What is Windows Home Server?

EX470 Memory Upgrade on a Friday night – Video Edition

Timothy Daleo

-

Mar 28, 2010

Do you have a HP EX470 and want to upgrade to the HP 3.0 Software release? If so, you should upgrade the memory to 2GB. This week I made a video with John “Diehard” Zajdler walking me through the EX470 memory upgrade!

Background

My parents EX470 has been running well since November of 2008. I had the main drive fail last year (just before warranty was up) and HP me sent a replacement drive. I was up and running the next day. Thank you HP for great service and a great product!

Now that the EX470 is out of warranty I am going to upgrade the memory from 512MB to 2GB. It would not have voided the warranty to change the memory before, but I had no reason to upgrade it before now. Once the memory upgrade is complete I will be able to install the HP 3.0 Software upgrade!

In addition, HP never released any documentation on servicing the EX470 so the memory upgrade is at YOUR OWN RISK.

Equipment Needed

2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667
John Zajdler (Optional)
Torx T15 and Phillips #00 Screwdriver
Two Pints (Optional as always, pints are 16 ounces so adjust accordingly)

Memory Purchase

You should purchase the 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300). I installed the Patriot brand but there are other manufacturers out there.

Make sure you get just ONE chip and NOT a pair of 1GB!

Patriot 2GB

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220231&Tpk=N82E16820220231

Kingston 2GB

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139039&Tpk=N82E16820139039

I bought mine on sale a while back at Newegg so you might want to shop around for the best deal. Do not forget to use BING!

EX470 Memory Upgrade Video – Watch in 720 HD.

I had seen instructions and videos on HomeServerShow and Home Server Hacks but I wanted to do something a little different. I used my Sony Webbie, a tripod, LifeCam HD, 9 inches of Scotch brand tape and Skype’d up John Zajdler.

The process is mostly edit free but I had to break it into four videos because of the 10 minute YouTube time limit. In addition, I had Skype sound issues so keep your hand near the volume.

Conclusion – Upgrade Successful

I was fortunate enough to have one of the best hardware people out there to walk me through the process. With these videos you now also have a copy of that resource. Do not worry and take your time!

After John and I completed the upgrade John asked me to plug it in to give it a try. I connected the power plug and Ethernet connection and waited for the blue lights. Three minutes later I had a third server on my network! Sweet.

Thank you to John Zajdler for walking me through the upgrade.

See you next Friday night,

Timothy Daleo

–

EX470 Support – Not Available

The EX470 is no longer supported (according to the HP website) so you will not find anything of value on the HP website regarding parts.

You will find some old part numbers but that is about it.

EX470 Specifications

These are not needed for the memory upgrade but since support is up I would suggest downloading them and putting them on your server somewhere just incase you ever want to reference the original documentation in a digital format.

HP EX470/EX475 MediaSmart Servers (3493.0KB, PDF)

HP EX470, EX475 MediaSmart Server – User’s Guide

HP MediaSmart Server – Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Tranquil PC Announce the SQA SuperStor Windows Home Server

Andrew Edney

-

Mar 25, 2010

2

Tranquil PC today announced the SQA SuperStor, which is a Windows Home Server capable of being expanded to support 20x 2TB HDDs, so if you want to store 40,000GB if data you can!

In response to many requests to expand the SQA past the 10x HDD* limit, Tranquil launches the SuperStor.

( * not incl USB ports)

Do you have a large media collection? The SQA SuperStor is possibly the world’s largest non-industrial digital storage appliance when coupled with suitable HDD housings, i.e. the SQA-Ex – servicing up to 40TB (40,000GB) of data capacity !

That’s approx 9000 DVDs or 60,000 CDs (or approx 12,000,000 MP files)

Available to order now, shipping from 12th April 2010.

