DataCore DriveHarmony Beta Update—Public Beta

DataCore also announced the timing for the public beta for DriveHarmony, the add-in that they are bringing to market to augment WHS2011’s disk drive management features.  Read on for details!

datacore

Earlier today, we brought you the news that DataCore has named their add-in product and has announced the start date for the OEM beta.  In a prior post, we disclosed that the beta process would begin with an OEM beta at the beginning of May and that a public beta would start soon thereafter.  Carlos Carreras contacted me this afternoon to announce that the public beta will begin on 16 May 2011.  This is consistent with the approach that we reported to you on 15 April.

Also, he gave us a little insight into the name that was used for the add-in.  In Carlos’ own words:

The name plays off of the musical naming theme used in our products (music = creativity) and ties back to making drives “harmonious” thru the pooling and mirroring capabilities being introduced.

So mark your calendars for 16 May and prepare to download the beta.  DataCore is looking for help in ensuring that the user interface in particular is easy to use and functional, and would appreciate your involvement in the public beta.

DataCore Technology DriveHarmony Announcement

CloudBerry Backup for Windows Home Server Updated to v 2.1.1

Our friends at CloudBerry Labs have been in touch to say that they have just updated their CloudBerry Backup Add-in for Windows Home Server to version 2.1.1.

whs

The update is for Windows Home Server V1, with 2011 and Small Business Server 2011 Essentials versions following on some time next week.

The update includes:

  • Long paths support – backup path longer than 260 symbols
  • Custom credentials for network locations
  • Memory Management Improvements
To learn more, and download the latest version, click here

DataCore Beta Update

Carlos Carreras from DataCore has been in contact today with an update on the beta for their add-in.  Read on for details!

datacore

Carlos Carreras got in contact today to let us know that the OEM beta will begin on Tuesday, May 3, 2011.  In addition, the add-in will be named DataCore DriveHarmony.  Catchy!

We’ll continue to bring you updates as we become aware of them, so please stay tuned to UsingWindowsHomeServer.Com!

GIGABYTE Touch BIOS – A Friendly Way To Change Your Settings

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Have you ever wanted to change some settings in the BIOS on your computer but were confused by all the settings? Well GIGABYTE have just introduced the Touch BIOS to make things that little bit friendlier.

TouchBIOS_Logo_thumb[3]

Navigating through the BIOS to control and change system settings can be daunting for many people who are not regular PC DIY users. With Touch BIOS™, GIGABYTE engineers have completely re-imagined how users can interact with their BIOS, allowing for a more familiar icon-based user experience. In fact, with a touch screen monitor, GIGABYTE Touch BIOS™ is as easy to use as most apps on your iPhone. Check out this 3 minute Touch BIOS™ video introduction to see just how easy BIOS control can be.

Touch navigation requires a touch enabled monitor + Windows 7 operating system.
Mouse navigation is supported with any standard monitor (including touch enabled monitor) + Windows XP/Vista/7 operating system.

It is available for all GIGABYTE Z68 series motherboards, and I would assume it is something that will be added to future motherboards from GIGABYTE.

As usual, the warning here is not to mess with your BIOS unless you know what you are doing, but still, its cool that there is a friendly way to change things if you need to.

I wonder what the BYOB guys will think of this?

Boost-Disk_thumb[7] TouchBIOS_UI_thumb[28]

Take a look at the video below to see it in action.

You can learn more from the GIGABYTE website

Tranquil Also Announce SQA-5H Series 3 with Windows Home Server 2011

Earlier this week we told you about the Tranquil PC Leo HS4 Windows Home Server. Well Tranquil are also updating their SQA-5H range to include Windows Home Server 2011 as well.

