What is Windows Home Server?

New HP TouchPad OTA Update Coming Soon

Tablets & Slates

Andrew Edney

-

Aug 30, 2011

8

According to CNET, there is a new OTA coming to the HP TouchPad soon.

Here is what CNET were told:

We expect that HP TouchPad owners can look forward to an over-the-air update that will enhance the platform and add functionality and a growing applications catalog,” an HP spokesperson told CNET today in response to an e-mail query. HP would not elaborate on what those enhancements would be.

HP also said that it is seeing “huge spikes in activations and between 3-5X downloads of apps” as a result of the fire sale launched on August 19.

The most interesting comment was this:

“HP is fully committed to the ongoing support and service of customers who purchased webOS devices…We plan to continue to investigate the best ways to leverage WebOS software and grow the applications,” the spokesperson said.

Ok, so HP are fully committed to an OS that only runs on two devices, both of which they discontinued within weeks of being launched and have no plans to launch any more? I’m sorry, but that sounds a little silly to me!

So let’s see what happens then!

Boxee App Library Updated to Include MOG Instant Music Streaming

Digital Home

Andrew Edney

-

Aug 30, 2011

1

Boxee App Library Updated to Include MOG Instant Music Streaming

Today MOG lands in the Boxee App Library with instant streaming of over 11 million songs, all in better than HD audio (320 kbps).

MOG’s music library blasts and serenades in the highest quality audio available for streaming pretty much anywhere. The massive song library will make sure you’re never searching for more than a few seconds for what you want, whether it’s top pop music hits or traditional Indian classics.

Create your own playlists or have Mog build a radio station for you based on artists and songs you love for a no-fuss way to keep the music going… and to help you discover bands you’ve never heard of.

So head over to http://www.mog.com/boxee now and sign up for a free 14 day trial now to check out one of the top music streaming services on the web today, now available on Boxee.

Twonky Release TwonkyServer 6.0.36

Digital Home

Andrew Edney

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Aug 30, 2011

0

This week saw Twonky release an update to its TwonkyServer software, bringing it up to version 6.0.36.

What is TwonkyServer?

Here is how Twonky describe it:

Is your Playstation® 3 connected to your home network? Do you have a digital photo frame with a wireless Internet connection, or what about an Internet radio? Provide your favorite devices with that missing link to your computer’s music, video and photo collections. Download the popular, powerful TwonkyServer and truly experience the connected home.
TwonkyServer makes it possible for your devices to retrieve your media files from wherever they’re stored. Using your device’s remote and menu system, view your computer’s media library, or an online media feed, and just press play.

TwonkyServer is available for Windows®, Mac® and Linux, so it will work for any connected home.
If you have Windows Home Server, you can still use TwonkyServer. View this install guide to see if it’s the right option for you.

We even offer a mobile version of our server. Currently available free in the Android™ app store, TwonkyServer Mobile lets you serve music, photos or video from your phone to devices all around the home.

TwonkyServer is part of our TwonkyManager, so if you have a Windows PC and want many amazing features beyond what we offer in TwonkyServer, please see TwonkyManager.

You can choose your platform and download the updates from the Twonky website.

Here is what is included in the update:

– This software update includes a new feature that allows you to wirelessly sync media from your mobile device to your computer. For more information about using this feature with our Twonky Mobile Android app, check out the “Syncing Your Files” section below.
– A new client adaptation was added for Sony Bravia, Sony Blu-Ray Home Theaters and Sony Blu-Ray Players. With this change, all files that could be played through other DLNA servers are now also supported by TwonkyServer.
– Fixed a problem with the web config page not launching that occurred when installing TwonkyServer on a Mac running the Lion OS.
– Fixed YouTube streaming problems
– Information about other improvements and bug fixes can be found in the TwonkyServer release notes, which can be found in the TwonkyServer folder under Program Files\Twonky.

Review of the Aleratec HDD Copy Cruiser Mini

Andrew Edney

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Aug 29, 2011

5

Do you need a hard drive duplicator and docking station? If the answer is yes, then take a look at our review of the Aleratec HDD Copy Cruiser Mini.

The Aleratec HDD Copy Cruiser Mini is both a powerful HDD duplicator and a versatile HDD docking station in one lightweight, portable device.