Special Introductory Offer save £40.00

Check out http://www.tranquilpc-shop.co.uk/acatalog/SQA-SuperStor.html

Features :

2GB Memory (upgradeable)

Dual core D510 Intel CPU

1TB Low Power / Low noise HDD

4x spare HDD slots

Server recovery pack

3x eSATA ports – all supporting Port Multiplier* (i.e. 5x HDDs can be added to each eSATA port)

3 year warranty

*Port multiplier technology allows you to connect a single eSATA cable from the host (SQA SuperStor) to the slave (the SQA-Ex). Each drive inserted into the slave unit can be seen and accessed as if it was locally connected. There is no evidence of reduction of data flow when using this technology. Other port multiplier housing can be used but check that the box supports the Silicon Image Port Multiplier Technology, the SQA-Ex is possibly the best choice, not only does it look similar the SQA-SuperStor, but the HDD bays are all tool-less as they are on the SQA-SuperStor

Specification

Unit dimensions	213 (W) x 221 (D) x 195 (H) – incl feet
Unit construction	Enamelled steel (typically >70% recycled materials)
CPU cooling	Internal CPU and chipset aluminium heat sink (fan less)
CPU	64 bit ready Intel Atom D510 (2×1.66GHz) Dual Core
Memory	2x DDR2 667/800MHz (2GB fitted, one slot free)
HDD	1 – 5x 3.5″ Western Digital (Green Power) – or user fitted 3.5″ SATA2 HDDs
Colour options	Satin Black or High Gloss White
Front panel	Power, Mode and Backup switches, multi-coloured status LEDs and 2x USB2.0
Rear panel	12V DC power in / 4x USB2.0 / 10/100/1000 LAN / 3x eSATA (with Port Multiplier). Desk Lock
Weight	Base unit (nett) 6Kg (1x HDD fitted)
Packing box	310 (W) x 320 (D) x 290 (H) (external)
Power supply	Universal (50/60Hz – 110/240V) External AC/DC with country specific power cord
HDD support	1 – 5x 3.5” HDD supported (SATA2)
Working temp	Maximum 44’C ambient
Acoustics	~23dBA (1x HDD)
HDD Cooling	Hot swap 8cm Fan, with optimised speed / acoustic control
Mounting options	Desk
Power consumption	21W (base unit, with 1x HDD)
Software	Windows Home Server PP1, 2 and 3 pre-installed Media Pack, with Start-up CD, Restore CD, Restore DVD and USB boot key AVA Media CD ripping engine iTunes Server Logitech Server

If you want to know more about the SuperStor and the SQA-Ex, then keep an eye on UWHS this weekend. I can’t say any more right now or the Tranquil heavy mob will be knocking on my door!

Home Server Show Podcast 82 Out Now

Andrew Edney

-

Mar 25, 2010

5

Dave and the guys over at the Home Server Show have released this week’s podcast, number 82.

Here is what Dave has to say about this week’s show:

The Home Server Show 83

News and information on Windows Home Server

Add-In MSS Fan Control

Add-In: Directory Watcher

SageTV MediaShrink

Norco 4220 Case

ASoft’s Add-In Cleanup Tool

Add-In: AdMiniMe on sale

Windows Home Server Commercials on Hulu

And are you playing along at home with the UWHS drinking game? Every time either Tim, myself or UWHS gets a mention you need to take a drink.

I wonder how many it will be this week? Smile

To find out, click here: http://homeservershow.com/the-home-server-show-82.html

RunAs Radio Interviews Kevin Royalty about WHS

Windows Home Server

Andrew Edney

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Mar 25, 2010

1

Kevin Royalty is a friend and fellow MVP, even if his MVP is in Small Business Server Smile Kevin does a lot for Windows Home Server and is interviewed on RunAs Radio on using a Home Server in businesses.

Show #151 | 3/10/2010 (39 minutes)

Kevin Royalty Uses Home Server in Businesses!

Richard and Greg talk to Kevin Royalty about Home Server. Intended for the home, Microsoft’s Home Server works great for small businesses with ten or less workstations, providing shared file services, an awesome backup solution and even remote access! Home Server offers a starting point before Small Business Server, but even after you’ve moved to SBS, you’ll want to keep using Home Server for backup.

So to go listen to Kevin, click here: http://www.runasradio.com/default.aspx?showNum=151

HP Release Another MediaSmart Update – Patch 3

Andrew Edney

-

Mar 24, 2010

5

Following on from the release a few weeks ago of the HP MediaSmart 3.0 Patch 2 update, which amongst other things brought a number of CPU issues into play, HP have just released another update – this one called, wait for it, Patch 3.

