What is Windows Home Server?

Magic WOL Add-In for Windows Home Server Released

Andrew Edney

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Dec 24, 2010

Magic WOL Add-In for Windows Home Server Released

Christian Johnson has been in touch to let us know about the release of his new Windows Home Server Add-in called Magic WOL.

Magic WOL is a clientless WOL solution for WHS V1. Utilizing the latest AJAX technology for seamless website interaction, Magic WOL is the easiest solution for waking up computers for RDP. Not only is it accessible from the WHS console and the remote website, but it easily allows you to manage devices in your network that are not connected to WHS.

Features:
*Clientless integration, only need server installation.
*IP Helpers and ARP finders that keep your PCs info accurate when WHS doesn’t.
*Edit, Delete, and Add new computers to the add-in.
*Automatic Updates for all future releases.

There is a 30 day trial version you can download or you can buy it for $7.

For more information about this add-in, check out the website.

Hands On Review of the Hitachi 2TB SimpleDrive

Reviews
Tech

Andrew Edney

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Dec 23, 2010

1

Hands On Review of the Hitachi 2TB SimpleDrive

Hitachi have an external 2TB USB 2.0 Drive called the SimpleDrive – I’ve been using it for a few months now and so figured it was time to post the hands on review.

Here is how Hitachi describe the SimpleDrive:

SimpleDrive by Hitachi delivers simply better USB 2.0 external storage. We like to keep things simple – just like this drive. It’s not only great to look at but it’s really simple to use. Plug it in, power it on, and you’re ready to go.

The compact size of this new feature packed drive saves both space and power. The unique aluminum design is not only elegant, but it keeps your drive cool and performing at its best. And it automatically powers on and off with your computer. With Hitachi Backup software, included with your drive, you can schedule automatic backups from your computer to your SimpleDrive keeping your files safe from real world mishaps.

SimpleDrive is made by Hitachi and uses the same reliable Hitachi hard drives you have come to trust.

The drive comes in 3 different sizes, a 500GB, a 1TB and a 2TB. For this review we are looking at the 2TB drive.

Specifications

Interface: USB 2.0 (Mini-B 4-pin socket)
Form Factor: 3.5 inch External Hard Disk Drive
Dimensions: 6.50″ (H) x 4.75″ (L) x 2.44″ (W)
Weight: 2.2lbs (1.0kg)
Power: 12VDC, 1.5A external power adapter
Windows System Requirements: Available USB 2.0/1.1 port — Windows XP/Vista/7
Macintosh System Requirements: Available USB 2.0/1.1 port — Built for Mac OS X, 10.3 or newer
Warranty: 3 Years
UPC: 705487182125

What’s In The Box?

SimpleDrive USB 2.0 External Hard Drive
USB 2.0 Cable
AC Adapter
Quick install guide
Hitachi Backup Software

What is a nice touch is that the AC Adaptor comes with different plug connectors that slot into the main plug.

Using the Drive

When the drive is connected and is operational, there is a blue light that appears at the base of the drive.

Connecting the drive to both a Windows machine and an Apple Mac was simple and they both could be used as the drive comes pre-formatted at FAT32.

The Digital Lifestyle Show 286 Ho Ho Ho

Andrew Edney

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Dec 23, 2010

0

Ian over at the Digital Lifestyle.com has just released the Digital LIfestyle Show number 286.

Here is what Ian has to say about this weeks show:

Welcome to the Christmas edition of the show and this week Garry, Andrew and I are joined by Bjorn Morris from Cybersmart systems. Bjorn is installing iPads as part of this Windows Media Center custom installs and he expains how the iPad has moved home automation away from the TV screen to the mobile device.

We also talk about the weeks news including CES WindowsTablet rumours, XBMC, Microsoft getting in trouble over Media Center TV ads, DVBLink 3.2 and who is using Apple TV.

As usual you can listen to the show here.

The Home Server Show 117 Out Now

Andrew Edney

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Dec 23, 2010

1

Dave and the guys over at the Home Server Show have just released show number 117, and its a little different this week because Skype was down.

