The guys over at the BYOB podcast, including our very own Tim Daleo have just released episode 39.
Here is what is included in this weeks show:
[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]Raid failure, Client Restore, and boot sermon. Today we talk about Tim’s SSD Raid failure and dig deep into the client restore hidden in WHS 2011. Then we learn some things about system booting.[/box]
As usual you can listen to the show from here.
Is Blackgold planning on releasing a twin DVB-T2 and DVB-S2 tuner card soon?
Reader and listener Russell Whitehead has been in touch to say he has spoken with Blackgold about whether or not they will be releasing a card that effectively combines their 3620 and 3595 cards.
Here is the response Russell got:
[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]Such a device is on the road map and we hope to release early Q3.[/box]
So that looks really interesting. I for one would be really interested in getting my hands on one of those cards.
Thanks for the info Russell!
Check out our exclusive review of the Blackgold BGT3620 card Learn more about Blackgold and their various offerings from their website
This is your last chance to win in the latest UWHS Giveaway. This time, our friends at Proxure have given us a 150 GB KeepVault Pro Account for a whole year. That’s a $569 prize!
Click the link below and start a trial with the new KeepVault Pro v4. All new trials started using the link this week will automatically be entered, and at the end of the week, KeepVault will select one lucky winner!
How simple is that?
Win a KeepVault Pro 150GB Account for a YearThe giveaway is open until the end ofSunday 17th April 2011, and we will announce the winner here on the site early next week.
You have a very good chance of winning as there have been a surprising lack of entries on this one. Just sign up to the trial – that’s all you have to do! If you win the prize, at the end of the year you can either cancel the subscription and not pay anything at all or reduce your subscription if you want to keep it.
Good luck and thank you to Proxure for the prize.
This week is the Gadget Show Live at the NEC, and while I was there earlier in the week I spent some time at the Gadget Hall of Fame.
At last years Gadget Show Live, my favourite part of the whole event was the Gadget Hall of Fame, so this year I was really excited to hear there size they had allocated had doubled.
Here is how they themselves describe their part of the show:
The Centre for Computing History is proud to announce it has once again been commissioned to create the Gadget Hall of Fame at this years Gadget Show Live.
Building on the huge popularity of our stand over the last two years, our display this year will be over double the size of the previous years and feature iconic gadgets and technology from the past 50 years!
Our stand will be separated into four ‘rooms’ with each room representing a decade from the 60’s to the 90’s.
We’ll have all the popular favourites as well as some interesting tech that many may not be familiar with …
Out of the four rooms, the one I loved the most was the 1980’s. I guess that’s because most of my computer and gadget childhood was in the 80s.
I actually had Astro Wars – such a cool game.
A Commodore 64 – the arch enemy of the ZX Spectrum!
My favourite game on the BBC Micro B – Elite!
What is that strange contraption? Where do you stick the bluray discs?
Some other cool gadgets from the 80s.
Does anyone else remember the BBC Doomsday Project?
Now is this an old Apple Mac or is it the new one? 
And the Sinclair C5.
And those really annoying Ferbies!
I had a really good time reliving my childhood here again. I can’t wait until next time!
Check out the Centre for Computing History website here
A few days back, Andrew brought us word of an impending beta from DataCore. I caught up with Carlos Carreras from DataCore and have some additional information.
Here is how DataCore describes themselves:
DataCore Software – The Storage Virtualization Company
Mission: “Make it practical for organizations large and small to remove physical, geographical and device-specific restrictions of data storage equipment that slow down, interrupt or endanger their IT operations.”
DataCore Software Corporation develops the storage virtualization software required by virtual and physical IT environments to get the highest availability, fastest performance and maximum utilization from their online disks. We provide the critical 3rd dimension on which the success of server and desktop virtualization projects hinge, regardless of the models and brands of storage devices used. Our comprehensive, yet hardware-independent solutions fundamentally change the economics of provisioning, replicating and protecting storage for large enterprises and small to midsize businesses.