Details and specifications

File name: MSSDV33135433ServerUpdate.exe [1/1, 4.14M]

Released: 2010-03-22

Version: 3.3.1.35433

Fix/Enhancement: This update improves the quality of transcoded audio files.

This doesn’t appear to be available directly from Windows Home Server Console yet, but I assume that will change in the next few days.

The problem this fixes is detailed here: Troubleshooting TwonkyMedia – How To Fix Twonky Issues in 3.0 Patch 2 or at least it fixes some of the issues.

So until then, you can download the small patch by clicking on the link above and install it manually.

Synology Launches DX510 NAS Expansion Solution

Tech

Andrew Edney

-

Mar 23, 2010

0

Coming only a few days after the launch of the DiskStation DS410, Synology have announced the launch of the DX510 expansion solution for use with the DS1010+ and the DS710+.

Here is some information on the DX150 from the Synology website:

Synology DX510 delivers an effortless solution for volume expansion and data backup for selected Synology DiskStations. The DX510 smoothly scales the storage capacity of the Synology DiskStation by an additional 5 hard drives on the fly when firmly connected directly to the Synology DiskStation, ensuring a reliable expansion solution.

Plug-n-use

Hot-swappable HDD design

Hibernation

Managed from Synology DiskStation Manager 2.3

The Synology DX510 is connected to the Synology DiskStation using an eSATA cable with custom-designed connectors on both ends, ensuring a reliable connection and maximum throughput. The eSATA 3.0 Gb/sec definition allows the hard drives in the connected Synology DX510 to operate as they are the internal ones of the Synology DiskStation.

SPECIFICATIONS

Hardware

• Internal HDD: 5X 3.5″ SATA or 5X 2.5″ SATA

• eSATA port X 1

• Hot Swappable HDD: Yes

• Size (mm): 157 X 248 X 233

• Weight?4.10KG

• System Fan?X 2(80x80mm)

• Noise Level (fan-only)?30dB(A)

• Power Recovery: sync with the connected Disk Station

• AC Input Power Voltage?100V ~ 240V AC

• Power Frequency?50 / 60Hz?Single Phase

• Operating Temperature?40 ~ 95°F (5 ~ 35°C)

• Storage Temperature?15 ~ 155°F (-10 ~ 70°C)

• Relative Humidity?5% ~ 95% RH

• Maximum Operating Altitude?10,000feet

For those of you who like to see what things look like from the side and back (that would be Diehard again!):

Check out the Synology website for more details: http://www.synology.com/enu/products/DX510/datasheet.php

Price wise, Amazon.com are showing the diskless variant at a little under $1000 with the fully populated 5TB version at $1759.99. Amazon.co.uk are showing the diskless one at around £420.

So if you have some need to expand your existing Synology NAS solution, and this supports it, you should take a look, but it isn’t cheap!

MSS Fan Control Add-In for Windows Home Server Updated

Andrew Edney

-

Mar 22, 2010

0

Fellow Windows Home Server MVP Alex Kuretz has been in touch to say that his add-in, MSS Fan Control, has been updated and now supports the HP 3.0 Software Update.

Here is what Alex has to say:

MSS Fan Control is a Windows Home Server Add-In that allows you to change the behaviors of the exhaust fans in the HP MediaSmart Server EX470 and EX475.

In the new 3.0 Software Upgrade for the HP MediaSmart Server EX470 and EX475, HP made a few changes that caused the Add-in to no longer work. Fortunately the fix was fairly simple and I’m happy to announce the availability of version 1.0.0.9 that supports EX47x servers running either HP 1.3 or 3.0 software. Note that this Add-In only works with the EX47x servers, as HP moved the fan controls into the BIOS in the EX48x and EX49x series servers.

While making the changes necessary to support 3.0, I took the opportunity to fix another minor bug with the way settings were initially loaded, plus added a new “Please Wait” dialog to inform the user that Fan Control is busy changing the server configuration.

You can download the updated add-in from here: http://www.mediasmartserver.net/add-ins

AdminiMe Add-In for Windows Home Server Special Deal for Spring

Andrew Edney

-

Mar 20, 2010

0

Fellow Windows Home Server MVP Nick Asseloos, author of various WHS Add-Ins including AutoExit and AdminiMi has been in touch to let us know about a special deal for Spring.

