What is Windows Home Server?

WHS Health Add-In for Windows Home Server Updated

Windows Home Server

Andrew Edney

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Feb 12, 2010

Back in December, we talked about a new Windows Home Server Add-In developed by fellow WHS MVP Nigel “Cougar” Wilks called WHS Health.

Yesterday Cougar released an update to WHS Health.

Here is what he has to say about it:

Today we are releasing an update to one of our Add-Ins, WHS Health (v1.0.0.10).
Following feedback we have added an icon to the home page to give an at a glance status of the server health (in the same way you see in your system tray on your desktop). We’ve also reworked the console page itself as well as updated the icon set used to give a more consistent look and feel.

There were a couple of minor issues in the first release, so hopefully we’ve squashed those bugs but I’ve done some major reconstruction on the installer so we now pre-configure each element with a default setting without having to go to the Settings Tab.

The main highlights for this release are:-

Renamed Console Errors to Console Status

Icon Added to Console Status Item

Updated Icons

Better handling of “non standard” web site configurations. I’d like to thank Snowdins for highlighting his neat Custom Action he worked on for P80.

WebSites.XML for both home and remote pages updated on install and cleaned on uninstall.

Changes in Settings tab now correctly applied when the OK or Apply button is clicked

Correct specification of secure and non-secure URLs in remote pages

Updated Home Page now shows the Console Status Icon

Also updated Icons for the Healthy, Critical, Warning and Backup Running Alerts.

You can download WHS Health by clicking here.

Well done Cougar, keep up the great work!

The Home Server Show 76 Out Now

Andrew Edney

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Feb 12, 2010

1

Dave and the trio over at the Home Server Show have released show number 76.

Here is what Dave has to say about show number 76:

The Home Server Show 76 – News and Forums

In today’s episode John, Chris, and Dave go over the latest Home Server news and a few items in the forums. Avast! family issues, Wuala, Macros, and a PP3 rant. It’s a good show although we were missing Jim. I’m sure he will appreciate the ending though! Outtake provided by Chris and John.

Links and News Items mentioned on the show

Add-In: WHS Health

Automating Backups with Macros

TwonkyMedia high CPU usage

Wuala Install and Review as seen on mswhs.com

Avast! family pack no longer a happy family

PaperPort vs. DA Document Manager 2010

Enable Shadow Copy on WHS

MSS 3.0 running on EX475

Dave’s difficulties with PP3, Media Center, and WHS

New Lenovo All-In-One

Tivo Announcement

I haven’t listened to this show yet, I will do this morning, but I’m a bit concerned that I might not be mentioned this week 🙂 Dave, what’s going on?

Anyway, you can listen to it or download it as usual from here.

Home Server How To – Selecting your HP MediaSmart Windows Home Server

Timothy Daleo

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Feb 11, 2010

0

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!

HP MediaSmart Server Standard Features

Your HP is powered by Windows® Home Server, a software from Microsoft for storing, accessing, sharing and automatically protecting your computers and digital files.

Right out of the box your HP MediaSmart Server can:

Centralize your digital media and share your files
Remotely access your server from the internet
Stream media to PCs on your network
Share iTunes music and stream to network PCs

Your HP MediaSmart Server can also do so much more as you will soon see!

HP MediaSmart Server

Whether you are buying a new HP MediaSmart Server (HP MSS) from a local store, or from an online retailer, you need to know what model you are purchasing and what you should expect to get with your HP MSS. The HP MSS are all great servers but which one is right for you?

You may also get the opportunity to buy a refurbished or used HP MSS like I did! Some stores such as EBay, Newegg and the HP Outlet sell these great refurbished deals for a HP MSS ready for a new home!

HP MediaSmart Server Storage

All HP MSS will let you add external USB drives to increase storage.

EX Front View EX Rear View

The Media Center Show #243 – TDL Awards

Andrew Edney

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Feb 11, 2010

0

Ian over at the Digital Lifestyle.com has just released the Media Center Show podcast, number 243. This one contains the annual TDL awards and Windows Home Server Power Pack 3 won an award 🙂

Here’s what Ian has to say about this weeks show:

Welcome to the the TDL Awards show. At the end of last year you voted for your favourite Media Center apps and answered questions on your digital lifestyle so this week Missing Remote’s Mike Garcen joins me to reveal the winners and to talk about some of the statistics from the votes.

The categories where:

Best free Windows Media Center application

Best commercial Windows Media Center application

Best media management application

Best integration tool

Mike and I discuss the results and find out stats like what percentage of voters use Windows Home Server, how many are running Extenders and how many of you have switched to Windows 7.Thanks to everybody that voted and that sent in the nominations.

I also have a roundup of the weeks news, I will post the details of the winners on my blog later.

As usual you can listen to it here.

Windows Media Center – Ceton Prime Part Five (Start Up and Windows Installation)

Timothy Daleo

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Feb 10, 2010

13

This is the fifth of five articles about my Windows Media Center build in anticipation of the new Ceton CableCARD tuner release. Tonight I will be talking briefly about the Startup and Windows installation in the Alienware P2 Chassis.

Background

The plan is to have this system replace my Moxi Charter Cable DVR AND my WMC PC.