SQA-5h_hi__78310_zoom

Check out the review we did of the original SQA-5H Windows Home Server And don’t forget if you are an existing SQA-5H owner Tranquil are offering upgrade options

Shipping and pre-orders
Tranquil are accepting pre-orders from 27th April 2011, and the new WHS 2011 Servers will commence shipping from May 16th. 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 £35.00, just enter the following coupon at the checkout WHSEB35


What do you get

  • SQA-5H Series 3 Home Server appliance
  • 4 spare HDD bays (5 in total)
  • 2TB Low Energy Primary Hard Disk
  • 2GB DDR2 RAM
  • Intel Atom D525
  • Media Kit including PC Restore CD and Server Restore DVD
  • 24 month RTB (return to base) warranty

Please note this version is not optimised for real time video transcoding, if you wish to use this service, and get an overall higher performing WHS2011 server, please consider the Leo HS4

Learn more and place your order here

The Digital Lifestyle Show No 303 – Interesting

This weeks Digital Lifestyle Show has just been released – its show 303, and it’s rather interesting! Oh, and I go off on a rant about Windows 8 blog posts!

DLS Show

Here’s what Ian says about this week show:

[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]We are all back for this weeks show and to be honest it was an interesting show (listen and you will understand what I mean) This week we talk waking a Windows Media Center PC from sleep via an Extender, my Windows Home Server build, Media Center Standby tool, Sony’s Crackle, Tranquil PC servers and dirty gadgets plus many other topics.[/box]

You can listen to the show or download it from here

Amulet Voice Remote Beta 2.18.16 Released

Our friends at Amulet have been in touch to let us know that they have just released an updated beta of their Amulet Voice Remote software, version 2.18.16. And you can get it now.

Amulet front

Here is what they told us:

I’m pleased to announce that the next Amulet Voice Remote beta software release, version 2.18.16, is now available for testing.

You can download it from here:

Readme: http://files.amuletdevices.com/files/beta/Amulet_2.18.16_ReleaseNotes.rtf
32-bit: http://files.amuletdevices.com/files/beta/Amulet_2.18.16.msi
64-bit: http://files.amuletdevices.com/files/beta/Amulet_x64_2.18.16.msi

The most significant improvements are:

  • Multiple bugs fixed in indexing of TV Guide programs for voice search
  • Hi-definition and standard definition channels can now be referred to by the same name, with hidef taking precedence; say NEXT MATCH to find additional matches
  • Channels can now be referred to by service name as well as callsign
  • YouTube voice search now works again, following YouTube’s update of their Leanback interface
  • Many bugs fixed

A full list of all changes since release 2.18.14 is available on the Beta forums here:

http://www.amuletdevices.com/index.php/Amulet-Beta-Testers/439-Amulet-2.18.16-beta-release.html

Many of you have been active in the forums posting bug reports, suggestions and other feedback. I’m pleased to announce that the first batch of rebate cheques was posted today so regular contributers should be receiving their rebate within the next few days.

If you haven’t contributed yet, it’s not too late. We’re looking for specific feedback on some of the new TV channel enhancements in 2.18.16, so please try it out and let us know how you get on. Remember, those of you on the rebate program need to actively provide testing feedback in order to qualify.

There are no specific My Movies enhancements in this release. However, we have been working closely with Brian Binnerup of My Movies who is adding some additional support in the forthcoming My Movies 4.0 release, to facilitate voice control through Amulet.

The next Amulet beta release, due within the next 1-2 weeks, will focus on new My Movies functionality.

Have you got an Amulet Voice Remote? What do you think of it? Let us know…..

You can learn more from the Amulet website.

UWHS Giveaway – Still 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 3 copies of Diskeeper 2011 for Windows Home Server or Diskeeper 2011 Professional. And you still have a few days to enter.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?

[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 drop us an email to giveaways @ usingwhs.com (remembering to remove the spaces) 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 send us an email.[/box]

That’s it, simple!

We will then pick 3 people at random from the emails we receive.

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

The 3 winners will be announced on the site on Sunday 1st May, so get going.

Watch out for more Diskeeper giveaways in the next few weeks.

