Snoop-De-Dupe Updated to Version 1.20

Jim McCarthy
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1
Snoop-De-Dupe Updated to Version 1.20

Jim from electrongoo tells me that they have released an updated versions of their add-in Snoop-De-Dupe.

SnoopDeDupe

Snoop-De-Dupe is now at version 1.20.  The latest updates for this application, according the the release notes, are:

  • Added support for Windows Home Server 2011 and Windows Small Business Server 2011
  • Added CPU usage throttling
  • Added hard disk write access limiting
  • Added worker thread prioritizing
  • Added support for hard-links (WHS/SBS 2011 only)
  • Installer now signed with class-3 Authenticode certificate
  • Minor bug fixes

As we told you in the Integrity Checker update, addition of the class-3 certificate is the result of feedback from our readers.  Keep the feedback coming!  The developers do listen.

Snoop-De-Dupe is an application to help manage duplicate files on your Windows Home Server.  I am almost done reviewing the prior version, so I’ll update the test box and complete that review soon.

The developer’s summary for what Snoop-De-Dupe does is:

Keep your server’s storage space optimized! Snoop-de-dupe will automatically scan your server storage and display duplicate files in an easy-to-view layout directly within the server’s user Console. Once snoop-de-dupe locates duplicate files then you can respond to them as you choose. You can delete the duplicate files, ignore/keep the duplicate files, or replace the duplicate files with a hard-link (available in WHS/SBS 2011 only). You will be in command of your server storage space like never before!

If you have the earlier version, go grab your update.  If you are curious, check it out!

Snoop-De-Dupe Snoop-De-Dupe Developer Interview electrongoo

Integrity Checker Updated to Version 1.22

Jim McCarthy
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2
Integrity Checker Updated to Version 1.22

Jim from electrongoo tells me that they have released an updated version of their add-in Integrity Checker.

integrity checker

Integrity Checker is now at version 1.22. The change log includes:

  • Added CPU usage throttling
  • Added hard disk write access limiting
  • Added worker thread prioritizing
  • Installer now signed with class-3 Authenticode certificate

The last item, an installed signer, was added explicitly due to feedback from UsingWindowsHomeServer.Com readers posting comments and the developer wanted to expressly thank our readers for calling that to their attention.

Integrity Checker is a useful utility to managing changed files on your homeserver. I have a video review almost finished here, and that will be published soon. Short story: it does exactly what the developers say it does, which is:

In this digital age, data originates from many paths and numerous devices. With your server at the heart of your data, it’s necessary for you to guarantee integrity. Integrity Checker runs on your Windows Server; quietly, efficiently, and automatically watching for new data. As data is detected, Integrity Checker automatically generates hash-stamps to guarantee the integrity of your data.
Integrity Checker supports Windows Home Server, Windows Home Server 2011, and Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials. See our FAQ and How To pages for details on how Integrity Checker can work for you.

Check it out!

Integrity Checker electrongoo Our Integrity Checker Developer Interview

The Home Server Show 136

Andrew Edney
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0
The Home Server Show 136

Dave and the guys have just released the Home Server Show episode 136.

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Here’s what Dave says about this weeks show:

Pull back the curtains, turn up the lights, WHS is on the store shelves! Dave, John, and Jim talk news, updates, and about Windows Home Server 2011 pricing. We also go over a home build server for 2011 and Jim’s server requirements. The meetup is scheduled for June 25th as well.

As usual you can download the show from here.

Preview of Orbital Backup Configuration for Mac for Windows Home Server 2011

Andrew Edney
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5
Preview of Orbital Backup Configuration for Mac for Windows Home Server 2011

One of the promises of Windows Home Server 2011 was the ability to backup your Mac to WHS 2011. Unfortunately that functionality wasn’t provided out of the box. There were hacks and workarounds to get it running, but Orbital Technologies have produced an add-in to get it to work.

Orbital have worked very closely with Microsoft to produce this add-in, and we have been using a beta all week and we can now share with you a preview.

Who Are Orbital Technologies?

From their website:

Orbital provides expert software development services to many of the world’s top software companies. We are a software outsourcing partner of choice for development on Windows, Mac, UNIX, Linux and many mobile device platforms.

Leveraging our expert development team, we design and develop a wide range of commercial-grade software products for many of the world’s foremost software companies, such as Adobe, Microsoft and others.