Here is what Dave has to say about this weeks show:

Christmas without Skype! We recorded this episode a little differently this time and you will certainly hear the difference. Skype was down so Jim and John, with the ustreamers help, cobbled up a quick solution and off we went! It’s still a great show but I apologize for the audio. We talk about Jim’s Drobo post and what is coming next and our featured guest is Christian Johnson. Christian shares his latest Add-In with us and it’s upcoming release date.

As usual you can listen to the show here.

Something Funny for the Holidays

News

Andrew Edney

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Dec 22, 2010

0

As it is almost Christmas (where has this year gone), I thought it might be amusing to share this with everyone. Enjoy!

Many, many years ago, the Two Ronnies did a very funny sketch involved hose and fork handles (those of you reading this who remember it will know what I am talking about).

Now for Christmas there is an updated version, and for anyone who likes technology, you will get a kick out of this! And thank you to the BBC!

Enjoy – and Merry Christmas!

Hands On Review of the Griffin Stylus for the Apple iPad and iPhone

Andrew Edney

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Dec 22, 2010

1

If you use an Apple iPad or iPhone for any length then your fingers might get a little sore. If that’s the case you could do with using a stylus – and Griffin has one just for you!

Griffin’s Stylus is a balanced pointer with a soft rubber tip custom designed to mimic your finger. The omni-directional tip adapts to any writing style and doesn’t care whether you’re left-handed or right-handed. Keeps your touchscreen free of fingerprints and smudges as it gives increased control over any touchscreen operation. Perfect for sketching, drawing, gaming and photography apps, or any use where you need a finer degree of control than your finger can offer. Stylus includes an integrated clip that attaches to a pocket in your bag or a pencil loop in your iPad case.

Features

High-sensitivity, omni-directional point won’t scratch or smudge your touchscreen
Great for right- and left-handed writers
Integrated clip attaches to strap, pocket or a pencil loop in your iPad case
Use with any app for greater comfort and control

What’s In The Box?

The box is very small, and just contains the stylus – but then what more do you really need?

The stylus itself is very small and lightweight – as you can see it about the same length as an iPhone 4. Its length is 4.3” and its weight is just 0.4 oz.

Final Thoughts

I really like this stylus – I found it very easy to use and I didn’t need to apply very much pressure at all when using it. I used it on both an iPad and an iPhone 4 and I have to say it felt a little bit strange going back to using my finger after using the stylus.

If you use either of these devices for any length of time then this stylus is a must have, and at less than $20 it’s a bargain. I actually bought mine in Tesco.

You can learn more from the Griffin website.

Windows Server Code Name “Vail” Online Help

Windows Home Server

Timothy Daleo

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Dec 22, 2010

3

A Windows Server Code Name “Vail” Online Help webpage has just been released from Microsoft. The webpage includes pre-release documentation and is subject to change in future releases but still has quite a bit of information. While you are at the site, please take the quick survey to let them know how they are doing! I see this as a good sign that Microsoft will continue to fully support Windows Home Server Code Name Vail.

The website is at:

http://onlinehelp.microsoft.com/en-us/vail/default.aspx

Remember to complete the Survey!

The website looks great and had some wonderful information on Windows Home Server Code name Vail.

In my opinion, the best part of the website is the “What’s New” area. This gives you some quick links and takes you to some forum resources.

I look forward to seeing more information on Vail and hope for great features in 2011.

Tim

Synology Launch the High Performance DiskStation DS1511+ NAS

Andrew Edney

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Dec 22, 2010

4

Not a company to sit around, even during the holidays, Synology today announced the launch of their new high performance DiskStation NAS server, the DS1511+, which is aimed squarely at the small and medium sized business.

Synology^® DiskStation DS1511+ offers a high-performance, scalable, and full-featured network attached storage solution that meets the needs of small and medium-sized businesses that require an efficient way to centralize data protection, simplify data management, and rapidly scale storage capacity with minimal time spent on setup and management. The Synology DS1511+ is backed with Synology’s 3-year limited warranty.