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

Upgrading Your Tranquil SQA-5H to Windows Home Server 2011

As you know by now, there is no upgrade path from Windows Home Server V1 to WHS 2011. However, Tranquil PC are offering a unique service to existing SQA-5H owners that might interest you.

 

Tranquil PC are pleased to offer the following upgrades from SQA-5H Home Server to Windows Home Server 2011.

 

Due to the nature of Windows Home Server and Windows Home Server 2011, there is no ‘user upgrade’ available, as perhaps you may have used to upgrade XP to Vista in the past.  Neither has Microsoft issued a ‘upgrade’ of the operating system licence.

 

The outcome of the above means that our upgrade offers are based on factory upgrades.

 

There are two upgrade options:

1. Option 1
SQA-5H with Windows Home Server to SQA-5H with Windows Home Server 2011

(Operating System upgrade + new Add In, with data transfer service, and fully factory re-test)

Option 2
SQA-5H with Windows Home Server to Leo HS4 with Windows Home Server 2011
(Operating System upgrade + new Add In, with data transfer service, and fully factory re-test
PLUS – full hardware upgrade incl new main board + i3-2100T CPU + 2GB DDR3 RAM )

 

Both options re-use your existing hard disks.

Item 1 includes :

 

  • Customer returns SQA-5H to Tranquil factory
  • Tranquil copy all customer data to a secure storage server
  • The unit is then upgraded to Windows Home Server 2011, including a new licence
  • DataCore Disk Management Add In, is installed and any additional HDDs in your server are added to the storage pool.
  • The unit is then initialised to your requirements (Admin password and machine name)
  • Your data is then moved back to your server folders
  • The unit is then fully factory tested, prior to shipping it back you you.

Cost for the above process is £189.00, irrespective of the amount of data that is protected and then moved back.  On occasions Tranquil may contact you, if there are any further cost options / requirements, ie the possible adding of new HDDs etc.  Return shipping costs and VAT are not included. Turnaround times vary, but normal service level for the above process is 5-7 days.

Item 2 includes :

 

  • Customer returns SQA-5H to Tranquil factory
  • Tranquil copy all customer data to a secure storage server
  • The unit is disassembled and rebuilt using:

·          New System main board (Intel 2nd Generation Core Processor support)

·          New Intel i3-2100T CPU

·          New 2GB DDR3 RAM

·          New fan less CPU cooling system + re-labelling

  • Please note that the Leo HS4 is only a four HDD system, and we can’t accept units with five HDDs in use.
  • The unit is then upgraded to Windows Home Server 2011, including a new licence
  • DataCore Disk Management Add In, is installed and any additional HDDs in your server are added to the storage pool.
  • The unit is then initialised to your requirements (Admin password and machine name)
  • Your data is then moved back to your server folders
  • The unit is then fully factory tested, prior to shipping it back you.
  • Any new components are supplied with a new 24 month warranty.

Cost for the above process is £479.00, irrespective of the amount of data that is protected and then moved back.  On occasions Tranquil may contact you, if there are any further cost options / requirements, ie the possible adding of new HDDs / storage controller card etc. Return shipping costs and VAT are not included. Turnaround times vary, but normal service level for the above process is 7-10 days.

 

If you would like to discuss either option 1 or option 2 above please drop an email to martin@tranquilpc.co.uk

Tranquil PC Leo HS4 Windows Home Server 2011 Pricing and Specs Revealed

Over the last few days we have talked about the forthcoming Windows Home Server 2011 hardware from Tranquil PC, called the Leo HS4. Now we can exclusively reveal the pricing and more details on the specs.

leohs4__26654_zoom

Windows Home Server 2011
The long awaited successor to Windows Home Server is now ready.

The Leo HS4 from Tranquil PC, powered by Windows Home Server 2011 (or VAIL as it was formally known).
The powerful central processor supplied with the Leo HS4 ensures that you will benefit from the latest features supplied with WHS 2011, including on-the-fly media transcoding and fast disk management virtualisation.

