Add-in Update: Drive Bender v1.2.4.5 (Beta 3)

Drive Bender presents multiple hard drives as a single pool of data storage, either as a logical drive letter, or a network shared drive. Drive Bender is able to do this with internal and USB (or any externally) connected hard drives, of any size.

Read full story · Comments { 3 }
KB334B-1.jpg

Hands On: AZiO KB334B Wireless Multicontrol Keyboard

If you are looking for a keyboard that can be used on a multitude of devices and/or need to get back the screen real estate you lose from a virtual keyboard, look no further than the AZiO KB334B.

Read full story · Comments { 1 }
KB178RT-1.jpg

Hands On: AZiO KB178RT Mini Thumb Keyboard

I am not a thumb-typist, but that does not stop me from finding this keyboard a pleasure to use with my HTPC.

Read full story · Comments { 7 }
sony-homeshare

CES 2012: Sony’s HomeShare Speakers, Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System to Support Apple’s AirPlay

If you’re thinking of spreading your audio around the home, Sonos and Logitech’s Squeezebox may have been your favoured options. But perhaps it’s time to give Sony’s HomeShare system a second chance – whilst the first iteration resolutely avoided support for Apple’s AirPlay, the electronics giant has now bowed to the inevitable and built in support for Cupertino’s streaming technology.

Read full story · Comments { 0 }
Samsung_Optical_Smart_Hub_SE-208BW-580x404

CES 2012: Samsung’s Optical Smart Hub Fuses Network Storage With DVD Burning

Things that make you go “Hmmm…” Samsung’s Optical SMART Hub SE-208BW is a study in kooky convergence, marrying an external DVD burner with optional network attached storage.

Read full story · Comments { 3 }
clearfi

CES 2012:Acer Apes Apple With AcerCloud. Not iCloud, Okay?

At CES, the year of the Cloud service continues, this time with Acer whose AcerCloud file-synchronisation service will ship with new PCs and Android devices in Quarter 2 2012. Just don’t mention iCloud, okay?

Read full story · Comments { 0 }
website

Using Apple OS X Lion Server as a Home Server (Websites, Blogs and Wikis)

Way back at the beginning of the series, we discussed the core features of a home server, and we’ve walked through most of those features as they appear in OS X Lion Server. In the last chapter, I showed you how to set up and configure the platform’s VPN server for remote access to files and folders. But we can also access a richer view of published content on the server (both internally and remotely) via a web browser, by setting up Apple’s Web and Wiki Servers. Today, I’ll show you how.

Read full story · Comments { 2 }
frontsm

Windows Home Server 2011 Step By Step – Part 2: Building Your Home Server

We start with home server hardware. The first release of Windows Home Server in 2007 shipped on a variety of hardware that you could pick up from your local Best Buy, PC World or favourite online store. Fast forward to Windows Home Server 2011, and dedicated hardware is more difficult to find. So you’re left with the choice to either purchase an off the shelf PC or small server (such as HP’s excellent ProLiant MicroServer) and install the Windows Home Server 2011 software, or build your own. If you don’t fancy a build project, then skip to Chapter 4 for installation goodness. Otherwise, grab your screwdriver and spirit of adventure and come with me!

Read full story · Comments { 1 }
vpn-panel

Using Apple OS X Lion Server as a Home Server (VPN Configuration)

So far, remote access to our Lion Server has been restricted to viewing the server webpage and checking out our Calendar remotely. That’s providing a little bit of value, but we need more! The good news is that we can remotely log in to the server from a remote location, and use it just as if we were sitting in front of it at home, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection. I won’t bore you too much with the technology, but I should cover a couple of things before we get started.

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frontsm

Windows Home Server 2011 Step By Step – Part 1: What Is a Home Server?

Before we get into the finer details of life with Windows Home Server, we should take a step back and ask a pretty important question. Just what is a home server? Ask a hundred people in the street, and you’ll find many blank faces and the odd comedian who’ll ask you if it has something to do with household chores.

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WHS2011

How To: Map A Windows Home Server 2011 Network Location To a Windows 7 Client

Do you find navigating to Windows Home Server’s shared folders an arduous chore? Take a look at how Windows 7 allows you to create a direct link to network resources. This direct link is known as a ‘Network Location’ in the Windows Explorer application. A network location is similar to a mapped network drive without assigning a drive letter. Or you can think of it as a network resource shortcut.

Read full story · Comments { 12 }

Synology Debuts First 8 Bay NAS Server, the DiskStation DS-1812+

NAS specialist Synology this week took the wraps off their first ever 8 bay NAS server in the shape of the DiskStation DS1812+, a high-speed/high-capacity device targeting prosumers and SMBs.

Read full story · Comments { 0 }
synology_diskstation_ds-111

Hands On: Synology DiskStation DS-111

With Synology’s DiskStation DS-111, the company’s entry level consumer NAS server, we’re now at the (roughly) £150/$200 mark for a diskless device – still more expensive than direct attached storage (especially with current hard disk prices), but packing a swathe of value added features that you’d previously expect to find only in higher end devices. Whilst the hardcore enthusiast may well prefer a 4-bay powerhouse, could the single bay DS-111 be the right NAS for the masses? Let’s find out.

