One of the major considerations for Windows Home Server is that you are not going to be logging onto the server and have programs launching all the time. You’re going to load the console, use it for what you need and that is about it. So you want programs that will run automatically, and don’t require you to log in to the server.
For those who don’t know, that is a “Service” in Windows – a program that runs in the background. One that you never directly see or interact with, and which starts before you even log in. It has no GUI of its own, and no need for direct interaction. Many such services do have interfaces that are not part of the program, but do allow you to change the settings for it.
Those who are technically inclined will see the reason AnyService Installer is great for Windows Home Server. But for those that don’t know why, AnyService Installer allows you to set up any program as a service, running without having to log on to your server and without interaction.
However, not every program is a great candidate for AnyService Installer. Remember, you won’t be able to directly interact with the program. So either the program needs to be one that doesn’t actually need any interaction (such as ShoutCAST DNAS) or has an alternate means of interaction (such as uTorrent’s WebGUI). But for the programs it does work for, it means that as long as your server is on, the “service” is running, so for those like me, it means it is up and running 24/7.
Configuring a program as a service is very simple. You do need to install the Windows Server 2003 Resource Toolkit first. But once you have that installed, all you need to do is run AnyService Installer. There are three main entries settings, the location of the toolkit files, the program you want to use and a name for it. Simply configure those settings, and you’re off and running.
Author: Marcel Nouwens
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Release Date: 11 July 2007