Shipping and pre-orders
Tranquil are accepting pre-orders from 27th April 2011, and the new WHS 2011 Servers will commence shipping from May 16th.

An ‘Early Bird’ coupon code will be offered to all who pre-order, before the shipping date. To claim your Early Bird discount of £50.00, just enter the following coupon at the checkout WHSEB50

What do you get

  • Leo HS4 Home Server appliance
  • 2TB Low Energy Primary Hard Disk
  • 2GB DDR3 RAM
  • Intel 2nd Generation Core Processor (i3-2100T 2.5GHz)
  • Media Kit including PC Restore CD and Server Restore DVD
  • 24 month RTB (return to base) warranty

Product Specification

Unit dimensions 213 (w) x 331 (d) x 195 (h) incl feet (mm)
Unit construction Enamelled Steel (typically >70% recycled materials)
System heat sink Internal CPU and Chipset aluminium heat sink (fan less)
CPU Intel 2nd Generation Core Processor i3-2100T (2.5GHz)
Memory 2GB DDR3 1333Mhz (upgradeable)
HDDs 4x 3.5″ bays (1st bay factory fitted with 2TB HDD) 3x free.
Colour options Satin Black or Gloss White
Front panel Power, Mode and backups switches, Multi-coloured status LED’s and 2x USB 2.0 ports
Rear panel 12v DC power in / 2x USB3.0 / 4x USB2.0 / 10.100.1000 LAN port / 1x eSATA / Desk lock / (optional 2x eSATA with port multiplier)
Weight Base unit (nett) 6Kg
Power supply External AC/DC with country specific power cord
Working temp Maximum 44’C ambient
Mounting options Desk
Power consumption 23W (incl 1xHDD)
Acoustics 23dBA (incl 1x HDD)
Software Windows Home Server 2011 – PC Recovery CD – Server Restore DVD – DataCore Disk Manager Add In

Price

Ok, so, the price…

The unit described above is £679 (before the discount code mentioned above) and also before VAT.

CPU Upgrades:

i3-2100T > i5-2400S (+£49.00)

Memory Upgrades:

Up2GB > 4GB upgrade (+£18.00)

2GB > 8GB upgrade (+£59.00)

Additional Storage:

2TB > 4TB (+£109.00)

2TB > 6TB (+£218.00)

2TB > 8TB (+£327.00)

eSata Upgrade:

Optional 2 port eSATA expander (incl Port Multiplier) (+£49.00)

Warranty Upgrade:

24 month > 48 month warranty extension (+£89.00)

Expect our usual hands-on review shortly.

Visit the Tranquil PC Store now

D-Link Launch New Wireless N 300 Gigabit Router

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Today D-Link launched another wireless router, this time a Wireless N 300 Gigabit router called the DIR-651.

DIR-651_frontDIR-651_backDIR-651_package

This looks like a good little router and the price is really good at less than $90.

For more information check out the D-Link website here

Here is the press release for those of you interested:

D-Link Launches Wireless N 300 Gigabit Router for High Performance Wireless Networking at an Affordable Price

DIR-651 Allows Consumers to Easily Create a Home Wireless Network with Computers, Game Consoles, Media Players, and More 

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. – APRIL 27, 2011 – D-Link® today announced its new Wireless N 300 Gigabit Router (DIR-651), offering increased performance and speed over previous generation 802.11g devices. Equipped with 802.11n technology, four Gigabit ports to provide speeds up to 10 times faster than standard 10/100 ports, multiple intelligent antennas, and Intelligent Quality of Service (QoS), the DIR-651 allows consumers to browse the web, stream media and share data more efficiently – all at an affordable price.

Featuring superior intelligent antenna technology, the DIR-651 transmits multiple streams of data, enabling users to receive network connectivity in hard to reach places – especially in larger homes. With the addition of Intelligent Quality of Service (QoS), these data streams are separated to help organize and prioritize network traffic to give applications such as video streaming, gaming and VoIP calls priority over an activity such as web browsing. This prioritization ensures smoother connection over both wired and wireless network, without the worry of lost connections or interferences.