As it is now Spring, or at least it’s supposed to be (it’s currently raining here in the UK – what a surprise), Nick has decided to run a special deal for a week, starting today (20th March 2010) were you can buy AdminiMe for 6$/6Euro/6GBP/600Yen. This deal is only for a week remember!

Nick also mentioned that there is a new update coming in the next week or too – so get in now while you can get the deal.

ASoft AdminiMe for Windows Home Server is a console add-in for Windows Home Server.

It is an add-in that constantly monitors your server without you having to do anything.
As the Home Server is a headless machine that is running non stop for long periods of times, and mostly hidden away in some closet/basement/small room; people don’t look at its ‘health’ to often.

But in reality, it could be that the server’ CPU usage is high for very long periods, or errors are occuring, memory utilization is high,…

To avoid this, you can use AdminiMe! It will monitor your server in the background without you having to do anything. And in case something goes wrong, it will notify you.
Added to this monitoring, it contains a console where you can watch all kinds of parameters in real-time. Things like CPU, memory, network, disks and all kinds of statistics like uptime, longest uptime, # of starts,…

But it doesn’t stop there, it also has shortcuts to the most relevant tools: Event Viewer, Task Manager, Performance Monitor, Remote Desktop.

You also have the option to add your own shortcuts to applications!

And next to that, there is a ‘Run-box’ which has the same functionality as the Windows Run Dialog.

There is also a screen where you can view, which users have open files to the server shares.

All events are kept in a log that can be consulted later on.

Features in AdminiMe 2010 for Windows Home Server
– Multilingual UI (supports German, French, Japanese).
– A console that shows a lot of information:
> CPU Usage (in total or per processor)
> Upload & Download speed of the network traffic
> Memory usage
> Total Disk usage
> Current Time
> System Uptime
> Longest Uptime
> Total Uptime
> # of starts
> First start
> Last start
> Detailed information on the storage (activity, temperature, disk space,…)
> All the files that have sessions open by users
> The logging of all events that occured
Handy features in the console:
> Possibility to create shortcuts to applications
> Shortcuts to important system tools: Event Viewer, Performance Monitor, Task Manager, Remote desktop
> Run box (like the Run dialog functionality in the Windows Menu)
> Automatically shut down the server when no clients are connected
Health monitoring:
– Send a mail in case of problems
– Monitoring:
> CPU (monitors the average usage over a certain amount of time)
> Memory (Memory usage)
> Harddisks (Disk space monitoring, disk temperature monitoring)
> System Event Log (Problems reported in the Event Viewer are monitored)
> WHS Events (Warning / Errors)
> Failed Remote Access Attempts
> System (warns if the system has been running non-stop for x amount of days, improper shutdown)

To learn more about AdminiMe, click here: AdminiMe 2010 Add-In for Windows Home Server

To buy AdminiMe 2010, click here: http://www.asoft.be/prod_adminimewhs.html

You can also download a free version which has 99.99% of the functionality enabled, but it’s cheap, it’s great, so why not support Nick?

Synology Launches DiskStation DS410 NAS

Tech

Andrew Edney

-

Mar 20, 2010

1

This week Synology launched a new 4-bay all-in-one NAS server called the DiskStation DS410 (not to be confused with the DS410j). Only a week ago Synology released a new version of their DiskStation Manager software.

Here is some information on the DS410 from the Synology website:

The Synology DS410 delivers an average 110 MB/sec reading speed under RAID 5 configuration in a Windows environment, and 54.9 MB/sec writing. The Synology DS410 provides a reliable solution for data sharing with an easy to use interface, and comprehensive businesses-oriented applications, including a complete backup solution making it one of the best values in 4-bay NAS devices available today.

For users who are limited on time and not familiar with configuring complicated routers, the Synology EZ-Internet Wizard simplifies the process of setting up access to the Synology DS410 from the Internet. The EZ-Internet Wizard steps through all of the settings including firewall settings, port-forwarding, PPPoE setup and DDNS registration.

