WHS Windows Home Server

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- Bobb -

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I looked and couldn't find specific newsgroup for WHS, so if this is the
right group... I've looked around and still wondering:

1. Who / what is the target market for it ?
If it's homes with a lot of PC's - it that market really big enough ?

2. Getting HOME server vs. "regular server 2003" ...
Would you know ... I would assume that the ISP charges for " a server" as
opposed to PC ? My reason for asking is that I've been watching it since
release and thinking "what can this do for users that Server2003
couldn't".
I thought there would be some software app included / some big reason to
"have to have it", but I don't see anything. From the write-ups, it didn't
offer the buyer 'anything extra'. In fact, the reviews show the interface
is pretty stark and for users that DID have lots of stuff to hook up, the
HP model doesn't even have many connections.

( I know some folks that wouldn't mind the price - but I'd find it hard to
justify WHS for just internet file access or " just getting another PC"
for file sharing /backup. )
I'll try it but wondering if anyone has/tried it and can provide insight ?
Thanks.
 
Re: WHS Windows Home Server

Hello - Bobb -,

Windows home server, but only german:
microsoft.public.de.windows.homeserver

Think this will be yours:
http://forums.microsoft.com/windowshomeserver/default.aspx?siteid=50

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

http://mswhs.com/

Best regards

Meinolf Weber
Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers
no rights.
** Please do NOT email, only reply to Newsgroups
** HELP us help YOU!!! http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm

> I looked and couldn't find specific newsgroup for WHS, so if this is
> the right group... I've looked around and still wondering:
>
> 1. Who / what is the target market for it ?
> If it's homes with a lot of PC's - it that market really big enough ?
> 2. Getting HOME server vs. "regular server 2003" ...
> Would you know ... I would assume that the ISP charges for " a server"
> as
> opposed to PC ? My reason for asking is that I've been watching it
> since
> release and thinking "what can this do for users that Server2003
> couldn't".
> I thought there would be some software app included / some big reason
> to
> "have to have it", but I don't see anything. From the write-ups, it
> didn't
> offer the buyer 'anything extra'. In fact, the reviews show the
> interface
> is pretty stark and for users that DID have lots of stuff to hook up,
> the
> HP model doesn't even have many connections.
> ( I know some folks that wouldn't mind the price - but I'd find it
> hard to
> justify WHS for just internet file access or " just getting another
> PC"
> for file sharing /backup. )
> I'll try it but wondering if anyone has/tried it and can provide
> insight ?
> Thanks.
 
Re: WHS Windows Home Server

Thank you for the pointers


"Meinolf Weber" <meiweb(nospam)@gmx.de> wrote in message
news:ff16fb66a2b4f8caab22034d2023@msnews.microsoft.com...
> Hello - Bobb -,
>
> Windows home server, but only german:
> microsoft.public.de.windows.homeserver
>
> Think this will be yours:
> http://forums.microsoft.com/windowshomeserver/default.aspx?siteid=50
>
> http://blogs.technet.com/homeserver/
>
> http://mswhs.com/
>
> Best regards
>
> Meinolf Weber
> Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and
> confers no rights.
> ** Please do NOT email, only reply to Newsgroups
> ** HELP us help YOU!!! http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm
>
>> I looked and couldn't find specific newsgroup for WHS, so if this is
>> the right group... I've looked around and still wondering:
>>
>> 1. Who / what is the target market for it ?
>> If it's homes with a lot of PC's - it that market really big enough ?
>> 2. Getting HOME server vs. "regular server 2003" ...
>> Would you know ... I would assume that the ISP charges for " a server"
>> as
>> opposed to PC ? My reason for asking is that I've been watching it
>> since
>> release and thinking "what can this do for users that Server2003
>> couldn't".
>> I thought there would be some software app included / some big reason
>> to
>> "have to have it", but I don't see anything. From the write-ups, it
>> didn't
>> offer the buyer 'anything extra'. In fact, the reviews show the
>> interface
>> is pretty stark and for users that DID have lots of stuff to hook up,
>> the
>> HP model doesn't even have many connections.
>> ( I know some folks that wouldn't mind the price - but I'd find it
>> hard to
>> justify WHS for just internet file access or " just getting another
>> PC"
>> for file sharing /backup. )
>> I'll try it but wondering if anyone has/tried it and can provide
>> insight ?
>> Thanks.
>
>
 
Re: WHS Windows Home Server

Howdie!

- Bobb - schrieb:
> 1. Who / what is the target market for it ?
> If it's homes with a lot of PC's - it that market really big enough ?

I guess they wouldn't ship it, if there wasn't enough market ;)

> 2. Getting HOME server vs. "regular server 2003" ...

Technically, it would best be compared to Small Business Server 2003 as
it's built on top of that technology. But we're talking about real
benefits here, not only technical stuff...

Compared to a full-blown server OS, there's the licencing stuff - you
don't to buy an expensive license since you don't wanna run clustering
services, domain services and stuff. Besides that, WHS offers a rich set
of "tools" that help you create shares and create a remote web interface
logon to the box so you can access your pictures and files and stuff
from everywhere.