“The Wireless N 300 Gigabit Router is an excellent solution for creating a strong network foundation in today’s home,” says Daniel Kelley, associate vice president of consumer marketing, D-Link North America. “With the increase in home VoIP calling, video streaming, online gaming, and of course web browsing, a fast, high-performing wireless network that can support multiple devices has become a necessity, and the DIR-651 is an ideal choice in building that network.”

The DIR-651 also offers an enhanced wired connection with its four Gigabit ports, providing speeds up to 10 times faster than standard 10/100 ports. In addition to increased speed, the router also supports WPA™ and WPA2® security standards, as well as Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) for push-button security and top-of-the-line encryption from possible Internet threats. And with the simple step-by-step installation using D-Link’s Quick Router Setup Wizard, consumers will have their network up and running in no time.

Availability and Pricing

The DIR-651 Wireless N 300 Gigabit Router is now available for an MSRP of $89.99 throughout D-Link’s vast network of retail and e-tail outlets in North America, including Office Depot and Office Max (available May 2011), and at the company’s online store, http://www.dlinkshop.com.

About D-Link

D-Link is the global leader in connectivity for home, small business, mid- to large-sized enterprise environments, and service providers. An award-winning designer, developer, and manufacturer, D-Link implements and supports unified network solutions that integrate capabilities in switching, wireless, broadband, storage, IP Surveillance, and cloud-based network management.  For more information visit www.dlink.com, www.dlink.ca or connect with D-Link on Facebook (www.facebook.com/dlink) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/dlink).

Foxconn NT-A3500 Barebones PC Launched

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Yesterday Foxconn launched the NT-A3500 barebones PC, The NT-A3500 comes with the new AMD Fusion APU with built-in Radeon HD 6310 graphics.

nT-A3500 Angled 1nT-A3500 Angled 2nT-A3500 FrontOn the back of monitornT-A3500 Accessories

We will have one for review in a few days time, so watch this space.

For now, here is the press release:

AMD Fusion helps the Foxconn NT-A3500 deliver twice the performance over the NT-330i while using even less power

Milton Keynes, UK, 26th April, 2011: Foxconn, the world leading manufacturer of computer components and systems, today announced incredible performance results for the new NT-A3500 Barebone – with over twice the performance of the NT-330i it replaces, whilst using significantly less power.

Utilising the new AMD Fusion APU with built-in Radeon HD 6310 graphics, the NT-A3500 is capable of delivering DirectX ® 11 graphics and true 1080p HD playback with real-time image processing, all in the ultra-small form factor of the Foxconn NT-series chassis.

The NT-A3500 Barebone features the AMD E350 Dual Core 1.6GHz APU coupled with the AMD A45 chipset. The specification includes USB 3.0, Wireless-N and support for up to 4GB DDR3 memory.

Foxconn’s own like-for-like testing shows the NT-A3500 to be more than twice as fast as the NT-330i it is replacing whilst consuming almost 6 watts less power:

NT-330i NT-A3500
3DMark06 829 1760
Power consumption during 3DMark06 playback 29.6 Watts 23.9 Watts
Power consumption during HD video playback using Power DVD 10 27.3 Watts 23.2 Watts

Stephen Ling, Managing Director for Foxconn, Western Europe, said, “Using the full capabilities of the AMD APU has allowed Foxconn to build a Nettop with twice the performance of its predecessor , reduce power consumption and keep it all within our extremely popular ultra-small form factor. The advances in technology are allowing people to benefit from using tiny computers in more and more applications.”

The NT-A3500 will be available in Europe from the middle of May, 2011.

