 This is the most recent version of Windows Home Server (WHS) |
| Review Date: February 3, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Speednet, |
At the time I'm writing this, Amazon has two versions of WHS listed: this one with a plain white graphic, and another more expensive one with a blue graphic. THIS is the more recent version, despite its lower price.
Microsoft hit a home run with Windows Home Server (WHS). It is one of the first times I've seen a sophisticated software product that is perfect for regular non-techie consumers. It is easy to use, but does not assume the user is a moron. It does this by placing just the right warnings at the right times. Obviously, it's been user-tested a LOT.
Under the covers is is built on Windows Server 2003 SP2. That is an excellent choice, because it is a very mature operating system, and is in use in millions of computer servers around the world. In fact, one of the things I was surprised about when first booting up the software is that you really do have access to the regular Windows desktop, including Start menu and many of the normal programs and features you would expect to see.
So for me, as someone who is very comfortable working with servers, I was very happy to see that although the product does not NEED any kind of tweaking, I had full access to be able to make subtle adjustments that I wanted. For example, I was able to adjust the encryption level on remote desktop sessions to "High" (from the default Normal) in the Administrative Tools > Terminal Services Configuration application. What a great thing that Microsoft did not "dumb down" the product and restrict access for those who know what they're doing.
One of the first things you should do with any new OS install is to run Windows Update, so that it gets patched with all the latest updates from Microsoft. This install is no different, and there were in fact many updates to install (53 or 54 in total). So before playing with your new server, first run Windows Update from the Start > All Programs menu, select the "Custom" option, and check all the boxes to install everything.
Then, after you install the updates (which includes the upgrade from IE6 to IE7) and the computer reboots, run Windows Update again. Typically, in an update that large there are updates that don't install because of some dependencies, and there will be additional updates to the updates you just installed. This is common. Every time Windows Update finishes, immediately run it again -- until you see "0" (zero) next to every category on the left. Also, don't use "Express", keep using "Custom" (contrary to the "recommended" tag next to Express).
Another thing you may want to do is get rid of the Logon Warning that appears every time you log in to the server's desktop (either remotely or on the computer itself). You can do that simply by deleting "Logon Warning" from the All Programs > Startup folder in the Start menu. It is a simple HTML file, so deleting it does not do any harm.
I am really happy with this home server product from Microsoft, and I highly recommend it for any household that has more than one computer. |
Best thing since sliced bread
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| Review Date: March 22, 2009 |
| Reviewer: James Fields, Dallas, TX |
I was wanting a Home "File Server" after seeing one in action at a local Attorneys office (I have been using macs for years until last year) and was pretty impressed on how well networking on domains/LAN, etc worked on Windows.
While googling "Home Server" expecting to have to setup a Linux server I found this little gem.
I downloaded the Eval Copy and installed it on an old P4 1.8 with 768 of memory, after install setup took 10 minutes.
I am completely impressed with this product, Microsoft put out such a killer product, I am amazed they don't advertise it more. My wife and I were swapping portable drives between the 2 laptops and her computer until now. I did not know or understand networking, all I knew was I liked how the network was setup at a friends business and wanted that, without having to buy expensive Server software, now all we did was take those external drives and put them in the new Home Server and loaded it will all of the pictures, music, documents, etc. Backing up my wife's computer is so much easier now, and I don't have to ask her if she did back it up, I know it happened.
This product is a must have if you have a computer (especially if you have a laptop) as you will never have to worry about where files are, if everyone can access them, and like me, you have no server experience.
Those little HP machines that are pre-configured with this software are a great deal to.
This is a must have. |
Just works
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| Review Date: June 3, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Martin, Japan |
I have been trying to set up a home server for over a year (you could also say: I had been playing around) . My main requirements were:
- Network storage
- Streaming audio files (for Logitech Squeezebox/Slimserver)
- An automated backup solution for my PCs
I had tried different Linux solutions (Ubuntu Server, Debian, etc.), which was fun (and I think I learned a lot), but those were quite uncomfortable to maintain and my installation never did everything it was supposed to.
So I finally set up an Asus eee Box as a quiet, energy efficient little Windows Home Server, which works perfectly for my requirements. Setup was easy, and administration is very comfortable.
So you may learn more and save a few bucks if you build your own system using Linux, but Windows Home Server just works and will save you a lot of time.
I believe that this OEM version is the cheapest way to get a WHS license, so I can recommend it. |
Windows Home Server trial upgrade to OEM
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| Review Date: May 28, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Chuck Henderson, Bloomington, IL USA |
I had been using the trial version of Windows Home Server for the last 4 months and really like it. I ordered the OEM version of Windows Home Server to upgrade to a permanent license. When I began the upgrade it did not give me the option to "re-install". Without this option I would not be able to keep all of my files and backups that were already stored on the trial system. I found a post on the Internet that said to disconnect all drives other than the system boot drive and begin the installation. This will then give the option to "re-install". When the system first shuts down to reboot after selecting "re-install", that is the time to turn off the system and re-connect all hard disks that have data stored on them. Then power up and let the re-install continue. This all went smoothly with many reboots at various points in the install process. When it was finished all of my files and previous backups were still there in the shares. The only other thing I had to do was re-create the user ID's and passwords, enable the network interface, and re-install the connector software on my other home computers.
WHS is really Windows Server 2003 small business with the Windows Home Server software running on top of it. It is a very powerful and stable operating system for use as a file server. It is not a game system and does not even need a display after the software is installed. |
The Best Product Microsoft Ever Made!
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| Review Date: June 24, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Smoothbassman, York, PA |
This product is great, the best part about it is that you get 120 days to try it before you have to buy it. I was sold after 30 days and paid the 100 bucks for this outstanding software. The upgrade from the trail to the full version took 45 minutes and all of my stuff was still there just like I left it. I slapped 2 more 500 Gig Hard Disks in this bad boy and now I have a 2 Terabyte storage solution for under 300 bucks software included!
If you looking for a central storage solution for multiple machines this is the ticket. Additionally you can access it from anywhere in the world with the remote access activated. I have also added a PS3 and a iTunes server to this thing, so all my media is in one place!
Take an old P3 or P4 machine with 512 of ram and a 60 gig hard drive (minimum requirements) and make it into a server. You can't go wrong! This thing works great! |
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