DataCore clients represent the broad spectrum of IT organizations around the globe, spanning all the major vertical industries. Their physical environments consists of systems from all the major storage manufacturers, including Dell, EMC, Fujitsu-Siemens, Hitachi, HP, IBM, NetApp, and many others.
Corporate headquarters are located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, with subsidiaries and branch offices in North America, Europe and Asia.
DataCore storage virtualization software is sold through authorized distributors and integration partners across the world, many of which also specialize in server and desktop virtualization solutions. DataCore does not sell directly to end-users. 24×7 post sales technical assistance is provided through a highly talented customer service organization operating from key support centers in the U.S., U.K and Japan.
As a refresher, we recently brought you a detailed interview with DataCore here.
DataCore is intending to ship a beta product in May 2011. The product will focus on the core functionality that Andrew mentioned before:
Carlos tells me that the technical features are developed and in the can; the remaining work revolves around cleaning up the user interface. DataCore has an advantage here as they are taking an established product and leveraging that to fill a need in the WHS space. Since the codebase is consistent between WHS2011, SBS2011, Storage Server and Server 2008 R2, DataCore sees a great opportunity to bring their established product to each product in the Microsoft server family. WHS2011 is up first, and a call with the SBS MVP’s is forthcoming during the week of April 25th to outline their thoughts on bringing this product to the SBS platform.
The beta will roll out in three stages: starting with select OEM’s, then being opened up to WHS MVP’s, and lastly being opened up to all interested parties. This rollout should take about two weeks, so DataCore expects to be live with a full beta that our readers can participate in within two weeks of release to the OEM’s. They are targeting a 30-45 day beta period with most of their concern being around UI and usability of the features. As far as public beta participants, DataCore is expecting users familiar with version 1 WHS who are technical enough to generate valuable feedback via the beta program. They are looking to release their product to the market in June. Current plan is to release to the partnering OEM’s first and then evaluate shipping to the general market after that. Stay tuned for developments in bringing this product to the open market as the beta develops and DataCore finishes their preparations. DataCore intends to sell to self-builders but there are still details that need to be worked out in how they will go to market in this space.
Last night Apple released the iOS 4.3.2 software update for its iPhone, iPod and iPad range. It looks like mainly bug fixes and security updates.
The update is 666.2MB for the iPhone 4 and as usual is available now from iTunes.
This update contains improvements and other bug fixes, including:
– Fixes an issue that occasionally caused blank or frozen video during a FaceTime call
– Fixes an issue that prevented some international users from connecting to 3G networks on iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G
– The latest security updates
Products compatible with this software update:
• iPhone 4 (GSM model)
• iPhone 3GS
• iPad 2
• iPad
• iPod touch (4th generation)
• iPod touch (3rd generation)
For information on the security content of this update, please visit this website:
<http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222>
Dave and the guys over at the Home Server Show have just released show 131 and it’s a long one!
Here’s what Dave says about this weeks show:
[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]A two hour podcast? Really? Really? Nahhh, it’s only 1 hour and 54 minutes but you get the picture right? It’s a marathon of news discussion, Add-Ins, and Windows Home Server 2011. We start our look into WHS 2011 before you even get the software. That’s right, planning. Drive planning, size, location, internal, and external. I would like to say we leave no stone unturned but after we wrapped up I thought of all kinds of stuff we missed. Dave freaks out about a peripheral for 2.5″ drives and we also try a new segment called “Off Topic.” It started rough so we will shorten this feature next time. The marathon continues with an out-take at the end! Sorry for the length but enjoy.[/box]
As usual you can listen to the show from here.
AWIECO have been in touch to let us know that they have released their WakeOnLAN add-in for Windows Home Server 2011 and Small Business Server 2011 Essentials.