165.91 MB/sec Writing, 197.8 MB/sec Reading
Windows^® ADS and ACL support
iSCSI Support as Virtualization Solution
Scale up to 15 Drives with Synology DX510²
Expandable RAM Size (up to 3GB)
2 LAN with Failover and Link Aggregation Support
Hot-swappable Hard Drive Design

Here is the full press release:

Synology® Unveils High-Performance DiskStation DS1511+ with Greater Scalability and Full-Featured NAS Solution for SMB Users
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom—Dec 22, 2010—Synology® Inc. today unveiled DiskStation DS1511+, a high-performance NAS server that offers greater scalability, significant storage capacity and full-featured business NAS solutions for SMB users.
As information data increases exponentially by the minute, the performance of data transmission becomes a predominant requirement for setting up a centralized file server in a business environment. ?With link aggregation, the DS1511+ surpasses its predecessor to deliver an astonishing 197 MB/sec in reading speed under RAID 5 configuration in a Windows® environment, and 165 MB/sec in writing,? said Chad Chiang, the product manager of Synology Inc. The 2 LAN structure with failover support coupled with hot-swappable drives thus ensure high data availability.
The DS1511+ provides space for five hard drives – with a single drive reaching a 3TB capacity – that can be scaled up to a total of 15 drives for a maximum of 45TB by connecting with two Synology DX510 expansion units. The default 1GB RAM can also be upgraded to 3GB to enhance work process performance. Running on a 1.8GHz dual-core processor, the DS1511+ only consumes 68 watts of power during operation, while the multiples scheduled on/off, wake on LAN/WAN and hard drive hibernation facilitate energy saving and low operating cost. The reliability of DS1511+ is solidified by Synology’s 3-year limited warranty.
Blessed by the Synology DiskStation Manager 3.0 (DSM 3.0) operation system, the DS1511+ can fit to a business environment easily. Windows ACL support allows for customized privilege setup on files and folders through existing Windows user interface. Moreover, user account can be managed more efficiently and productively by utilizing the Windows ADS integration to reduce burden of IT administration.
For anyone seeking an alternative of Storage-Area-Network (SAN), the affordable and cost-effective iSCSI support in DSM 3.0 allows SMB users to consolidate storage into data center storage arrays while providing hosts with the illusion of locally-attached disks. The DS1511+ also serves as a seamless storage solution for virtualization servers, such as VMware® vSphereTM, Microsoft Hyper-VTM, and Citrix® XenServerTM.
The Synology DS1511+ has many features that enhance the effectiveness of resource sharing. The comprehensive network protocol support assures seamless file sharing across Windows, Mac® and Linux platforms, while file access on the Internet is simplified by the encrypted FTP server and the web-based file browser. In terms of security protection, the presence of HTTPS, firewall, IP auto-block and AES 256-bit encryption engine provides users with a peace-of-mind during file sharing.
Availability
The Synology DS1511+ is now shipping globally.

You can learn more about the DS1511+ from the Synology website.

Western Digital Caviar 2TB Green Drives Going Cheap

Andrew Edney

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Dec 22, 2010

1

If you are stuck for something to buy the “geek” in your family, why not look at giving the gift of storage this year? Amazon have the Western Digital Caviar 2TB Green Drives for under £75!

This is the WD20EARS model, which is an advanced format drive, so make sure your system can handle these.

To learn more about advanced format drives and Windows Home Server, click here, and to learn more about hard drives in general click here.

So, if you want to get some more storage, very cheap, buy some of these today by clicking on the link below.

And here are some extra pictures from Tim:

WHS Phone App for Windows Phone 7 Updated

Andrew Edney

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Dec 21, 2010

0

WHS Phone is a new Windows Phone 7 app for Windows Home Server. You can connect to your server and browse files, stream music, view photos, and much more. This app has now been upgraded to version 1.1.2.1.

This app is available now in the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace for $3.99. Use Zune Marketplace to check it out!

App Purchase from Zune Marketplace

The app is available for your Windows Phone 7 through Zune. The price is $3.99.

Changes In This Release

Here are the list of changes for this release:

Add Folder Songs to Playlist (Tap and Hold to add files, non-recursive)
Add SSL Support
Add Server’s WHS Phone Addin Version to About Page
Add days since last backup to computer details
Music should play when a song is added to the playlist
Add Version, URL, and contact information to the WHS Console Addin
Progress bar on the user save pop is not working.
WHS Phone Addin Users drop down does not update when new users are added, WHS console has to be restarted to see new users.
Server Page Storage Pool is Calculated Incorrectly.
WHS Phone Crashes with 3000+ Images in a Folder
German Translation for incorrect.
Server screen, Hard drive scroll viewer bounces back up
Log in crashes if invalid characters are entered

Check out what Tim wrote about it earlier this month.