This essential tool for building, upgrading and backing up computer systems requires no computer to run, eliminating the need to tie up a computer for hours running complex software to duplicate hard disk drives.

A single button-push is all that is required for a fast 72 MB/sec sector-by-sector copy that includes partition and boot sector information, resulting in perfect clones/backups.

Additionally, connecting the HDD Copy Cruiser Mini to a computer via USB 2.0 gives instant, hot-swappable access to up to two hard disk drives at a time.

Sector-by-sector standalone hard disk drive cloning
One-button operation for cloning
Dual plug-and-play hard disk drive access via USB 2.0
Supports both 2.5” and 3.5” SATA I/II hard disk drives
Safe and easy hard disk drive quick-release buttons
Supports Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7, Mac OS10.3 or later, Linux
AC Powered: 100-240V 50-60Hz 1.5A

Aleratec HDD Copy Cruiser Mini

Who are Aleratec?

From their website:

Aleratec creates “Prosumers’ Choice” professional-grade duplicators for hard disk drives, USB flash drives, flash memory and optical discs (BD/DVD/CD), as well as optical disc publishers, blank media, disc shredders, disc repair and related accessories, at consumer-friendly prices. The company’s commitment to quality and its customers has produced product lines which regularly win industry accolades for their innovation, reliability and ease-of-use.

Headquartered in Southern California, Aleratec’s exceptionally-skilled team of trained professionals design user-friendly, high-performance hardware along with intuitive software to assist corporations and organizations of any size with all their media technology needs. Aleratec’s comprehensive line of innovative products enable businesses to cut costs, streamline workflow and increase revenues.

For over a decade, Aleratec has served as a leading provider of disc duplicating and publishing solutions for specialized markets including government agencies, educational facilities, houses of worship and audio recording professionals.

What’s in the Box?

Along with the HDD Copy Cruiser Mini is a USB 2.0 cable, a power adaptor and cable, an eSATA cable, a quick start guide and a registration card.

Tranquil Launch the T7Duo PC

Tech

Andrew Edney

-

Aug 29, 2011

4

Tranquil PC have launched a new fanless Atom based PC called the T7Duo.

Dual Core Processor, Dual GBE LAN.

The T7Duo is now available and benefits from over 4 years of T7 design optimisation

The fanless cooled D525 Intel Atom processor delivers outstanding performance / watt.

The onboard Realtek plus the Intel 82574L LAN ensures that your multi ethernet applications will deliver the solution you require.

What do you get

T7Duo System
Intel Atom D525 CPU
HDD – select
RAM – select
24 month RTB (return to base) warranty

Prices start at £229 plus VAT.

Learn more and place your order from here

Home Server Status for Windows Home Server 2011 Version 2.01 Released

Windows Home Server

Andrew Edney

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Aug 29, 2011

4

Do you miss some of the information you used to see in WHS V1? Well Jerry Wade has written an app that brings that information to WHS 2011 and it’s just been updated to version 2.01.

This is how Jerry describes this app:

It wasn’t long ago I told my friend, John, about my wonderful WHSv1. He decided to create his own box and use WHS 2011. However, he noticed that the icon did not give him the same information as mine such as, connectivity and backup in progress (eg: blue icon). After pondering over this, I decided to put my limited programming skills to work and develop a home server status application. So, without further hesitation, world, humbly meet: Home Server Status v1.0.

REQUIREMENTS:

.NET Framework 4
WHS 2011 Connector
Windows 7 32/64-bit machine. (Why only Windows 7? Well, it offered the features I wanted to see such as, the overlay icons and taskbar pinning.)

Change log:

Internal clean-up
Added progress to the system tray icon when a backup is running. This way someone can visually see their backup progress without having to hover. See screenshot below.

Here is the download link for Windows 7 32bit/64bit: HSS v2.01

Two Minute Review – The Gorilla Mobile Yogi for iPad 2 from JOBY

Andrew Edney

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Aug 28, 2011

0

Two Minute Review – The Gorilla Mobile Yogi for iPad 2 from JOBY

It’s time for another one of our Two Minute Reviews. This time its the Gorilla Mobile Yogi for iPad 2 from JOBY.

The Gorilla Mobile Yogi is more than just a stand for your iPad 2. Its a stand that you can position into infinite poses on pretty much any surface!

Who are JOBY?