Here is what AWIECO say:
The AWIECO WakeOnLAN add-in for Windows Home Server 2011 and Small Business Server 2011 Essentials is a free and useful add-in, which has the ability to remotely turn on a computer. It enables the Server to start up every computer attached to your network. You can also power off a computer out of the Launchpad. The gadget on the WHS or SBS web-interface shows a list of all available and connected computers within your network and provides the possibility to start them up from any location inside your network or via internet, by just one mouse click. You can add further computers to your network manually by entering the MAC address or even delete them. The add-in automatically recognises if a computer is already turned on or if it is booting up.
When the remote network adapter receives a “Magic Packet” created for its unique MAC address, the network adapter alerts the computer to power on, which is comparable with the manual pressing of the power button. When the computer is shut down, its network adapter is still receiving power, and waiting to receive a “Magic Packet“ within the network. A requirement for this function is the wake on LAN support of your network adapter and the enabled Wake On LAN option in the computer’s BIOS settings.
You can use this product at no charge for either commercial or non-commercial purposes. The freeware products can be shared in unmodified form keeping all copyrights, trademarks, and other identifying marks. However, for distribution on a commercial basis, you must obtain a written permission from AWIECO. By distributing this software, you are liable for providing support, ensuring safe software, and maintaining this agreement.
Due to the uncontrollable nature of freeware, AWIECO renders forum support only for the freeware applications available. If you wish to receive more technical support, you may consider acquiring a single user license, even if your usage complies with the freeware license terms.
Yesterday, we brought you an update for WHS Phone for Android, a great application that lets you control your v1 WHS from an Android handset. Today we bring news that the Windows Phone 7 application has had a version 1.3 beta released.
Paul Juenger, the developer behind the WHS Phone add-in and Windows Phone 7 client, has announced a beta release of WHS Phone WP7. The new version, 1.3, fixes bugs, adds a server restart and shutdown function and video streaming, and a few other nice tweaks.
We’ve told you about this application before:
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.
Here is Paul’s change log for this version:
User Story Add a server restart function
User Story Add Video Streaming
User Story Add a Search Share Feature
User Story Add Server Shut Down Function
User Story Add a Home button to the File and Photo Browsers
Bug Cannot Download documents with a user that has a space in the user name
Bug Last Name field shows as Audio Player
Bug Last name should not be a required field on the create user page
Bug Administrator account cannot view shares under the “Files” tab
Bug Volume is set to 0 when tombstoning on the Audio Page
Paul is also looking for people with developer-unlocked Windows Phone 7 handsets to participate in the beta. If you are interested, cruise on over to the forum here and sign up.
This is a great application. If you haven’t tried it, give it a shot!
WHS Phone WHS Phone Forums
This weeks Digital Lifestyle Show was recorded live at the Gadget Show Live event. Ian, Garry and myself were there.
Here’s what Ian says about this week show:
[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]This week Garry, Andrew and I met up at the Gadget Show Live press day to recorded the show. The Gadget Show Live is a show aimed at tech and gaming enthusiasts with stands from manufactures and venders. So Garry, Andrew and I got together and sat down at lunch time to record the show. We discus the major changes coming to The Green Button.com, new Media Center Theming tools, Plex updates, Twonky for iOS and new Media Center addins. We also talk tablets and migrating to Windows Home Server 2011.[/box]
As usual you can listen to or download the show from here
There’s still time for you to win in the latest UWHS Giveaway. This time, our friends at Proxure have given us a 150 GB KeepVault Pro Account for a whole year. That’s a $569 prize!
While you’re considering a KeepVault Pro account for secure backup, another aspect to consider for your business is utilizing an online legal service. If you’re thinking about services such as LegalZoom for incorporation or other legal needs, you should check out these legalzoom reviews to help make an informed decision. Both digital security and legal assistance are key to running a successful business.
Click the link below and start a trial with the new KeepVault Pro v4. All new trials started using the link this week will automatically be entered, and at the end of the week, KeepVault will select one lucky winner!
How simple is that?
Win a KeepVault Pro 150GB Account for a YearThe giveaway is open until Sunday 17th April 2011, and we will announce the winner here on the site early next week.
