What Would I Do With A Server In My Home?

You’ve used servers in the office on a day-to-day basis. Now, it’s time to start using a server at home.

With Windows Home Server, you can easily back up, access, share, and store all your family’s digital media. A server in every home is what the Microsofties are spouting about with Windows Home Server. Is it cool? I think so.

At Tech.Ed 2010, I was able to see the next version of Windows Home Server and it is now availability for download now.

Vail, the new version of Windows Home Server is currently in BETA but it is not ready for prime time. It can be downloaded and tested but do not put your production data on it until it is further along. For more information on Vail, see the following Microsoft link for known issues that currently exist with the BETA.

Server 2008: New Platform for Home Server

We have a new platform for Windows Home Server; it is Windows Server 2008. The old platform for Windows Home Server (WHS) was Windows 2003 and the new platform is built on the latest edition of 2008 R2. This is enhancement that puts Windows Home Server on the latest and greatest OS  that Microsoft has to offer.

New Windows Home Server Client Platform Support

With the current beta, you can install the connector software for Windows Home server on the following platforms:

• Windows 7 Home Basic (x86 and x64)
• Windows 7 Home Premium (x86 and x64)
• Windows 7 Professional (x86 and x64)
• Windows 7 Ultimate (x86 and x64)
• Windows 7 Enterprise (x86 and x64)
• Windows 7 Starter (x86)
• Windows Vista Home Basic with Service Pack 2 (SP2) (x86 and x64)
• Windows Vista Home Premium with SP2 (x86 and x64)
• Windows Vista Business with SP2 (x86 and x64)
• Windows Vista Ultimate with SP2 (x86 and x64)
• Windows Vista Enterprise with SP2 (x86 and x64)
• Windows Vista Starter with SP2 (x86)
• Windows XP Home with Service Pack 3 (SP3)
• Windows XP Professional with SP3
• Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 with SP3

Once your Windows Home Server is installed, you have a new shortcut that allows you to access your Windows Home Server.

The new login page is shown below. As you can see, we are running the beta of Vail. I have installed this version using virtualization technology powered by VMware. It allows me to review this properly without putting my production system at risk.

Windows Home Server Dashboard

Windows Home Server has a new dashboard for Vail that has the look and feel of Windows 7. Here are a couple of examples below.

HomeGroup

HomeGroups are a new feature introduced in Windows 7 that have been extended to Windows Home Server. A homegroup is an easy way for a novice to network computer and folders together. For more information on Windows Homegroup, see the following video: Homegroup.

There are many new features available with the new version of Windows Home Server. I recommend you take a look at it to get an introduction to all that the new version has to offer.

Free Windows Home Server Training

If you’re interested in learning more about how the Windows Home Server works, check out our free Windows Home Server training videos.

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3. How to Setup a Small Home Network — Part 1
4. Microsoft Web Platform Installer Beta
5. How to Setup a Small Home Network — Part 2