From their website:

JOBY creates well-designed, revolutionary products that inspire the creative and active lifestyle.

JOBY is a young, high-growth company that revolutionized the camera accessories market in early 2006 with its GorillaPod line of flexible tripods and continues to redefine the consumer electronics market with its GorillaMobile and GorillaTorch product lines. The brand has a strong and loyal following of consumers who are passionate about both innovative design and functional performance. Founded in 2005, JOBY is a privately-held company headquartered in San Francisco, CA, with offices in Santa Cruz, CA; Geneva, Switzerland; Tokyo, Japan; Singapore and Shenzhen, China.

Specifications

Designed for :Apple iPad 2

Materials : Durable polycarbonate, high-quality ABS plastic and TPE grips

Product Dimensions:

Case: 7.5 x 0.5 x 9.7″ (190 x 13 x 246mm);
Legs: 3.1 x 1.3 x 8.8″ (80 x 33 x 223mm)

Product Weight:

Case: 5.2oz (147g);
Legs: 3.9oz (111g)

Price :£34.95

What’s in the Box?

The box contains the Gorilla Mobile Yogi and an instruction manual.

A Closer Look

The front is where you place your iPad 2, and the back contains the moveable legs.

You can position them in many different ways very simply.

The case has rubber buttons on it for accessing the iPad 2’s buttons.

And you can easily change the orientation by removing the legs and slotting them in the other orientation. It is very simple and takes only a few seconds to do it!

Using the Gorilla Mobile Yogi

After fitting your iPad 2 into the front of the Yogi, you then just position the legs into whatever position you want to use it in. They can easily bend into a variety of positions.

You can even wrap them around objects and they hold the Yogi into position firmly and securely. Here you can see my iPad 2 handing from the curtain rail!

Using the Gorilla Mobile Yogi for iPad 2

Final Thoughts

The Gorilla Mobile Yogi is very simple to use, and it can be positioned in many, many different ways and on a variety of surfaces (even and uneven).

I found it very easy to use and it took very little effort to get it into position, whether that was using in on my desk, wrapping it around my leg or hanging it from a curtain rail.

It felt very secure and I wasn’t concerned for a moment that it would drop!

If you have a need to use your iPad 2 in such a way (maybe for the rear of the car wrapped around a headrest) then you should seriously take a look at this, you won’t be disappointed.

The price is £34.95 and is available now from the JOBY website.

BYOB Podcast Episode 56 Out Now

Tech

Andrew Edney

-

Aug 28, 2011

0

The guys over at the BYOB podcast, including our very own Tim Daleo have just released episode 56.

Here is what is included in this weeks show:

[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]Timekills returns with an update on SSD cahing, Asus k53E review, Llano or i3 HTPC? Corsair Force GT SSD.[/box]

As usual you can listen to the show from here.

Working with Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials Now Available

Andrew Edney

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Aug 27, 2011

3

Working with Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials Now Available

If you want to know all about working with Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials, then you may want to take a look at my latest book from MS Press.

Here is the description for the book:

Get up and running quickly with Windows® Small Business Server 2011 Essentials—and learn how to use this network solution to organize and help protect your business data. This hands-on guide provides extensive walkthroughs and tips to help you successfully deploy, manage, and support your company’s network and applications. All you need is minimal IT knowledge.

Discover how to:

Plan your network infrastructure as your first, critical step

Configure and maintain the network to help protect your data

Create user accounts and connect client computers

Manage shared server folders and set up permissions

Install network printers and determine how they’re shared

Inspect your network’s health with Performance Monitor

Provide security-enhanced remote access via the web or a VPN

Troubleshoot problems and be prepared in the event of a system failure

The book, co-written with Charlie Russell and Sharon Crawford is available now and is 408 pages long. You can see the full table of contents here.

DVBLogic Release DVBLink v4 Suite Beta 2 Extension Patch

Andrew Edney

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Aug 27, 2011

0

DVBLogic Release DVBLink v4 Suite Beta 2 Extension Patch

DVBLogic have just released a patch to extend the beta period on their DVBLink 4 beta 2 product suite.

Here is what DVBLogic say about the patch:

Due to summer vacation period we were not able to complete beta 3 works before beta 2 expiration.

Therefore we are releasing today a patch for v4 beta 2 products that will prolong its validity for another 30 days. The real beta 3 will be released in about a week time.