Running on AJAX technology, the UI is intuitive and easy-to-use. Creating private shared folders for a large number of users is easy with the User Home feature because it minimizes the steps and time for the administrator to create private shared folders. The sub-folder privilege settings further extend the flexibility to allocate permissions for different workgroups.

The Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) automatically builds an optimal RAID volume with data protection based on the hard drives installed, eliminating the need to have hard drives of identical size, while still offering a manual setup option for advanced users.

The Synology DS410 offers a centralized backup target to consolidate fragmented and unstructured data across a network. PC Users can back up their data to the Synology DS410 using the free Synology Data Replicator software, while Mac OS X users enjoy native Apple^® Time Machine integration. A web-based backup wizard is provided for backing up data in the Synology DS410 to another Synology DiskStation or any rsync server via an encrypted transmission, or to an external hard drive via USB or eSATA connection. In addition, backing up to the cloud using Amazon^® S3 service is also supported.

The Synology DS410 runs on the renowned system firmware, Synology DSM 2.3, offering comprehensive applications and features designed specifically for business workgroups. Comprehensive network protocol support assures seamless file sharing across Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms. Windows ADS integration allows the Synology DS410 to quickly and easily fit into an existing business network environment with no need to recreate user accounts on the Synology DS410.

Internet file access is simplified by the encrypted FTP server and the web-based file explorer, Synology File Station 3. HTTPS, firewall, and IP auto-block support ensure file sharing over the Internet is protected at a high security level.

Synology Web Station with support for PHP/MySQL web content allows hosting up to 30 websites on a Synology DS410. Synology Surveillance Station 4 offers a centralized interface to safeguard the office environments by deploying IP cameras. H.264 video format is supported to deliver high quality video.The Mail Station add-on turns a Synology DS410 into a mail server with only few steps of installation. The USB printer sharing capability minimizes businesses’ cost by sharing printing resources throughout the office.

DSM 2.3 users are encouraged to develop and install third-party applications on the Synology DS410. Meanwhile, a list of third-party applications that were tested by Synology is available for users to install on the Synology DS410.

Synology DiskStations are designed and developed with energy efficiency in mind. Compared with the average PC counterparts, the Synology DS410 consumes only 56 watts in operation. The support of wake on LAN/WAN, scheduled power on/off and hard drive hibernation can further reduce power consumption and operation cost.

SPECIFICATIONS

Hardware

CPU Frequency: 1.06GHz
Floating Point: Yes
Memory Bus: 64bit@DDR533
Memory: 512MB
Internal HDD¹: 3.5″ SATA(II) X4 or 2.5″ SATA/SSD X4
Max Internal Capacity: 8TB (4x 2TB hard drives)
(See All Supported HDD)
Size (HxWxD): 168mm X 184mm X 230mm
External HDD Interface: USB 2.0 port X2, eSATA port X1
Weight: 2.23kg
LAN: Gigabit X1

Wireless Support
Wake on LAN/WAN
Noise Level (fan-only):² 23dB(A)
Power Recovery
AC Input Power Voltage: 100V to 240V
Power Frequency: 50Hz to 60Hz, Single Phase
Power Consumption³ 56W(Access); 20W(HDD Hibernation)
Operating Temperature: 5°C to 35°C (40°F to 95°F)
Storage Temperature: -10°C to 70°C (15°F to 155°F)
Relative Humidity: 5% to 95%RH
Maximum Operating Altitude: 10,000 feet
Certification: FCC Class B, CE Class B, BSMI Class B

For those of you who like to see what things look like from the side and back (that would be Diehard!):

Also according to the Synology website, the DS410 also supports audio and video.

Audio Station 2

Supported Audio Format: (USB Mode) AAC, FLAC, M4A, MP3, Ogg Vorbis, WMA, WMA VBR; (Streaming Mode) MP3, M4A, M4B
Supported Playlist Format: M3U, WPL
Internet Radio: SHOUTcast, Radioio

