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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 January 11, 2010 @ 10:12 pm
Filed under: How to Guides, News, Windows Home Server 2011.
Pogoplug2 Rear-1

Pogoplug On Its Way to the UK

We caught up with the guys from Pogoplug last week at CES. Pogoplug is a device that allows you to connect up to 4 externals hard drives directly to the Internet, allowing you to share your files and folders via a web browser or mobile device.

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SG41J1-hi-frontview-2

CES 2010 Odds and Ends

Over a period of 3-1/2 days, I went from happy feet to exhausted feet.  I walked around more in that time period than I probably do in a month.  Maybe…  What are the Odds and Ends?  Read on!

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SuperSpeed_USB_minib

SuperSpeed USB 3.0 @ CES

My last appointment of CES was a good one.  We all know USB is good for a lot of things.  HD transfer is not one of them.  SuperSpeed USB is about to change all that.

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eHAU424_drive

Plextor and Lite-On @ CES

I had 2 appointments on Saturday.  One of those appointments was at a Mirage penthouse suite to take a look at the latest coming out of Plextor and Lite-On.  Cool stuff!

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Boxee Familyroom_Low Res

D-Link @ CES

D-Link unveiled quite a few items at CES.  Obviously, the big one from the WGS perspective is Boxee.  But we also have media players, routers, security kits and energy monitors, oh my!

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Wireless HDTV Link SWW1800

Philips @ CES 2010

Philips had a whole slew of stuff at CES this year.  Some items like powered toothbrushes is really not our thing, but there were some very interesting products that I now have a bit more information on.

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photo01[1]

VIA Unveils 64-bit M’SERV S2100 Mini Server

VIA Embedded this week announced the availability of the M’SERV S2100 Mini Server, the first home server to be powered by the VIA Nano processor.

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How to: Import a Home Server From the USA

Whilst there’s a huge amount of interest in Windows Home Server outside the USA, the range of hardware available to buy there is wider and often cheaper than in Europe and Asia. One solution is to import your hardware directly from the States. But how?

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c2n

Clickfree @ CES 2010

I really like my WHS.  I really do.  However, it is the do-all-everything Cadillac of the storage backup solutions.  Enter Clickfree.  Simply plug in a Clickfree device into your computer, and Clickfree does the rest.

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aver-1

AverMedia @ CES 2010

On Thursday, I met with AverMedia to check out their latest product additions.  A piece of software that Terry liked and a couple of DVR devices.

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cloudberry

Add-in Update: Cloudberry Backup v2.6.2

Cloudberry Backup allows you to back-up the data on your home or small business server to the cloud. Powered by a variety of online storage providers, the add-in integrates neatly with the Dashboard to allow backup scheduling, data encryption and many more features to protect your data.

Read full story · Comments { 0 }
lightsout

Add-in Update: Lights-Out Service Pack 2 Beta Refresh

A refresh of Lights-Out Service Pack 2 Beta was released this week for Windows Home Server v1 and WHS 2011. The power management add-in allows you to place your server in sleep or hibernation mode at scheduled times

Read full story · Comments { 5 }
wol

Add-in Update: AWIECO Wake on LAN v1.2

AWIECO WakeOnLAN is an add-in which enables the Home Server to start up every computer attached to your network. The add-in shows a list of all available and connected computers within your network and allows you to start them up from any location on network or over the internet.

Read full story · Comments { 0 }
AAC_2011_RC

Advanced Admin Console 2011 Is Released

The testing is over and the production version of the WHS 2011 add-in Advanced Admin Console is now available.

Read full story · Comments { 0 }
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 { 1 }
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?

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2big

CES 2012: LaCie Delivers New Thunderbolt Storage Lines

LaCie today announced two new additions to its range of Thunderbolt storage products, in the shape of the 2big Thunderbolt Series and eSATA Thunderbolt Series, the latter allowing users to connect external eSATA drives to new Macs via its Thunderbolt connection.

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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!

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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.

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Front-Cover-3DSolo

Windows Home Server 2011 Step By Step – Introduction

Welcome to Windows Home Server 2011 – Step by Step and for many of you, to the Windows Home Server platform itself. If you’re new to WHS, I hope this book will help you quickly discover how easy it is to install, configure and use Windows Home Server, and how useful its features are in both the home and small business environments. Whether you’re interested in streaming music, video and photos around your home and beyond, seeking an easy way to share files with friends and colleagues, or simply looking for an easy way to protect your PCs and Macs, you’ll learn that Windows Home Server can play an essential role at the heart of your network.

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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.

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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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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 }
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.

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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.

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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 }
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 { 1 }
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.

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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!

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2011mainscreen

Hands On: Snoop-de-dupe Add-in for WHS 2011

Got duplicate files on your server? Weed them out with Snoop-de-dupe.

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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 { 0 }
cloudberry

Add-in Update: Cloudberry Backup v2.6.2

Cloudberry Backup allows you to back-up the data on your home or small business server to the cloud. Powered by a variety of online storage providers, the add-in integrates neatly with the Dashboard to allow backup scheduling, data encryption and many more features to protect your data.

Read full story · Comments { 0 }
lightsout

Add-in Update: Lights-Out Service Pack 2 Beta Refresh

A refresh of Lights-Out Service Pack 2 Beta was released this week for Windows Home Server v1 and WHS 2011. The power management add-in allows you to place your server in sleep or hibernation mode at scheduled times

Read full story · Comments { 5 }
wol

Add-in Update: AWIECO Wake on LAN v1.2

AWIECO WakeOnLAN is an add-in which enables the Home Server to start up every computer attached to your network. The add-in shows a list of all available and connected computers within your network and allows you to start them up from any location on network or over the internet.

Read full story · Comments { 0 }
AAC_2011_RC

Advanced Admin Console 2011 Is Released

The testing is over and the production version of the WHS 2011 add-in Advanced Admin Console is now available.

Read full story · Comments { 0 }