The patches can be downloaded from the following links:
DVBLink TVSource: http://www.dvblogic.com/download/Trunk/ … b2plus.zip
DVBLink Home Server: http://www.dvblogic.com/download/Trunk/ … b2plus.zip
DVBLink for IPTV: http://www.dvblogic.com/download/Trunk/ … b2plus.zip
DVBLink for Dreambox: http://www.dvblogic.com/download/Trunk/ … b2plus.zip

Please read the patch installation instructions carefully.

DVBLink TVSource
– Stop dvblink_server Windows service
– Navigate to DVBLink installation folder and unzip the contents of dvblink_tvsource_b2plus.zip into it preserving the directory structure and overwriting existing files.
– Manually copy helper.dll from <dvblink>\templates\sources\tvsource into each instance of TVSource source – <dvblink>\sources\<your tvsource sources> – overwriting the existing file
– Start dvblink_server Windows services, navigate to DVBLink configuration home page and check the expiration period of the product

DVBLink for IPTV
– Stop dvblink_server Windows service
– Navigate to DVBLink installation folder and unzip the contents of dvblink_for_iptv_b2plus.zip into it preserving the directory structure and overwriting existing files.
– Manually copy helper.dll from <dvblink>\templates\sources\iptv into each instance of DVBLink for IPTV source – <dvblink>\sources\<your dvblink for iptv sources> – overwriting the existing file
– Start dvblink_server Windows services, navigate to DVBLink configuration home page and check the expiration period of the product

DVBLink for Dreambox
– Stop dvblink_server Windows service
– Navigate to DVBLink installation folder and unzip the contents of dvblink_for_dreambox_b2plus.zip into it preserving the directory structure and overwriting existing files.
– Manually copy helper.dll from <dvblink>\templates\sources\dreambox into each instance of DVBLink for Dreambox source – <dvblink>\sources\<your dvblink for dreambox sources> – overwriting the existing file
– Start dvblink_server Windows services, navigate to DVBLink configuration home page and check the expiration period of the product

DVBLink Home Server
– Stop dvblink_server Windows service
– Navigate to DVBLink installation folder and unzip the contents of dvblink_home_server_b2plus.zip into it preserving the directory structure and overwriting existing files.
– Start dvblink_server Windows services, navigate to DVBLink configuration home page and check the expiration period of the product

Twonky Update TwonkyManager to version 2.0.7

Digital Home

Andrew Edney

-

Aug 27, 2011

0

Twonky Update TwonkyManager to version 2.0.7

Twonky have just updated their TwonkyManager software to version 2.0.7 and it includes a new file synchronisation feature.

TwonkyManager lets you manage all of your photos, music and videos in one convenient program and stream them to devices on your home network. It’s as easy as dragging and dropping what you want to play onto the device you want to play it.

Includes a full version of the latest TwonkyServer
Stream media you find online with the included TwonkyBeam for Internet Explorer® (Firefox® version available separately)
Auto-sync with Twonky Mobile for Android
View and manage all your media files with one program, including your iTunes® database and playlists, Flickr® photos and Internet videos
Create smart playlists by rating, genre, artist and more
Search photos by name, date, rating or keyword
Create descriptions for photos
Search music by song name, artist, genre or rating
Play an entire album or genre of music without having to create a playlist
Play a slideshow of photos by rating or album without having to create a playlist
Aggregate your media from multiple servers, so that you can access everything from one place
Wirelessly copy media files from other computers running Twonky software or Android phones running Twonky Mobile or TwonkyServer Mobile
No need to manually rescan when content changes
Drag and drop photos, video or music onto a device for instantaneous playback
Pause, stop, or adjust volume levels on devices all around the house
View the media or playlist currently playing on any device
Create playlists from media on other computers running TwonkyManager
Take your playlist from room to room, without pausing or restarting
Stream your Facebook® photos, as well as your friends’ photos
Chat with other people on your network within TwonkyManager

TwonkyManager™ 2.0.7 – Release Notes

– Includes TwonkyServer™ 6.0.36
– Now includes TwonkyBeam 1.6 for Internet Explorer (which includes fixes for YouTube streaming problems).
– Fixed a problem with the picture parser that caused embedded album art in an MP3 song tp be displayed distorted.
Download it here:
http://www.twonky.com/upfiles/TwonkyManagerSetup.exe