It comes with a connector software that lets you image all "client" pcs
around and restores them in case they're messed up. The imaging works
with sort of deltas as every file gets imaged only once - no matter on
how many machines it is (that's at least how I got it). I guess all the
media service don't really come with WS2003 - at least not in a way you
could use them right-away.

Made simple, WHS is for home users that don't care about technical
issues much. It's mostly wizard-based. If you're an IT-Pro, I guess
you'll not find much that you can use that WS 2003 wouldn't offer you.
From a home user's perspective, it's a product you could use to backup
and store your files on - including a backup solution for the machines
around. It's even cool to use as a media station.

I personally wouldn't use it as I've no need for it. Others might think
different :)

cheers,

Florian
--
Microsoft MVP - Group Policy
eMail: prename [at] frickelsoft [dot] net.
blog: http://www.frickelsoft.net/blog.
Use a newsreader! http://www.frickelsoft.net/news.html
 
Re: WHS Windows Home Server


"Florian Frommherz [MVP]" florian@frickelsoft.DELETETHIS.net wrote in
message news:OSiBVDQ3IHA.2060@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> Howdie!
>
> - Bobb - schrieb:
>> 1. Who / what is the target market for it ?
>> If it's homes with a lot of PC's - it that market really big enough ?
>
> I guess they wouldn't ship it, if there wasn't enough market ;)

They could "offer it" for sale , but I was just wondering how many
real-world buyers ( since I don't know any " backup hungry" homeusers). As
you say:
"I personally wouldn't use it as I've no need for it. " - that's my
feeling too.
I'll check out your website/blogs.
Danke schön


>
>> 2. Getting HOME server vs. "regular server 2003" ...
>
> Technically, it would best be compared to Small Business Server 2003 as
> it's built on top of that technology. But we're talking about real
> benefits here, not only technical stuff...
>
> Compared to a full-blown server OS, there's the licencing stuff - you
> don't to buy an expensive license since you don't wanna run clustering
> services, domain services and stuff. Besides that, WHS offers a rich set
> of "tools" that help you create shares and create a remote web interface
> logon to the box so you can access your pictures and files and stuff
> from everywhere.
>
> It comes with a connector software that lets you image all "client" pcs
> around and restores them in case they're messed up. The imaging works
> with sort of deltas as every file gets imaged only once - no matter on
> how many machines it is (that's at least how I got it). I guess all the
> media service don't really come with WS2003 - at least not in a way you
> could use them right-away.
>
> Made simple, WHS is for home users that don't care about technical
> issues much. It's mostly wizard-based. If you're an IT-Pro, I guess
> you'll not find much that you can use that WS 2003 wouldn't offer you.
> From a home user's perspective, it's a product you could use to backup
> and store your files on - including a backup solution for the machines
> around. It's even cool to use as a media station.
>
> I personally wouldn't use it as I've no need for it. Others might think
> different :)
>
> cheers,
>
> Florian
> --
> Microsoft MVP - Group Policy
> eMail: prename [at] frickelsoft [dot] net.
> blog: http://www.frickelsoft.net/blog.
> Use a newsreader! http://www.frickelsoft.net/news.html
 
Re: WHS Windows Home Server

From a link on one of your links ... I found this :
http://download.microsoft.com/downl...4763-9c7d-bc6657776450/WHS_Reviewer_Guide.pdf
" You may need to add services from your broadband provider to use Windows
Home Server’s remote access features. For example, you will need certain
"ports" to be open to use these features. Some broadband providers block
certain ports for customers on some service plans. Also, some broadband
providers’ terms of service may limit or prohibit setting up and running
of "servers" on their networks by some customers on some service plans.
Make sure that your use of Windows Home Server features follows your
broadband providers’ terms of service."

THAT's a big part of what I was looking for ! My ISP charges $175 per
month for a server connection - instead of $42 for my current setup. So I
wouldn't be using that feature.