DVBLogic Version 3.2 Suite Out Now

Andrew Edney

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Dec 20, 2010

1

So only 3 days since the release of RC3, DVBLogic have just released the proper final release of Version 3.2 of their software.

Here is what they say about this release:

DVBLink products v3.2 are released!
Registration information of DVBLink 3.2 products is compatible with v3.1. In other words this update is free of charge.
What’s new and fixed since version 3.1:
General
– Added: Czech, Chineese and Polish languages
– Added: EPG program information overwrite on each update. This means that previously incomplete EPG data will be overwritten with a newer one when it becoms available.
– Added: Channel numbers are taken from xmltv (channel IDs) during EPG channel mapping
– Fixed: DVBLink Server (sometimes) hangs up during service shutdown
– Fixed: DVBLink Server (sometimes) crashes during service shutdown
– Fixed: DVBLink Server (sometimes) crashes when closing server configuration utility (after switching tabs and configuring source(s))
– Added: adding epg data into the gaps (e.g. no data available gaps in already inserted epg data)
– Added: channels.xml template for xmltv epg source where time offset can be adjusted per channel. Also HDTV channel flag can be set there. File has to be added manually via editor – no user interface is available (yet).
– Fixed: pop-up asking to synchronize channels immediately after wake-up (when pressed Yes all channels are deleted)
– Fixed: Guide information not updating properly after standby
– Fixed: “DVBLink program has stopped responding” pop-up in MediaCenter/Extender when local MediaCenter is used simultaneously with Extender device(s)
– Added: New product installer for DVBLink TVSource / Network Pack
DVBLink TVSource
– Added: EPG from the stream (EIT packets) support
– Added: TeVii S660 support (changed tuner name)
– Added: Support for new TBS tuners drivers and tuners (TBS 6921, 8921 and QBox3)
– Added: Digital Devices CI module support
– Added: Terratec H7 dvb-t tuner support (changed tuner name)
DVBLink Server Network Pack
– Added: Guide listings in a webbrowser and remote timer recordings programming
– Added: New IPhone/IPad user interface with full web-interface functionality
– Added: Mobile web-interface (http://x.x.x.x:port/iphone) compatibility with most desktop and mobile browsers (live TV streaming only works for IPhone and IPad)
– Added: IPhone streaming
– Added: IPad streaming
– Added: language selection to UPnP server
– Added: possibility to disable web server authentication (it is disabled when user name is empty)
– Fixed: BSE EPG information not appearing via the web server
– Added: support for Samsung DLNA TVs
– Fixed: unreliable stream parameters detection on some UPnP players when playing back encrypted channels
DVBLink for IPTV
– Added: RTSP static port
DVBLink for Dreambox
– Added: EPG retrieval from the Dreambox (stream)
Important!! Version 3.2 is incompatible with version 3.1 or earlier. This means that you must upgrade all of your DVBLink products to the new version!
How to install:
DVBLink TVSource/DVBLink TVSource Connected Edition:
– Run DVBLinkSetup.exe from Setup folder. It will both install new version or update existing version to a new one.
DVBLink Server Network Client / DVBLink for Dreambox / DVBLink for IPTV:
– New installation: run msi installation files. Install DVBLink server first, followed by the DVBLink source product installation and (eventually) Network Pack installation.
– Upgrade: run enclosed bat files. Upgrade DVBLink Server first, then DVBLink source products and then (eventually) Network Pack and Network Client(s). This will preserve all your channels and settings. You will need to re-enter server IP address after upgrading client.
The versions of all binary files (exe and dll) should be 3.2.0.0.
Things to know and to consider:
– Users with satellite tuners need to rescan the channels. Otherwise you may receive DVBLink “No signal” message when tuning channels in MediaCenter
– The DVBLink default recorder is used for remote Guide watching and timer recording programming. This means that for it to work you must select one of your MediaCenters to be a DVBLink default recorder (via MediaCenter DVBLink addin menu).
– DVBLink server will wake up the default recorder MediaCenter if it is in the sleep state via “wakeup on lan” and will start MediaCenter itself. Make sure that your BIOS and network card settings allow “wakeup on lan” to work.
– To watch channels on the IPhone/IPad connect to DVBLink Server from IPhone browser using the following URL: http://<dvblink server ip address>:port/iphone
– Users, having issues with incorrect display of accented characters in channel names or scanned EPG information, may select another DVB coding page in the general DVBLink server settings dialog and re-scan channels/EPG information.