We specialize in developing innovative software for other software and technology companies, working as an outsourced extension of our clients’ in-house development teams. We have a vast technical skillset and extensive experience developing custom software solutions across a range of platforms and technologies, including Windows, Mac, UNIX, Linux, .Net, J2EE, J2SE, J2ME, Apple iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch), Android, Windows Phone, Palm webOS, Symbian OS and other mobile embedded systems.

We provide solutions to extremely complex software problems that others cannot solve. We connect with our clients by understanding their needs and supporting them during the entire lifespan of a product. We believe that anything is possible and work with our clients to help them achieve their software objectives.

Installing the Add-in

Installing this add-in is no different to installing any other add-in with Windows Home Server 2011. You just start the install and follow the steps.

UWHS - Orbital Backup Configuration for MacUWHS - Orbital Backup Configuration for MacUWHS - Orbital Backup Configuration for Mac

If you already have the WHS 2011 Mac Connector installed on your Mac, then you will see a message telling you that an update is available, just click the button to update. If you haven’t yet installed the connector, now is the time to do so.

Tranquil PC Announce Leo SS4 Powered by Microsoft Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials

Andrew Edney
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2
Tranquil PC Announce Leo SS4 Powered by Microsoft Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials

We have talked about Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials (codename Breckenridge) previously. Today Tranquil PC have announced their Leo SS4 Server powered by Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials.

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As usual with Tranquil there are a number of upgrade options, and also a £75 pro-order discount offered.

Here is what Tranquil said:

Improve Small Business File and Data Management with Windows® Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials

Get a centralized location for file services with simplified deployment and easier management for an environment of up to 25 computers. Microsoft Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 is a network attached storage appliance that builds upon an optimized release of the Windows Server® 2008 R2 operating system. A key member of the Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 family, Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials is the ideal storage server solution to help home-based and small business owners keep important data automatically backed up, protected, organized, and accessible from virtually anywhere.

Better Protection for Important Business Information

Help to make sure your data stays safe and protected by scheduling convenient automatic daily backups for your server and PCs. Easy-to-use restore features make it quick and simple to retrieve and restore files in the event of a disaster or hard drive crash.

Grow Your Storage as Your Business Grows

Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials lets you effortlessly grow your storage requirements by adding hard drives as you need. Drive configuration is automatic and flexible and can be changed over time to meet the organizations requirements.

Simplify Deployment and Management

Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials is deployed in an appliance form-factor with preconfigured hardware and software requirements, vastly simplifying the deployment and management tasks normally associated with a new file server. Plus, the Active Directory join capability enables Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials to easily integrate into existing infrastructure and networks.

New hardware – with the power to deliver
With new services available in Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials and especially media file transcoding demands, this new Tranquil Leo SS4 Server is equipped with Intel 2nd Generation Core Processors (or Sandy Bridge). These new processors have huge processing capabilities, when needed, and yet consume very little power. The cooling of the CPU itself still remains fan less, optimising the long term reliability and low acoustics of the server. Your data is very important and ensuring long service life of your new Home Server is very important to us. Low noise is especially important if you plan to use the server in any populated areas, ie your home office.
The amazing power available from the Intel 2nd Generation Core Processors will ensure that your data is always processed, protected and delivered without hesitation. It also protects your investment from future exciting Add Ins that may require additional processing power.

Expansion – huge storage capacity
The new four drive servers, built around a similar chassis to the original, award winning, SQA-5H servers, come with two optional expansion ports, each supporting up to five hard disks each. This can offer almost 40TB of storage (if using 3TB HDDs).

Shipping and pre-orders
Tranquil are accepting pre-orders from 19th May 2011, and the new Leo SS4 Servers will commence shipping from June 11th. Order early to avoid disappointment.

An ‘Early Bird’ coupon code will be offered to all who pre-order, before the shipping date. To claim your Early Bird discount of £75.00, just enter the following coupon at the checkout SS4EB75

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What do you get

  • Leo SS4 Home Server appliance
  • Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials
  • 2TB Low Energy Primary Hard Disk
  • 2GB DDR3 RAM
  • Intel 2nd Generation Core Processor (i3-2100T 2.5GHz)
  • Innovative storage expansion manager (to create storage pools,
    and also manage data duplication)
  • Media Kit including PC Restore CD and Server Restore DVD
  • 24 month RTB (return to base) warranty
Learn more about the Tranquil PC Leo SS4 and place your order here

Windows Home Server 2011 Software Now Available to Order

Andrew Edney
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Windows Home Server 2011 Software Now Available to Order

Now that is has been a little while since Windows Home Server 2011 RTM’d and has also been available to download from MSDN and TechNet, it is finally available to order via the System Builder Channel.

