I've had the chance to test Windows Home Server the last few months, and I must admit, I'm impressed with its capabilities :-) I promised Microsoft I would blog about my Windows Home Server experiences, so here it goes...my Windows Home Server.

My first encounter with Windows Home Server, was during Tech Ed IT Forum in Barcelona, while visiting the Windows Home Server booth there, and listening to Tony Knors and Miel van Opstal who were so full of this brand new member of the Microsoft family, it got me wondering. I still remember Tony's look when I asked him if, since it has Server in its name, if it was possible to install Exchange on it, and then trying to do so, and how he prevented me from actually running DCPromo on their demo box. So after getting my hands on a flashy Fujitsu Siemens Computers SCALEO Home Server, I couldn't wait to get it started.

Introducing Windows Home Server

Looking at the Microsoft Windows Home Server site, this is how they introduce it:

"Everybody needs Windows Home Server

Windows Home Server was designed for households and home-based businesses that have more than one personal computer. Your life has gone digital - it is time to simplify your ilfe so you can easily access your files, photos, videos and music from any PC or TV in your home, or even while away from home."

Installing Windows Home Server

Being used to working with Windows Servers for several years now, I assumed I would need to get my hands on the typical  devices, like keyboard, mouse, network connection, power cable, screen and so on.  After finding all these devices, I unpacked the home server, and I was a bit stumbled, that I couldn't attach a screen to this type of Home Server...

Looking at the How to install and set up Windows Home Server guide, it didn't seem I could follow the 3 steps of installation outlined there for the Fujitsu Siemens Computers SCALEO Home Server (normally you just need to plug in the DVD and run setup on the Home Server itself).  But the installation went withou any issue, and was very easy to complete :-)

Step 1. Connect and Power On

Used a wired connection (wireless not supported (!)  to connect the Home Server to our broadband router, and the I connected it an electrical outlet, and pressed the pwer button to turn it on.

Step 2. Installation of SCALEO wake up

Then I needed to install the SCALO wake up tool on any computer equipped with a supported Operating System. This computer has to be connected to the same network as the Home Server, but this connection can be wired or wireless :-)

Here's the list of supported OS:

The following operating systems for home computers are supported to work with Windows Home Server:

 After finishing the installation of this component, it's time for Step 3, the installation of the Windows Home Server Connector  :-)

Step 3. Installation of the Windows Home Server Connector

 On the same client computer, I continued with the installation of the Windows Home Server Connector.

And yes, keeping my fingers crossed when faced with the following...

And then the installation of the Windows Home Server started...

Step 4. Configuring Windows Home Server

After logging in, you are ready to configure your Windows Home Server!

Step 5. Using the Server power of Windows Home Server

Since it's a Server, I wanted to use the Windows Home Server for DNS and DHCP. It is possible to use Remote Desktop to connect to your Windows Home Server and install the wanted Networking Componnents.

You will however be warned that it's a home server, and that you might break its features!

Conclusion...so far

Windows Home Server = GREAT! If you have more than one pc in your home environment, it is definitely something to consider. It is NOT hard to setup, it is very EASY to configure, and it offers you some very useful FEATURES like:

• Digital memories and media stored and organized in a central location
• Home computers backed up daily, automatically
• Simple restore of lost files or even entire hard drive contents
• Complete access to files from both inside and outside the home
• A secure and personalized website address for sharing photos and home videos
• Easily add storage space and new software capabilities

 For more infomation, some interesting links:

• Microsoft Home Server:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/windowshomeserver/default.mspx

• Home Server Team Blog

http://blogs.technet.com/homeserver/

• Windows Home Server & Your Digital Home

http://www.wegotserved.com/

IMPORTANT ADDITION: WANT TO WIN A HOME SERVER??????

Make sure you register for our community day event, June 25th, in Mechelen, because Microsoft has just confirmed they will have one Home Server to give away to one of the attendees!!!!!!

Hope to see you there!

 -Ilse