Changes in TwonkyServer 6.0.36
– This software update includes a new feature that allows you to wirelessly sync media from your mobile device to your computer. For more information about using this feature with our Twonky Mobile Android app, check out the “Syncing Your Files” section below.
-A new client adaptation was added for Sony Bravia, Sony Blu-Ray Home Theaters and Sony Blu-Ray Players. With this change, all files that could be played through other DLNA servers are now also supported by TwonkyServer.
– Fixed a problem with the web config page not launching that occurred when installing TwonkyServer on a Mac running the Lion OS.
– Information about other improvements and bug fixes can be found in the TwonkyServer release notes, which can be found in the TwonkyServer folder under Program Files\Twonky.

Known Issues with TwonkyManager 2.0.7
To edit the sync password you need to go to the TwonkyServer web settings pages.
The first time you launch TwonkyManager, it has to scan all of your media and import all of your playlists. This can take several minutes. During this process, TwonkyManager may appear a little sluggish and you may not see all of your media until the scan is complete.

Syncing Your Files
This software update includes a new feature that allows you to wirelessly sync media from your mobile device to your computer. This way, your home computer will always have the latest photos you’ve taken with your mobile device, or you can choose what files from your computer you want with you wherever you go. Set it to automatically sync whenever your devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, or perform a manual sync at your convenience. You can configure wireless syncing the first time you launch this software, or set it up later by following the steps below:

Configuring Sync Settings
In most cases, the factory defaults for the sync folders on your mobile device will work without any need for configuration.
By default, synced photos are found in the DCIM folder on your SD card. Synced music and videos are found in the Twonky Sync folder on your SD Card. To change the default sync folders on your mobile device, follow the steps below under ‘Changing Your Mobile Sync Folders.’

Selecting a Sync Server
Before you can sync your media, you need to install a compatible sync server on your computer and select this as your sync server. Compatible sync servers include: TwonkyServer 6.0.36 (or later), TwonkyManager 2.0.7 (or later) or other WebDAV server software.
1. Launch Twonky Mobile
2. Press the menu button and click on Sync.
3. Select ’Sync Settings’
4. Select ’Configure Music Sync’
5. Touch ’Choose sync location’ and select the remote server and folder you want to use for synching. You’ll see a spinning circle while we scan your network for supported servers. Make sure you’ve installed one of the compatible sync servers listed above.
6. Press the OK button to continue, unless you have previously set a username and password for this server. By default no username or password has been set.
7. By default, the type of syncing is set to copy server files to this device. To change this select one of the following three options:
a. Full sync – This syncs files in both directions. Files added to either sync folder, will be copied to the sync folder on your other device.
b. Copy files from this device to server – This only syncs in one direction, from this device to your other device.
c. Copy server files to this device – This only syncs in one direction, from the other device to this device.
To automatically sync all items, press the back button and check ’Allow Auto-Sync when in home network’ which is described below.
8. Press the Back button and repeat steps 5 through 8 for photos and video..
9. When you’re finished, press the Back button until you’ve returned to your media.
Note: The syncing feature is a non-deleting sync. This means that it will not delete the files on your server if you delete them on your device. Alternatively, if you delete or move files from your sync folders on your server, those files will not be deleted from your device the next time you sync.

Automatic Sync
If you’ve checked ’Allow Auto-Sync when in home network’ on the Sync Settings screen, your mobile device will automatically sync with the selected sync server every time your mobile device joins your Wi-Fi network.

Manual Sync
To manually sync media, go to the Menu page and press the Sync button. Then, press the Sync button for a desired media type.
You’ll see a progress bar appear. Keep in mind that it takes about 10 seconds to sync a song over Wi-Fi, so be patient if you’ve selected a folder with a lot of media.
To sync all media types at once, just click the Sync All button at the top.