WHS 2011 Logo

Now remember that Windows Home Server 2011 is NOT a retail product, so finding suppliers isn’t as easy as if you wanted to buy a copy of Windows 7, but it will be available in the System Builder channel. Just do a search using your favourite search engine.

For now here are two sites that have it:

UK : LamdaTek – £90.68 US : PC SuperStore – $106.56

If you find any other places let us know. And why not talk about it in our forums?

Small Business Server Essentials 2011 Video from TechEd

Andrew Edney
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0
Small Business Server Essentials 2011 Video from TechEd

Yesterday we told you that HP had announced their Small Business Server 2011 Essentials offering with their HP ProLiant MediaSmart server. Now you can watch the video of the announcement.

SBS2011E front

Here is the description for the video:

Michael Leworthy stopped by the Edge stage here at TechEd North America to update us on Small Business Server Essentials 2011 (Formally code named Aurora). Michael brought along Brad Kirby from HP and we discussed the different hardware options available with SBS Essentials as well as the partner buzz around both products. Then Michael brought out his laptop and demoed three COOL new features. A new Windows Phone 7 application that allows you to manage users and your SBS Essentials servers, a connector for third party cloud backup, and finally Group Policy functionality that allows administrators to setup offline folder and security policy on Windows 7 Professional clients.

Drive Bender Beta 3 Released for Windows Home Server 2011

Andrew Edney
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2
Drive Bender Beta 3 Released for Windows Home Server 2011

Today saw Beta 3 of Drive Bender for Windows Home Server 2011 released.

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Here is what is included in beta 3:

Release v1.1.3.3 – beta (2011-05-18)
– Much improved file read performance.
– Windows based network shared (i.e. shares creating on folders contained within a drive letter mount point) as now restored correctly upon reboot.
– Drive letter mounted pools now show up and work correctly within the WHS “Server Folders and Hard Drives” tab.
– WHS server folders can now be created on a drive letter mounted pool.
– Drive letter mount points now support WHS client backups.
– Drive letter mounted pools now have full recycle bin support.
– Applying and removing duplication can now cascade to child folders.
– Improved file / folder renaming.
– Bug fix: Renaming a folder twice could cause the rename to fail if the name was previously used.
– Bug fix: Removing a duplicated folder was not working correctly in the WHS adding.
– Bug fix: Renaming a file could cause a duplication file to be created.
– Bug fix: Fixed recycle bin corruption bug.
– Bug fix: Adding drive was causing an error in v1.1.3.2
– Many other bug fixes and enhancements.

For more information check out the Drive Bender website

Boxee Rolling Out 1.1 Update to Fix a Few Things

Andrew Edney
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1
Boxee Rolling Out 1.1 Update to Fix a Few Things

Last week Boxee released version 1.1 for their Boxee Box Firmware. Unfortunately it brought with it a few issues. Now they are rolling out a 1.1 update to fix those issues.

DSC00541

Here is what Boxee have posted on their Facebook page today:

The 1.1 update is rolling out starting today through the weekend to improve the browser, metadata handling, file playback, sharing & MLB. We’ve also fixed last week’s audio issues (volume control & sound processing). Automatic updates start today, but you can upgrade manually from the link below. Thanks for your patience!

boxee facebook

And don’t forget the Boxee UK Launch Party in June.

UWHS Giveaway – Another Chance To Win Diskeeper 2011

Andrew Edney
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2
UWHS Giveaway – Another Chance To Win Diskeeper 2011

Our friends over at Diskeeper have been kind enough to give us a number of copies of their Diskeeper 2011 products to give away to you guys. We are giving away the final 4 copies of Diskeeper 2011.

DK_2010_logo_cmyk-wht

Check out our review of Diskeeper 2011 for Windows Home Server here Check out our review of Diskeeper 2011 Professional here

So what do you have to do to win a full copy of Diskeeper 2011 for Windows Home Server or Diskeeper 2011 Professional?

[box size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]At the top of every page you will see a Diskeeper 2011 Trial ad. Click it and go download a trial edition of Diskeeper 2011 (any version you like) and when asked, tell them we sent you. Then pay a visit to our forums and let us know you have done it and which version you would like if you win. If you entered last time, or already have a trial copy, just click on the ad and leave us a message in the forum. The only other thing we ask is that you complete your forum profile as much as you can.[/box]

That’s it, simple!

We will then pick 4 people at random from the emails we receive.