For full specifications, please visit:

http://www.foxconnchannel.com/product/Barebones/NT-A3500/index.html

About Foxconn:

Foxconn was established in 1974 and has grown to become the largest ODM in the world with nearly 1,000,000 employees and revenues in excess of USD 100 billion. Foxconn’s customer base includes many famous brands in computing, communications and consumer electronics, for example; Apple, Cisco, Dell, HP, Nokia and Sony. With expertise in design and manufacturing, Foxconn’s Channel Division is able to bring barebone and component products to channel customers around the globe, giving them the freedom to create their own solutions.

Integrity Checker for Windows Home Server Version 1.20 Released

Jim from Integrity-Checker.com has been in touch to let us know that their Integrity Checker Add-in for Windows Home Server V1 and Windows Home Server 2011 has been updated to version 1.20.

dataflow

What is Integrity Checker?

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.

Here is what Jim told us about the update:

We are proud to announce the release of version 1.20 of Integrity Checker for Windows Home Server (original) and Windows Home Server / Small Business Server 2011.  Integrity Checker is an invaluable tool for the server administrator; quietly, efficiently, and automatically watching for new data arriving on the server.  As data arrives, Integrity Checker generates, and attaches, a SHA1 integrity hash for each file which can later be used to validate the files contents.  The perfect tool for verifying large file downloads from the internet, validating the consistency of your hard drive, and authenticating your data before a backup operation!

We’ve had wonderful feedback over the last month; and we’ve listened.  Here are the new features for version 1.20:

  • Integrity Scan results now display failures and warnings separately to optimize result viewing and locate errors more easily
  • New “Copy To Clipboard” feature available when viewing Integrity Scan results
  • Customizable folder watching – real-time, scheduled daily, or manual
  • Allow customizing the location of the Integrity Checker “cache” folder
  • Integrity Scans can now scan a single folder.  Now supporting – full system scan, a single file, or a single folder

Find out more about Integrity Checker http://www.integrity-checker.com/

Existing users upgrade free http://www.integrity-checker.com/update.html

Learn how to administer Integrity Checker http://www.integrity-checker.com/howto.html

Look out for a review shortly here at UWHS.

Another Tranquil PC Windows Home Server 2011 Update

Last week we provided some more information on Tranquil PC’s plans for Windows Home Server 2011. Now we have some more information to share.

Tranquil

I spoke with Tranquil last night and this is the update they gave me:

We are very proud to confirm our first WHS2011 solution (being launched later this week), will be powered by Intel i3 Second Generation Core processor, in line with overwhelming demand and requests from customers.  The platform is based on an upgraded version of our award winning SQA-5H chassis, with support for the very powerful, yet frugal Intel processor.  Our testing programme is now completed, and the system design will be released for pre-order later this week, with opening offers.

The 4 drive solution, with optional dual expansion ports (providing up to 10x external HDDs) will be supplied with an innovative fan less CPU cooling solution, providing a low noise, and extending life cycle solution.

Tranquil is renowned for UK designed and manufactured, custom engineered, power efficient, reliable solutions.  The new Windows Home Server 2011, and Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials platforms have been optimised to encapsulate our design values along with customer feedback from the original Windows Home Server series.

There will also be Intel i5 alternatives too.

Pricing will be very attractive and be in line with the performance of this amazing devices.

DE functionality will be satisfied by a full WHS Add In licence from DataCore, as soon as DataCore release their WHS application (end of June 2011), with delivery and support of the beta versions from 10th May 2011.

Shipping and pre-orders

Tranquil are accepting pre-orders from 27th April 2011, and the new WHS 2011 Servers will commence shipping from May 16th.

An ‘Early Bird’ coupon code will be offered to all who pre-order, before the shipping date.

What do you get

· Leo HS4 Home Server appliance
· 2TB Low Energy Primary Hard Disk
· 2GB DDR3 RAM
· Intel 2nd Generation Core Processor (i3-2100T 3.1GHz)
· Media Kit including PC Restore CD and Server Restore DVD
· 24 month RTB (return to base) warranty

This is all really good news for the Windows Home Server 2011 market – and it looks very much like Tranquil will be the first to market with a WHS 2011 box.

Expect more news and more very soon.