Good luck and thank you to Proxure for the prize.
Peter Souza IV has released version 1.30 Build 10311.648 of his excellent Media Center Master software.
Here is how Peter describes Media Center Master for those of you who don’t know what it is:
Smooth, powerful interface to organize your media collection.
Support for the built-in Windows Media Center Video Library strip (dvdid.xml) as well as MediaBrowser extension (mymovies.xml).
Movies, television, and adult title search from a variety of configurable meta data sources.
Built-in, fully-automated episode torrenting from multiple sources. Keep your T.V. series updated through the internet for free.
Full meta-data editor with tools to automate movie and T.V. episode renaming.
Theatrical trailer downloader with options for automatic re-encoding.
Extendable fetcher system allows other programmers to write fetchers — sample source code included in the forums.
Configurable to download actor/actress thumbnails and movie/T.V. posters, fan art, backdrops, and banners.
Flexible post-processing allows command-line operations after a movie title has been fetched — works great with Stark Covers.
…and a whole lot more…
I have been using MCM for a while now and I think it’s a great product. I haven’t tried the new premium version yet, but I will doing that over the next few days – so watch out for a review of that coming up very soon.
If you have Media Center, and you want a tool to help you to organise your collection, this is certainly the one to use.
The website doesn’t contain the very latest build, but if you already have a build installed, the auto-update should kick in and download and install it for you automatically.
You can download Media Center Master version 1.30 from here
Reid Holland has been in contact to let us know that he has a new beta up for WHSPhone for Android. This release entailed re-writing the server-side add-in. Video streaming is included. Yay!
We’ve told you about WHSPhone in the past:
Android Client Developer Interview
Version 1.3 Beta was released today to the beta testers. Update highlights:
So if you’d like to participate in the beta program, head on over to WHSPhone Forums, sign up and post up in the forum. This is a great application. Check it out!
The guys behind Drive Bender have been in touch to provide an update on what they are doing, along with news of the update to beta 2.
Here is what they said:
We have some Drive Bender news to share, along with the release of a new update to beta 2.
First of all the update to v1.1.2.8. This build contains many fixes and additions including pool rebuilding and repairing, updated interface (for both the Manager and the WHS addin) and improved WHS support.
Release v1.1.2.8 – beta (2011-04-12)
– Bug fix: The health monitor no longer checks outside of a pool mount path.
– Bug fix: Drive removal can now remove drives even when flagged with an error.
– Added pool rebuild / repair feature. This will repopulate a pool with duplicated files from a missing missing or failed drive. This will also remove the bad drive from the pool.
– Improved handling of file security and file attributes.
– Bug fix: A pool restart could cause Drive Bender to deadlock, this issue has been resolved.
– Bug fix: A Drive Bender WHS addin crashing issue has been fixed.
– Bug fix: Removing a mount point no longer corrupts references to other mount points.
– Drive Bender Manager interface improvements.
– Drive Bender WHS addin interface improvements.
– Bug fix: Drive Bender Manager node selection now enabling correct options.
– Added partial support for WHS shared folders to the WHS addin (see http://www.drivebender.com/whsbeta1).
– Improved start up performance.
– Many other bug fixes and enhancements.On the news front, we have heard from many users with regards to Drive Bender’s ability (or lack there of) to create network shares that can be managed and used like a native WHS shared folder. Because of the feedback, we have added partial WHS shared folder support to this release, please see http://www.drivebender.com/whsbeta1 for details. It needs to noted that this is not how the finally release will work, it simply here to provide WHS users with better integration during the beta period.
We have also announced the Drive Bender release schedule, this can be viewed at http://www.drivebender.com/release-schedule
Finally, once again we would like to thank all the users for their support and feedback.
If you need support with Drive Bender, or have some feedback you would like to share. You can either email us at support@drivebender.com or visit the Drive Bender support site at http://support.drivebender.com