The competition is open to anyone (even if you entered last time), so good luck.

The 4 winners will be announced on the site on Saturday 28th May, so get going.

And thank you again to our friends at Diskeeper for all the licences.

HP Announce Small Business Server 2011 Essentials Hardware at TechEd 2011

Andrew Edney
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2
HP Announce Small Business Server 2011 Essentials Hardware at TechEd 2011

This week sees thousands of techies descend on Atlanta for TechEd 2011. And yesterday HP made an announcement about Small Business Server 2011 Essentials Hardware.

SBS11E

HP, along with Microsoft’s Michael LeWorthy, announced that HP would be selling hardware that will come preinstalled with Small Business Server 2011 Essentials (formally codename Aurora) on their ProLiant MicroServer range.

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No specifics on pricing (although a later tweet by Microsoft’s Sean Daniel hinted at sub $1000). Also, no specifics on the hardware profile either – we guess at least an increase in the base 1GB ram.

Check out Tim’s video on the MicroServer here.

HP are currently still running their £100 cashback offer for the MicroServer (without operating system), which frankly is a steal!

I cannot say enough good things about the MicroServer. It is cheap, easy to use, and works great! I have already managed to convince Ian Dixon to buy one as well.

And on a separate note, Charlie, Sharon and myself are currently putting the finishing touches on our SBS 2011 Essentials book.

More information on HP’s offering when we get it…..

Do you own a MicroServer? What do you think of it – talk about the MicroServer in our forums.

VidaBox Launch iPad 2 Frames

Andrew Edney
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0
VidaBox Launch iPad 2 Frames

VidaBox have been in touch to let us know that they have just launched an iPad 2 Frame for on-wall mounting.

vidabox

products_ipad_wall_frame_mount_moreimages_01products_ipad_wall_frame_mount_moreimages_02products_ipad_wall_frame_mount_moreimages_03

Here is what they told us:

Fine Aluminum iPad2 wall mounts and frames available now at $99

GARDEN CITY PARK, N.Y. – May 27 – VidaBox LLC today announced the release of their new iPad2 compatible frames and wall mounts. Designed for both residential and commercial environments, they seamlessly integrate Apple tablets as a touch interface for various automation and control systems. Combined with VidaBox iPower™ & iPCX™ kits, these components form a complete mounting and charging solution sought by integrators and DIYers alike.
“We’re excited to offer our high quality iPad2 frames at a very affordable price,” exclaims Steven Cheung, President of VidaBox LLC. “With the proliferation of iPad apps for popular integrated control systems, there’s a growing need to wall mount an iPad securely, keep it charged, and do so inexpensively. Our VidaBox iPad frames easily meet all of these requirements.”
By using improved production processes, VidaBox has lowered the retail price for these frames down to $99.99 – providing an almost 40% lower price than their original iPad1 mounts. These Made-in-the-USA frames come preassembled to save valuable installation time, and can be mounted in portrait or landscape modes. Available in seven (7) different colors and finishes, they can also be painted to blend into any décor. These VidaBox frames may be among the first integrator-friendly, all-metal iPad2 mounting solutions offered at the sub-$100 range.
“We also have Dealer and Distributor programs in place for those who are interested in purchasing the frames for resale,” continues Cheung. “With low minimums, resellers can enjoy healthy margins on this highly versatile product.”
Integrators in attendance at the CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) EXPO, Sept. 8-10, will see this product in action at stand 4835.
More information about VidaBox is available at www.vidabox.com.

Learn more about the VidaBox iPad 2 Frames from here

WHS Phone Update to 1.3.3 In Process

Jim McCarthy
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1
WHS Phone Update to 1.3.3 In Process

Paul Juenger from WHSPhone has been in contact to tell me that WHSPhone 1.3.3 is in the process of being released for Android and Windows Phone 7.  Read on for details!

WHS-Phone

WHS Phone 1.3.3 is in the process of being released.  The add-in is available for download here now, and the client-side application for Windows Phone 7 and Android have been released to their respective application marketplaces.  Look for them to be downloadable immediately for Android and very soon for Windows Phone 7 assuming no issues with application approvals.

Here is how Paul describes his application:

WHS Phone is a phone application for Windows Home Server. Connect to your server and browse files, stream music, view photos, and much more.

WHS Phone for windows phone 7 let’s you stream music from your Windows Home Server directly to your phone using your wireless internet!

Capture photos with your phone and send them to your Home Server. You can also view your photos from your Home Server on your phone.