Read full story · Comments { 0 }
DSM3_2_banner_2

CES 2012: Synology Announces DiskStation Manager 4.0 Beta

A brand new OS beta for Synology with a host of features including cloud synchronization, new mobile apps and support for Amazon’s Kindle Fire.

Read full story · Comments { 4 }
TS-879Pro_04

CES 2012: New Products From QNAP

Coming from QNAP: new Turbo NAS models, video surveillance systems, and more.

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Banner_Firmware35_770x300

QNAP Announces Their New V3.6 Beta NAS Management Software

The V3.6 Beta Management Software introduces a number of new features.

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goflex_satellite4

CES 2012: Seagate GoFlex Satellite Wireless Mashes Mobile Storage With a 4G LTE Hotspot

Need a 4G hotspot? Need mobile storage? Don’t need to carry two devices? Then the Seagate GoFlex Satellite Wireless was designed for you.

Read full story · Comments { 2 }
Buffalo 80211ac

CES 2012: Buffalo Joins in 820.11ac Speed Race With Forthcoming AirStation WZR-1750H

The standard is not yet finalised, but the networking vendors are already previewing their new 802.11 ac routers. Coming towards the end of the year will be Buffalo’s new AirStation WZR-1750H router and WLI-TX4-1300H Media Bridge.

Read full story · Comments { 0 }
D-Link_DIR-857_Image_Angle

CES 2012: D-Link Unveils Two New High Performance Routers

If you thought the humble router has had its time when it comes to feature innovation, then CES 2012 has proved there’s life in the network-horse yet. D-Link today unveiled a pair of routers which the networking geeks may well take to their hearts.

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companion1

CES 2012: D-Link’s All-in-One Mobile Companion Promises Sharing, Streaming and Power on the Move

At CES today, networking specialist D-Link announced an innovative tech solution for travellers. The DIR-505 All-in-One Mobile Companion is a device offering network connectivity, local file sharing as well as power for your devices when you’re away from home.

Read full story · Comments { 0 }
sony-homeshare

CES 2012: Sony’s HomeShare Speakers, Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System to Support Apple’s AirPlay

If you’re thinking of spreading your audio around the home, Sonos and Logitech’s Squeezebox may have been your favoured options. But perhaps it’s time to give Sony’s HomeShare system a second chance – whilst the first iteration resolutely avoided support for Apple’s AirPlay, the electronics giant has now bowed to the inevitable and built in support for Cupertino’s streaming technology.

Read full story · Comments { 0 }
KB334B-1.jpg

Hands On: AZiO KB334B Wireless Multicontrol Keyboard

If you are looking for a keyboard that can be used on a multitude of devices and/or need to get back the screen real estate you lose from a virtual keyboard, look no further than the AZiO KB334B.

Read full story · Comments { 1 }
KB178RT-1.jpg

Hands On: AZiO KB178RT Mini Thumb Keyboard

I am not a thumb-typist, but that does not stop me from finding this keyboard a pleasure to use with my HTPC.

Read full story · Comments { 7 }
synology_diskstation_ds-111

Hands On: Synology DiskStation DS-111

With Synology’s DiskStation DS-111, the company’s entry level consumer NAS server, we’re now at the (roughly) £150/$200 mark for a diskless device – still more expensive than direct attached storage (especially with current hard disk prices), but packing a swathe of value added features that you’d previously expect to find only in higher end devices. Whilst the hardcore enthusiast may well prefer a 4-bay powerhouse, could the single bay DS-111 be the right NAS for the masses? Let’s find out.

Read full story · Comments { 0 }
IomegaTV_+Storage_Keypad2

Hands On: Iomega TV With Boxee

The Boxee ecosystem grows with the European-only Iomega TV with Boxee – the second media receiver to arrive packing Boxee’s media software. Join us as we take a look at what it can do.

Read full story · Comments { 1 }
tuneup

Software Review: TuneUp Utilities 2012

TuneUp Utilities 2012 is one of those Swiss Army Knife utility programs that does a bit of everything to improve various performance parameters, troubleshoot various computer problems, and personalize your PC. If it can take care of some of those mundane tasks automatically for me, I could be happy!

Read full story · Comments { 0 }
screen11

Add-in Update: RemoteLauncher v1.01

RemoteLauncher provides access to additional administration features and system tools within the Windows Home Server 2011 dashboard.

Read full story · Comments { 1 }
drivepool

Add-in Update: StableBit DrivePool v1.0.0.5677

StableBit DrivePool combines the individual hard drives on your server into a storage pool and offers enhanced folder duplication features for data protection.

Read full story · Comments { 0 }
stable

Add-in Update: StableBit Scanner v2.0.0.1267

StableBit Scanner is an advanced hard drive scanning and monitoring tool for Windows Home Server v1, Windows Home Server 2011 and Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials. It monitors all hard drives in your home server looking for damage then analyses and retrieves files from the damaged sectors of the disk.

Read full story · Comments { 0 }
drive-bender

Add-in Update: Drive Bender v1.2.4.5 (Beta 3)

Drive Bender presents multiple hard drives as a single pool of data storage, either as a logical drive letter, or a network shared drive. Drive Bender is able to do this with internal and USB (or any externally) connected hard drives, of any size.

Read full story · Comments { 3 }