DLNA/UPnP Media Server

PS3/Xbox 360 Support
Supported Audio Format: verified: AAC, FLAC, M4A, MP3, Ogg Vorbis, PCM, WAV, WMA, WMA VBR, WMA PRO, WMA Lossless
Supported Video Format: 3GP, 3G2, ASF, AVI, DAT, DivX, DVR-MS, ISO, M2T, M2TS, M4V, MKV, MP4, MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, MTS, MOV, QT, SWF, TP, TRP, TS, VOB, WMV, XviD, RV30, RV40, AC3, AMR, WMA3
Supported Image Format: BMP, JPG (jpe, jpeg), GIF, ICO, PNG, PSD, TIF (tiff), UFO, RAW (arw, srf, sr2, dcr, k25, kdc, cr2, crw, nef, mrw, ptx, pef, raf, 3fr, erf, mef, mos, orf, rw2, dng, x3f)
Supported Subtitles Format: srt, psb, smi, ass, ssa, sub, idx, ifo

iTunes Server

Supported Audio Format: MP3, M4A, M4P, WAV⁶, AIF⁶
Supported Video Format: M4V, MOV, MP4
Supported Playlist Format: M3U, WPL

There are also a number of other features, check out the website for more details: http://www.synology.com/enu/products/DS410/spec.php

Price wise, Amazon.com are showing the empty DS410 at just under $500 and the 4x1TB DS410 at just under $1,200. Here in the UK, the empty DS410 is around £400, so again, considerably more expensive than our American cousins!

Tech Tip on a Tuesday – Backup Without Logging In

Timothy Daleo

-

Mar 18, 2010

2

Did you know you can run a backup on a Windows Home Server connected PC prior to logging in to that PC? Just power on the PC and wait for it to become active in the Computers and Backup tab in Windows Home Server.

Why?

My parents never leave their HTPC on overnight. That is a fine practice except their EX470 texts me and says the HTPC is not backed up. I do not need to have them turn on the TV and HDMI pass-through stereo and then use the Logitech remote to change functions and pull out the keyboard just to back up!

How

Turn the PC on. Go to your Windows Home Server console and the PC will show up as connected. It might take a minute depending on your OS and CPU speed.

In addition, you might want to give it an extra few minutes to update any virus protection. For those of us with Microsoft Security Essentials the update happens in a few minutes even if you do not log on. Click on the Backup Now icon and WHS will prompt you to Backup Now. You can also right mouse click.

Enter a name if you want and click on Backup Now.

Let the good times roll!

After the backup is complete I use the AutoExit 2008 Add-In if I need to turn off the system.

You can find that Add-In at:

http://www.asoft.be/prod_autoexitwhs.html

and my review at:

https://moviesgamesandtech.com/2009/08/17/installing-the-autoexit-add-in-to-windows-home-server-on-a-friday-night/

See you next Tuesday,

Tim

The Home Server Show Podcast 81

Windows Home Server

Andrew Edney

-

Mar 18, 2010

0

Dave and the trio over at the Home Server Show have just released podcast 81.

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

The Home Server Show 81 – News and Add-Ins

In today’s episode we go over everything that has happened this week including anti-virus for WHS, Mozy, Drive Balancer and more.

New Eye-Fi Manager released

WHSClamAV

DoubleTwist

Install Subsonic on WHS

Entertainment 2.0 – AJ discusses Windows Media Center

Mozy to work on WHS

How to setup the itunes server in a media smart server

Drive Balancer Discussion

Un-Install HP software from MediaSmart Server

Troubleshoot Twonky

A Virtual Home Server

And if you read the post last week, Tim suggested a UWHS drinking game for everytime my name, his name or UWHS gets mentioned. Last week it was 2 drinks, how many will it be this week?

You can find out as usual from here: http://homeservershow.com/the-home-server-show-81.html

Home Server How To – Setup of the iTunes Server

Timothy Daleo

-

Mar 17, 2010

7

This series of articles is for those of you who just purchased, or are looking to purchase, a HP MediaSmart Server. We have some great video coming up and some wonderful information to help get you started with your HP MediaSmart Server.

Welcome to Windows Home Server

Here at connecteddigitalworld.com we would like to join with Microsoft and HP in welcoming you to a whole new world of managing your digital movies, music, pictures, file sharing and most importantly, backups!

iTunes Server

When you purchase a HP MediaSmart Server you can use your existing internet service and access your home server website from the outside world. If you purchased a EX490 or EX495 then the portal to your server looks like the picture below.

With this portal you can access your music by selecting the Media Streamer icon.