Finding Synced Media
By default, you can find synced media on your mobile device here:
Music – Twonky Sync/Music
Photos – DCIM
Videos – Twonky Sync/Videos
By default, you can find synced media on your computer here:
Music – My Music\Twonky\Sync
Photos – My Pictures\Twonky\Sync
Videos – My Videos\Twonky\Sync
Changing Your Mobile Sync Folders
1. Press the menu button and click on Sync.
2. Select ‘Sync Settings’
3. Select ’Configure Music Sync’
4. Select ’Edit sync location’
5. Select a folder for each media type that you want to sync by clicking on it and pressing the Select button. Synched files will be placed here. It is not recommended that you select the top level (or root) of your SD card for this.
6. Repeat steps 4 through 6 for photos and video if you plan to sync them as well.
How This Feature Differs from TwonkyCopy
– Works with any type of file, not just media files
– Automatic sync offered in addition to manual copying of files
– Goes beyond file copying by keeping folders on different devices synchronized
– Syncs all media at once or by specific media type (e.g. music only)
– Ideal for backing up mobile photos and videos to a computer or NAS
– Syncs with a specific music folder on computer to avoid overloading mobile device
– Compatible with non-Twonky WebDAV servers
– Automatically launches and runs in the background as a separate application
– Automatically discovers sync-compatible TwonkyServer on a Wi-Fi network (no need to manually enter server IP address)

Google TV Coming to the UK Soon

Digital Home

Andrew Edney

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Aug 26, 2011

0

According to the Telegraph website here in the UK, Google TV is heading our way.

This is what they posted:

The “Google TV” innovation will also mean that viewers can watch material from catch-up services such as BBC iPlayer and ITV Player on their main TV screen.

Accessed through a special set-top box, the service is due to launch in the UK within six months, following its launch earlier in the US.

Google’s executive chairman Eric Schmidt will outline the plans when he gives this year’s MacTaggart lecture at the Edinburgh Television Festival.

According to the company, Google TV will allow people to search all of the content on the TV and the internet by using a single click.

The service will also allow viewers to switch between the TV and the internet on their main screen without having to adjust any cables.

Smartphones and iPhones can be used instead of a remote control top change channels and people will even be able to use their own voice to conduct searches.

The service also has a special version of YouTube in high definition.

Personally I am yet to be convinced by Google TV. It’s been available in the US for about a year now and frankly it’s was nothing special, so I hope they do something better than just a UK version!

Virtualization For The Home Environment

John Keller

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Aug 26, 2011

5

Introduction

After writing my two How To Articles on installing VMware Server on Both Windows Home Server Version 1 and Windows Home Server 2011 I had been thinking of exploring the other alternatives to free Virtualization appliances that is easier to install on your Home Computer. What finally prompted me to actually write this article when fellow moderator and collaborator Jim McCarthy here at UWHS asked me a good article I could recommend that would cover some of the different virtual appliances out there so he could get more familiar with it. Of course I did what I always do and ran for my Google Crystal Ball to research for such an article and was kind of disappointed in the offerings. One article I found was from Petri that was over 2 and half years old and the information on it was broad on what was out there in virtualization (which also included enterprise level appliances) but sparse on what they said about each appliance then just supplied the vendor’s URL. So being the professional perfectionist I am I sent Jim another e-mail back to him giving him what I felt in my 3 years of experience in the personal home virtualization front what would be good for him to try out, Minus the enterprise level stuff.

Who is this Article For?

This article is specifically aimed at the Home user environment for people who want to try other alternatives in their flavor of different Operating Systems other than and including Windows or even the hobbyist IT who wants to try different ways of bettering their existing environment without taking the chance of accidentally breaking it. The best thing about most of my suggestions is the appliance is free or the worst case scenario it has at least a 30 day evaluation before having to buy.

Suggested Virtual Appliances for the Home

We are going to start off with probably the top three free virtual appliances out in the virtualization technology market today…

VMware Player – This is what I have come to dub as “VMware Workstation Lite”. This was one of VMware’s first free Virtual appliances that was originally designed as sort of an “add-on” for VMware’s workstation appliance. So once a VM had been made it could be distributed to other users and “played” without having to buy another copy of VMware Workstation. However before version 3.0 you were limited to playing the VM’s that had been created by it’s big brother Workstation, Now you can create VM’s with it as well. VMware Player supports multiple Operating Systems Including Microsoft Windows (from Windows 3.1 all the way to Windows 7/2008 R2), Linux, Sun Solaris, Novell Netware, and others. Player also supports USB connectivity thru the Host operating system and now has limited support for Direct X Video Card emulation for the more video intensive applications. The appliance can be installed on either Windows (Windows 2000 and up) or Linux Based Operating Systems. It’s completely Free and you need to only register with VMware, The current version as of this writing is version 3.1.4 .