With WHS Phone you can view your server’s resources, manage users, view the status of your computers, and more.

Features in this release:

  • Completely new UI. I think you’ll like it!
  • Streamlined Photo browsing a little.
  • Cleaned up the Audio Playback a little.
  • Added Server Restart and Shutdown
  • Added full search of shares (uses windows search) and it’s pretty damn slick.
  • Added photo upload from the Gallery and/or SD card.
  • Ability to download ANY file to your phone.
  • Added the ability to add Users and Shares from the phone.
  • Video Streaming. YAY!

I told you about the beta here.

In addition, Paul Tweeted the news that he has begun development on an iOS version for iPhones and iPads.  That is great news!  I look forward to trying this application on my iPad soon.

If you are looking for mobile access to your WHS data and system, give this application a shot!

WHS Phone Our Prior Coverage of the Beta

DataCore DriveHarmony Public Beta Announced

Jim McCarthy
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3
DataCore DriveHarmony Public Beta Announced

Carlos Caerreras from DataCore has been in contact to tell us that the beta for DriveHarmony has been announced at Tech Ed.  Read on for details!

DataCoreDriveHarmony

Here’s the press release, announced from Tech Ed this morning:

Microsoft Tech-Ed 2011: DataCore Software Adds Extra Data Protection, Flexibility and Speed to Windows Home Server with DriveHarmony

Welcomes beta testers to trial DriveHarmony’s new pooling, mirroring and caching features that boost performance and sidestep hard disk drive limitations
ATLANTA and FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – May 17, 2011 – DataCore Software, the industry’s premier provider of storage virtualization software, today announced the Beta release of DriveHarmony™, a simple to use add-on software package for Microsoft Windows Home Server (WHS). Users who are eager to protect, pool, accelerate, and easily expand storage capacity are welcome to request an early version of DriveHarmony for their personal beta testing by visiting DataCore’s booth (#1629) at this week’s Microsoft Tech•Ed 2011 or by sending a request to WHS@DataCore.com.

Easily Pool and Expand Storage to Simplify File Sharing and Folder Management
Leveraging techniques learned from a decade of experience in large data centers across the globe, DataCore™ DriveHarmony maximizes the value home users get from their hard disk drives. The software integrates into the familiar WHS dashboard with a simple, easy-to-use control panel. From there, users can combine one or more physical disks of variable sizes and types into one “Virtual Big Disk” pool. When this virtual drive is created, it is automatically initialized, formatted, assigned a drive letter, and selectively mirrored for data protection. The virtual drive is then ready for use by any application running on the WHS 2011 operating system.

Growing with the Needs of Today’s Digital Lifestyle
As families and small businesses gather more digital assets, their disk space consumption naturally grows. DriveHarmony delivers the right combination of power, capacity, and ease-of-use for today’s home consumers. It allows them to expand appropriately by adding more drives to virtual disks without having to split up or re-organize their files. The rest is done behind the scenes without any need for intervention.
“With more and more content going digital, people increasingly want a simple way to access, store, and enjoy the wide range of photos, personal videos, music, and films they save at home,” said Carlos M. Carreras, vice president of alliances and business development, DataCore Software. “Through the gathering of feedback during the beta process, we look forward to working closely with Microsoft and the Windows Home Server Community to bring to market a powerful solution to help home users easily protect, organize, and manage their growing disk requirements in a digital age.”

Availability
DriveHarmony is currently in Beta release and will be rolled out via select OEMs later this year. Visitors to DataCore’s booth (#1629) at Microsoft Tech•Ed 2011 can request an early version of DriveHarmony for their personal beta testing. Tech•Ed takes place at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta from Monday, May 16 until Thursday, May 19, 2011.

About DataCore Software
DataCore Software is the industry’s premier provider of storage virtualization software. Its software-as infrastructure platform solves the big problem stalling virtualization initiatives by eliminating the storage-related barriers that make virtualization too difficult and too expensive. For additional information, visit the DataCore website at www.datacore.com or call (877) 780-5111.
# # #
DataCore, the DataCore logo and DriveHarmony are trademarks or registered trademarks of DataCore Software Corporation. Other DataCore product or service names or logos referenced herein are trademarks of DataCore Software Corporation. All other products, services and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Carlos advises that he expects the beta to be available for download at some point next week.  If you are at Tech Ed and are interested, stop by their booth, booth 1629, or ping them at WHS@DataCore.com.  I know I will!

DataCore DriveHarmony Public Beta Released
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