Well done guys! I wonder how long until the first beta of 3.3?

You can download the required version from here.

If you are not sure what this is, and you want to learn more, you can check out our two how to guides –

How To Install and Configure DVBLink Server and TVSource v3.01 and

How To Install and Configure DVBLink Server Network Pack v3.01.

Hands On Review of XBMC 10.0 Dharma

Andrew Edney

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Dec 20, 2010

11

The latest version of XBMC has been released – bringing it to version 10.0, also referred to as Dharma. Here we provide our hands-on review.

What is XBMC?

XBMC is an award-winning free and open source (GPL) software media player and entertainment hub for digital media. XBMC is available for Linux, OSX, Windows, and the original Xbox. Created in 2003 by a group of like minded programmers, XBMC is a non-profit project run and developed by volunteers located around the world. More than 50 software developers have contributed to XBMC, and 100-plus translators have worked to expand its reach, making it available in more than 30 languages.

While XBMC functions very well as a standard media player application for your computer, it has been designed to be the perfect companion for your HTPC. Supporting an almost endless range of remote controls, and combined with its beautiful interface and powerful skinning engine, XBMC feels very natural to use from the couch and is the ideal solution for your home theater.

Currently XBMC can be used to play almost all popular audio and video formats around. It was designed for network playback, so you can stream your multimedia from anywhere in the house or directly from the internet using practically any protocol available. Use your media as-is: XBMC can play CDs and DVDs directly from the disk or image file, almost all popular archive formats from your hard drive, and even files inside ZIP and RAR archives. It will even scan all of your media and automatically create a personalized library complete with box covers, descriptions, and fanart. There are playlist and slideshow functions, a weather forecast feature and many audio visualizations. Once installed, your computer will become a fully functional multimedia jukebox.

Downloading XBMC

You can download a version of XBMC for a number of different platforms, including Mac, Windows and Apple TV. There is even an option for a Live CD, which basically means you boot your computer from that so that you don’t have to install anything if you want to use XBMC.

The download page can be found here.

Installing XBMC

Installing XBMC was very simple and quick (I did it on a Windows machine as that was the one I happened to be on at the time and also the easiest for doing the screenshots).

BYOB Podcast Episode 26 Out Now

Andrew Edney

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Dec 20, 2010

2

The guys over at BYOB, including our very own, and slightly older Tim Daleo, have released the BYOB podcast episode 26.

Here is what they had to say about this weeks show:

USB 3.0 Thumb Drive, GT 240 Deal, Hardware RAID Controller, and Michaels VM. We cover some varying topics today starting with some first impressions of USB 3.0 from Tim as well as his GT 240 Deal. We cover part two of DE alternatives and talk a bit about hardware RAID, and we discuss Michael’s VM build.

Hope you enjoy the show and as always we look forward to hearing from you. Happy Holidays to everyone and we hope everyone gets Newegg gift certificates so you can BYOB…

As usual you can listen to the show here.

And the 2nd Live show went really well – the recording will be available soon.

Revision 3 Plugin for Windows Media Center

Andrew Edney

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Dec 19, 2010

6

Revision 3 produce a lot of great video content, including the great Unboxing Porn series, and now they have released a plugin for Windows Media Center to allow you to watch them from within Media Center.

Here is how Revision 3 describe this plugin:

With Windows Media Center, your PC is a powerful TV, bringing your shows and entertainment to one place. Enjoy broadcast and Internet TV right on your PC. Whenever and wherever you want.

So ok, it doesn’t really describe the plugin so much as Media Center, but you get the idea!

You can download the plugin from here. Just pick which processor type you have and away you go! There is also the option to download for other devices, including Google TV, Boxee and Apple TV.

Thanks guys – this saves me from watching the content through a browser!

And thanks to the Extreme Windows Blog for the heads up!