"- Bobb -" <bobb@noemail.123> wrote in message
news:Ooy$KKR3IHA.3500@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>
> "Florian Frommherz [MVP]" florian@frickelsoft.DELETETHIS.net wrote in
> message news:OSiBVDQ3IHA.2060@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>> Howdie!
>>
>> - Bobb - schrieb:
>>> 1. Who / what is the target market for it ?
>>> If it's homes with a lot of PC's - it that market really big enough ?
>>
>> I guess they wouldn't ship it, if there wasn't enough market ;)
>
> They could "offer it" for sale , but I was just wondering how many
> real-world buyers ( since I don't know any " backup hungry" homeusers).
> As you say:
> "I personally wouldn't use it as I've no need for it. " - that's my
> feeling too.
> I'll check out your website/blogs.
> Danke schön
>
>
>>
>>> 2. Getting HOME server vs. "regular server 2003" ...
>>
>> Technically, it would best be compared to Small Business Server 2003 as
>> it's built on top of that technology. But we're talking about real
>> benefits here, not only technical stuff...
>>
>> Compared to a full-blown server OS, there's the licencing stuff - you
>> don't to buy an expensive license since you don't wanna run clustering
>> services, domain services and stuff. Besides that, WHS offers a rich
>> set of "tools" that help you create shares and create a remote web
>> interface logon to the box so you can access your pictures and files
>> and stuff from everywhere.
>>
>> It comes with a connector software that lets you image all "client" pcs
>> around and restores them in case they're messed up. The imaging works
>> with sort of deltas as every file gets imaged only once - no matter on
>> how many machines it is (that's at least how I got it). I guess all the
>> media service don't really come with WS2003 - at least not in a way you
>> could use them right-away.
>>
>> Made simple, WHS is for home users that don't care about technical
>> issues much. It's mostly wizard-based. If you're an IT-Pro, I guess
>> you'll not find much that you can use that WS 2003 wouldn't offer you.
>> From a home user's perspective, it's a product you could use to backup
>> and store your files on - including a backup solution for the machines
>> around. It's even cool to use as a media station.
>>
>> I personally wouldn't use it as I've no need for it. Others might think
>> different :)
>>
>> cheers,
>>
>> Florian
>> --
>> Microsoft MVP - Group Policy
>> eMail: prename [at] frickelsoft [dot] net.
>> blog: http://www.frickelsoft.net/blog.
>> Use a newsreader! http://www.frickelsoft.net/news.html
>
 
Re: WHS Windows Home Server

> 2. Getting HOME server vs. "regular server 2003" ...
> Would you know ... I would assume that the ISP charges for " a server" as
> opposed to PC ? My reason for asking is that I've been watching it since
> release and thinking "what can this do for users that Server2003
> couldn't".


I've installed it just for the backup features. It is the best backup
solution I've seen for a SOHO network. It can be installed on minimal
hardware. I use a Duron CPU, 512 MB, and a couple of 500GB hard drives.
Other than the hard drives the hardware was sitting in a junk pile in the
basement waiting to go to the recycle depot. It has built in redundancy and
is fully supported when doing bare metal restores. It even backs up my SBS
server, although I recommend a second backup for this as it's not a
supported solution for SBS. I also do a standard SBS backup to a USB drive
once a week.

To answer your question. Server 2003 costs considerably more, especially
when you add in the hardware costs to get the same level of file system
redundancy. Server 2003 does not have the same backup capabilities without
adding 3rd party software or doing some very advanced scripting with
NTBackup. The only backup solutions I've tried that even come close to the
same ease of use are Acronis and Shadowprotect which are both ~$1,000.00 to
get the same capabilities for a SBS server and nine clients. Even though
it's called Home Server I'm recommending it for my SOHO/SMB customers as a
backup solution. I can install a decent backup solution for less than the
cost of the software alone with a Server 2003 solution. All the other
features are just a bonus for me.

--
Kerry Brown
MS-MVP - Windows Desktop Experience: Systems Administration
http://www.vistahelp.ca/phpBB2/
 
Re: WHS Windows Home Server

I just got my trial DVDs in the mailbox ( Airborne Express !)
I didn't realize that I needed to install client sw on each PC (CD for
that) : will install it this weekend.

Thanks.


"Kerry Brown" <kerry@kdbNOSPAMsys-tems.c*a*m> wrote in message
news:B525E081-8940-4093-A2FE-6FDCC53BAF92@microsoft.com...
>> 2. Getting HOME server vs. "regular server 2003" ...
>> Would you know ... I would assume that the ISP charges for " a server"
>> as opposed to PC ? My reason for asking is that I've been watching it
>> since release and thinking "what can this do for users that Server2003
>> couldn't".
>
>
> I've installed it just for the backup features. It is the best backup
> solution I've seen for a SOHO network. It can be installed on minimal
> hardware. I use a Duron CPU, 512 MB, and a couple of 500GB hard drives.
> Other than the hard drives the hardware was sitting in a junk pile in
> the basement waiting to go to the recycle depot. It has built in
> redundancy and is fully supported when doing bare metal restores. It
> even backs up my SBS server, although I recommend a second backup for
> this as it's not a supported solution for SBS. I also do a standard SBS
> backup to a USB drive once a week.
>
> To answer your question. Server 2003 costs considerably more, especially
> when you add in the hardware costs to get the same level of file system
> redundancy. Server 2003 does not have the same backup capabilities
> without adding 3rd party software or doing some very advanced scripting
> with NTBackup. The only backup solutions I've tried that even come close
> to the same ease of use are Acronis and Shadowprotect which are both
> ~$1,000.00 to get the same capabilities for a SBS server and nine
> clients. Even though it's called Home Server I'm recommending it for my
> SOHO/SMB customers as a backup solution. I can install a decent backup
> solution for less than the cost of the software alone with a Server 2003
> solution. All the other features are just a bonus for me.
>
> --
> Kerry Brown
> MS-MVP - Windows Desktop Experience: Systems Administration
> http://www.vistahelp.ca/phpBB2/
>
>
>
 
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