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I have to admit that when I first heard about the Windows Home Server I didn't really think that much of the concept. After all, it's pretty simple to take an existing Windows server and turn it into a home storage and backup system. Also, there are plenty of easy-to-deploy Linux appliances that can quickly turn any system into an effective network-attached storage device, and never mind the many inexpensive network hard drives available at many stores.
And all of this is still true. But after testing the release candidate of Windows Home Server that was made available last week at connect.microsoft.com, I must say that I am very impressed with its implementation, simplicity and functionality. At least on the software side, it looks like the Windows Home Server could not only turn home digital media storage into an easy task, it may more importantly make home system backups much easier for users.
I installed the Windows Home Server on a do-it-yourself server system in our labs by simply booting to the installation DVD and letting the install run its course. One amusing aspect of the installation process was when it went from the Vista-like Windows Home Server screens and transitioned to installation screens for the Microsoft Small Business Server, which has clearly played a big part in the underlying code of the Home Server.
While the Windows Home Server can be easily run in a headless mode, unlike some appliances it still does work in a direct mode with monitor, keyboard and mouse attached. From here I could access the main Windows Home Server Console directly.
From this console I could add user accounts for the server, control access to shared folders and create new shares, check the health of the network, and view connected system backups.
However, in most cases users will install the Windows Home Server Connector software and control the server remotely, which I did for most of the tests. When I installed the Connector software on a remote system, it automatically discovered and connected to my Home Server and configured the system to back up to the Home Server.
By default the system is configured to do backups overnight on a daily basis. However, I could configure this to happen at any time (useful for those of us who don't leave our home systems running overnight) and could also do backups on demand.
I tested the Windows Home Server using a standard Linksys 100M-bit home router and despite this connection was impressed by how quickly the Windows Home Server backed up my fairly loaded Vista workstation, completing an initial backup in under 15 minutes. Of course, I installed the Windows Home Server on fairly hefty server hardware, and backups will be slower on less capable systems.
By default the Windows Home Server is only accessible via the Connector or through standard Windows network shares. However, I could also choose to turn on Web site access, which made it possible to access the server from anywhere using a Web browser.
With this browser interface I could log into the server and easily access shared folders. I could also remotely access systems connected to the Windows Home Server or launch the Windows Home Server Console from the browser. However, these last features only worked when using Internet Explorer. If I used Firefox, I could only access the shares.
One of the biggest questions remaining for the Windows Home Server will be the type of hardware on which it is delivered. For the most part the server will only be available through OEM hardware vendors and pricing will depend on what these vendors decide to charge.
It will be interesting to see where these vendors decide to fall on the spectrum of power and capability versus price and low-profile designs ideal for homes.
The first products based on the Windows Home Server are expected to ship sometime in the second half of 2007.
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Comments (12)
I would like to learn more. TKU
Posted by Melvin H. Sachs | June 20, 2007 9:35 PM
The main thing I want from Windows Home Server is the ability to use email from multiple PCs in the house.
If my wife is using my PC in the study, then I can use the other PC or a laptop - but how do I access my email (which is installed on the PC my wife is using)?
We need a central email system, that can be accessed from any PC in the house and supports several accounts.
Can WHS do this?
Posted by Geoff | June 21, 2007 3:14 AM
I too have been testing the RC1 and have found one major issue so far. I tried restoring a backed up PC to another machine, testing disastor recovery processing. It simply doesn't work.
According to the testers forum, it isn't supposed to work.
In my view, it is a critical piece that somewhat diminishes its value.
Hopefully this will be corrected by the time it goes live.
Posted by Brad Harris | June 21, 2007 5:46 AM
I also am testing the WHS. Everyone has a reason for wanting an application like this. And I suppose some of us will be disappointed (that it did not provide what we were looking for). But looking back, Microsoft almost always try to make their applications robust almost to a fault. So who knows what will be in the RTM version. If you are testing it, make sure you convey your hopes and issues to them.
For me, After trying to install Windows SBS Premium unsuccessfully (all those axillary apps like Exchange, IIS, etc). As you can gather I am not a server person. BUT this Home Server thing is "So easy a monkey could do it" (Was going to say Caveman but someone else took that). I am going to make sure that they know I am looking to host a family Internet/Intranet website on it like I can on its big brother/sister applications.
Sure somethings still need to be looked at/fixed, but with all the bashing they receive I think someone should say "Good Job, Microsoft". And that's strictly my opinion.
Jack
Posted by Jack Feeman | June 21, 2007 7:57 AM
I offer this same service over the internet today. Why pay for an expensive machine and software when you can have an SSL connection to your personal folder in a data center? Then you can restore to any system regardless of your location.
Posted by Jerry Schramm | June 21, 2007 8:38 AM
Why pay for an expensive machine and software when you can have an SSL connection to your personal folder in a data center
1) Because I have no intention of trusting my data to a third party? (I don;t keep ,y primary email on gmail eiehter)
2) Expansion machiens are not expensive these days.
3) Because acessing my data over boradband instead of thethernet speeds dramatically limits what you can do with it
4) Because backing up my machines to a remote server would be slower than death
The list gos on and on.
Posted by Soulhuntre | June 21, 2007 11:03 AM
Why pay for an expensive machine and software when you can have an SSL connection to your personal folder in a data center
5) Because all broadband links will die from time to time - why be clueless if I don't have to be!
I have downloaded the RC1 image and will be testing it. Question I have is: does it provide a version of active directory?
Posted by JT McDuffie | June 24, 2007 2:22 PM
Its simply amazing the American people would trust their information on another bastardized MS product. Anything for the bottom line for M$. Windows is not popular in the rest of the world. Like it or not the future is Linux (Vista has been another flop). M$ knows it, thus why they are distributing NOVELL products. The Backbone of the internet in China is SUSE Linux, NOT Windows. There are over a billion (1,000,000,000) people in China...they RUN LINUX, MS Wants their foot in the door.
Posted by Duke Nukem | June 25, 2007 12:14 AM
Why pay for an expensive machine and software when you can have an SSL connection to your personal folder in a data center.
"Because I have no intention of trusting my data to a third party?"
I agree 100%...whether you use MS product or anyone elses...I would not place my data on a third party server.
Posted by Happy Day | July 26, 2007 11:44 PM
I'm a little late to this forum (as always) so I doubt anyone will read my response. I don't have much of an opinion regarding WHS, but after reading Duke Nukem's off-topic, anti-MS rant, I just had to say something.
I'm a die-hard Mac fan (or fanboy, if you wish), but jeez, Duke, can you try to be a little balanced? Windows is big outside of the U.S. For that matter, most users in China don't run Linux, they run bootlegged copies of Microsoft products.
You Linux folks have an odd way of seeing the world.
Posted by Greg | August 14, 2007 10:57 PM
I bought a PC from newegg.com for $100 added 512Mb memory stick and a 250GB SATA drive. Total cost $200. I installed this EZblue Business Server trial CD on it. I was up and running in about 7 minutes.
I did try both WHS and Ubuntu but all I got is a black screen with Ubuntu and WHS wouldn't load on this PC. I did not want to learn Linux and I have enough trouble keeping my XP running. I just wanted to have a good solid server.
I think these guys at EZblue needs someone that can help them market this thing. I cant believe how easy it was to install. You can try it for yourself. Get the free CD the download is ok but it took about 20 minutes. Rumor says that they're about to release a new home server version for under $100. http://ezbluesoftware.com/
Posted by bigal | December 11, 2007 11:55 PM
I would like to learn more.
Posted by tanečn� | March 2, 2008 5:08 PM