Oracle’s (Formally Sun’s) Virtual Box– This particular Virtual appliance has had a very interesting history. Virtual Box started out it’s life by a company called Innotek GmbH in 2007 before being subsequently purchased by Sun Microsystems the following year in 2008, and then ultimately by Oracle when they in turn brought out Sun Microsystems in 2010. On top of what the normal offerings in a free virtual appliance like VMware Player and Microsoft’s Virtual PC it also supports some of the technology that the enterprise level virtual appliance offers like snapshots of VM’s and connecting a physical disk to the Virtual Machine. Virtual Box supports a variety of host operating systems which include Microsoft Windows (Windows XP and Up), Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, Open Solaris, and even the MAC OS X.This comes in 2 parts, One is the main download of the Virtual Box appliance and its expansion add-on. The expansion pack will allow the USB connectivity through the host operating system and RDP session from without the virtual environment. The appliance is free for all personal use but not for all business use. The current version as of this writing is version 4.1.2 .

Microsoft Virtual PC – There actually is 2 versions of Microsoft’s Virtual PC and that is Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 and the new version which was designed to work with Microsoft’s Windows 7 line of operating systems (well, most of them at least). As everything with Microsoft they originally brought the technology of the Virtual PC appliance when they acquired the company who made it by the name of Connectix in 2003. Virtual PC 2007 can be loaded on most version of Microsoft Windows (Ranging from Windows NT/98 to Windows Vista) host operating systems and support most Microsoft Operating Systems as a guest (MS-DOS all the way to Vista). The newer Version has the ability in Windows XP mode to incorporate its devices with the Windows 7 host operating system. Both appliances are free to use with genuine copy’s of Windows and support USB pass through.

The last Virtual appliance I am going to talk about is for the serious hobbyist IT that wants to do more with their virtual machines than the Free versions have to offer and that is of course is VMware Workstation…

VMware Workstation – VMware workstation has been one of VMware’s flagship desktop virtual appliances since the early 2000’s and is still one of the premier virtual technology in todays virtual market. Workstation has all the features that all the previously mentioned free appliances has plus the addition of team virtual networking, running multiple Virtual machines at once, recording your virtual machines, and much more. Workstations supports the following guest Operating Systems which Include Microsoft Windows (from Windows 3.1 all the way to Windows 7/2008 R2), Linux, Sun Solaris, Novell Netware, and others. This appliance can be installed on either Microsoft Windows (Windows 2000 and up) or Linux Based Operating Systems. Workstation also comes with VMware Player as an additional add on. It is free to try for 30 days (after you register for an evaluation license) and is approximately $189 for a permanent license. Again, I would only consider making the move to VMware workstation when you have gotten of what you can due with the basic functionality of Virtualization. The current Version as of this writing is 7.1.4 .

In all for starting out I would most likely use either VMware Player or Virtual Box. Both are very easy to install and use for the first time Virtual User.

Guest Operating Systems Legality

It is the responsibility of the user to obtain the the legal licenses and genuine copies of any operating system that is used for the Virtual Machine on the Virtual Appliance. Yes, even if the OS is not being installed on a physical machine the same legal rights do apply.

Home Server Status for Windows Home Server 2011 Version 2.0 Updated

Windows Home Server

Andrew Edney

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Aug 26, 2011

1

Home Server Status for Windows Home Server 2011 Version 2.0 Updated

Do you miss some of the information you used to see in WHS V1? Well Jerry Wade has written an app that brings that information to WHS 2011 and it’s just had a minor update.

This is how Jerry describes this app:

It wasn’t long ago I told my friend, John, about my wonderful WHSv1. He decided to create his own box and use WHS 2011. However, he noticed that the icon did not give him the same information as mine such as, connectivity and backup in progress (eg: blue icon). After pondering over this, I decided to put my limited programming skills to work and develop a home server status application.

Home Server Status v2.0 has a very small update. Please see the following:

Change log:

– FIXED: Removed WHS v1 icons. Originally, I used very similar WHS v1 icons for nostalgia, but since I do not wish to break MS copyright, I have totally replaced the icons in the settings page and system tray with originals.

– FIXED: When running the application for the first time, the message box would lose focus, and could not be regained restarting the application.

Windows 7 32/64bit Download Link: HSSv2.0