We Got Served

So, you’ve applied for entry into the Windows Home Server Beta. If you’re successful, what do you get? Here’s a preview.

Three Documents:

1. Windows Home Server Beta 2 Reviewers Guide - A brilliant in-depth overview of the key features of Windows Home Server.

2. Windows Home Server Beta 2 Getting Started Guide - Full instructions for installing and setting up WHS.

3. Windows Home Server Beta 2 Release Documentation - Late breaking and additional information on Beta 2.

Three pieces of software (ISOs for burning to DVD/CD):

1. Windows Home Server Beta 2 Installation DVD – this installs the main Windows Home Server operating system on to your server hardware.

2. Windows Home Server Beta 2 Connector CD – the Connector software is installed on each home computer (desktop and laptops) that you wish to be monitored and backed up by your home server. It connects that computer to the server, controls the backup and network monitoring, and allows you to access the home server on each computer.

3. Windows Home Server Beta 2 Restore CD – the Restore CD is used when you want to restore your entire home computer from a backup on the server.

More on these in a forthcoming blog on installing Windows Home Server on your new (or existing) home server hardware.

I’ve beta tested a variety of Windows releases over the past few years, it’s the most comprehensive set of docs I’ve received on any beta. Great work and really useful for testers.

Oh, yes, I got in the beta by the way Come on, you knew that didn’t you? And, before you think I’m breaking all sorts of NDAs – I do have permission to blog on this stuff from MS. Given the Beta 2 newsgroups are public there’s a clear effort on MS’ half to be as open as they can be on the beta, which is very cool indeed.

If you get in, enjoy what’s coming!