You can then stream all of your music, photos and videos. You can even stream your podcasts. The image below shows the HP MediaSmart Server Media Streamer in action!

Do you need to setup your Media Streamer? If so, check out the following video.

iTunes Server setup in software version HP 3.0

The following video shows how to enable the HP Media Collector and is for those of you that have an EX490/EX495. This video also applies to anyone who has purchased and installed the 3.0 software update from HP.

Want to know about the 3.0 Software from HP? Check out this article:

https://moviesgamesandtech.com/2010/03/08/upgrading-an-hp-ex485-whs-to-version-3-0-on-a-friday-night-video-edition/

Once you have completed the iTunes Server setup you are ready to access your music from the internet!

Be sure to check out future articles that will show you how your HP MSS Windows Home Server can enhance your digital experience.

Timothy Daleo

Review of the Sony Vaio P Series Ultra Portable Notebook

Reviews
Tech

Andrew Edney

-

Mar 16, 2010

2

Way back at CES 2009, yes, 2009 not 2010, I have been in wonder of the Sony Vaio P series ultra portable notebook. During that time, Ian Dixon (of the Digital Lifestyle.com) and myself went and had a little go on them in the Sony store in Las Vegas, prior to them being released.

At the time I loved the look of them, they were small, lightweight and had a fantastic screen. The problem was the processor and the cost – it was shockingly expensive for the processing power.

With that in mind I decided to hold off on getting one – I almost caved a few times, especially when travelling and getting the duty free option.

Fast forward a year and Sony have released the next generation of the P series. These ones have upgraded processors, bigger disks and come with Windows 7, which runs noticeably better and faster than Windows Vista.

I managed to get my hands on the top of the range VGN-P39VL/Q.

SPECIFICATIONS

This particular model has an Intel® Atom™ Processor Z550, 2GB of memory and a 128GB SSD. It comes with Windows 7 Professional (32 bit) and the screen is an X-black LCD with LED technology

( Diagonal Size 8.0 inches), Resolution 1600 x 768, UWXGA, and the graphics card is a Mobile Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 500 and it weighs 0.6 kilos!

It doesn’t have an optical drive but you can buy one and connect it via USB.

To see the complete specs, click here: http://www.sony.co.uk/product/vnp-p-series/vgn-p39vl-q

WHATS IN THE BOX?

I can’t really say for certain what you get in the box as the review unit I managed to get from Sony came in a plain brown box and just had the laptop, power supply, two batteries and a port replicator.

And no, there isn’t a new special model called the XXXX, it seems that Sony’s review units are marked like this.

EVGA Classified SR-2 Motherboard

Tech

Timothy Daleo

-

Mar 16, 2010

5

EVGA has finally released their new dual socket Classified SR-2 board. This new board is going to change how enthusiasts approach building. Well, enthusiasts with a lot of money anyway…

The board has a MSRP of $599.99 but purchasing the additional hardware is going to run you some serious cash. To make a system you could start with the following parts:

Two Nehalem 5530 CPUs for about $1000

1200 Watt Power Supply $300

24GB RAM (half of capacity) $700

SSD and media Drives, OS and extras $1000

Two GTX 285s for $700

…and a new case for $200 since the board is so large. They even created a new category called HPTX!

$4500 for just an “average” SR-2 set up. Some new Xeon chips are going for $1500 each! Doing it “high-end” could cost you over double!

I can dream anyway…

Motherboard Features:

Supports Intel® Xeon® Dual QPI Socket 1366 Processors
Intel® 5520 Chipset
12 DIMM Triple-Channel DDR3 1333MHz+ (up to 48GB)
2-way SLI, 3-way SLI, 4-way SLI or CrossFireX
2 SATA III 6.0GB/s Ports, 6 SATA II 3.0GB/s Ports, 2 E-SATA Ports
2 Gigabit Ethernet Ports (10/100/1000)
8 Channel High Definition Audio
2 USB 3.0/2.0 Ports, 10 USB 2.0 Ports (6 I/0, 4 Internal)

It looks so cool!

More information about the SR-2 from EVGA can be found at:

http://www.evga.com/products/moreinfo.asp?pn=270-WS-W555-A1

http://www.evga.com/articles/00537/

Tim