The four previous articles can be found at:

https://moviesgamesandtech.com/2009/12/08/windows-media-center-ceton-prime-part-one-case-and-power-supply/

https://moviesgamesandtech.com/2009/12/17/windows-media-center-ceton-prime-part-two-motherboard-cpu-and-cooling-fan/

https://moviesgamesandtech.com/2009/12/29/windows-media-center-ceton-prime-part-three-drives-memory-and-os/

https://moviesgamesandtech.com/2010/01/24/windows-media-center-ceton-prime-part-four-assembly-and-video-cards/

The Rig

The chassis is a Alienware P2 case with light kit.

Timeframe

I get paid every two weeks and get a few items each paycheck. This paycheck was free since I already had the OS. I am actually now done with this build, well before the March Ceton release.

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Ceton Prime?

I am naming her Ceton Prime in honor of the Ceton Multi-Channel Cable TV Card scheduled for release on March 31, 2010.

http://www.cetoncorp.com/buy.php

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This Paycheck – $0

The amount spent so far is $260+$434+$355+$225 for a subtotal of $1,274 (no tax). Not too bad for a Windows Media Center.

Add in the $399 for Ceton card and I am at $1,673.

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Why Video Cards on this Windows Media Center?

Those two EVGA 9800 cards I bought will drive my Dell monitors. I currently have a Dell Studio 540 with two 4350 video cards feeding my four monitors. Everything actually works well but I get stutter if I am watching video, recording TV and running other applications at the same time. I knew that adding a Ceton card would tax the system and needed to upgrade.

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Upgrade Rationale

EVGA motherboard has TWO gigabit Ethernet ports for increased video transfer to WHS
i5 Core 750 quad-core processor will handle the encoding/compression load
Two non-RAID Black Caviar drives will allow one to read OS and one to store/write video
64-bit will allow for increased memory as funding permits
Increased motherboard slots for two video cards, Ceton 1X slot and “eventually” USB 3.0

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First Start

I am very impressed with the EVGA board and how easy it was to set up. You definitely get the quality you pay for with this level of motherboard.

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Power Consumption

Per your request welchworks…

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Sit and Wait

I will now wait for the Ceton card to be released. This is so exciting. Seriously.

See you at the end of March, Ceton!

Tim

In Depth Review of the Tranquil PC SQA-5H-SAFE Windows Home Server

Andrew Edney

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Feb 9, 2010

13

A short time ago we posted that Tranquil PC announced the Series 2 version of their popular Windows Home Server, the SQA-5H.

We reviewed the series 1 SQA-5H last year, so feel free to go look at that again to remind yourself. A lot of the software and features of the series 2 is the same as the series 1, so for the sake of keeping the article shorter, have a look at the earlier review for more detailed information.

As well as launching the Series 2 SQA-5H, Tranquil also launched the Safe Server Module (SSM) which we had a look at last week.

And if that wasn’t enough, there is also the combined SQA-5H Windows Home Server with an SSM, known as the SQA-5H-SAFE. We managed to get our hands on this model, so the review here is both for the series 2 SQA-5H and the SSM.

SPECIFICATIONS

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	Safe Server Module fitted to HDD1 with 2x 500GB 2.5” HDDs – slots 2-5 free
Colour options	Satin Black / 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 / 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	Fit an extra 1 – 4x 3.5” HDD supported (SATA2)
Working temp	Maximum 44’C ambient
Acoustics	~22dBA (Safe Server Module fitted)
HDD Cooling	Hot swap 8cm Fan, with optimised speed / acoustic control
Mounting options	Desk
Power consumption	22W (base unit, with Safe Server Module fitted)
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 Safe Server Module Monitor

The observant amongst you have probably noticed a small panel on the back of the unit below the USB ports. Well this is the service plate, and if you remove it you have access to some additional connectors, including a VGA connector for troubleshooting problems, if you need them!

Tech Tip on a Tuesday – Image Resizer Powertoy Clone for Windows

Timothy Daleo

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Feb 9, 2010

6

Why should we have to open an application just to resize an image? Maybe you are looking for a fast way to resize images? Check out this quick and easy tool.

Tool Download

This great tool, called the Image Resizer Powertoy Clone for Windows, is available for download at:

http://imageresizer.codeplex.com/Release/ProjectReleases.aspx?ReleaseId=30247

A 64-bit version is also available.

Thank you Brice for developing such a quick and easy tool!

Installation

Just download and install.

Tool Use

Select the picture (or pictures) you want to resize, Right Mouse Click and select Resize Pictures.

Select your Resize Resolution and Click on OK.

The tool then creates a new file with the new size in the file name.

You can also choose three advanced features:

See you next Tuesday,

Tim

Monday Morning Media – Five Views from Windows Media Center 02-08-10

Timothy Daleo

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Feb 8, 2010

5

This weekly post is five screen shots of Windows Media Center with a CableCARD tuner to get you excited about Windows Media Center and Windows Home Server.

Seriously.

Tranquil PC Launch Series 2 Windows Home Servers and Reduce Prices

Andrew Edney

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Feb 7, 2010

3

Hot on the heels of the Series 2 SQA-5H Windows Home Server, and the Safe Server Module (SSM), Tranquil will announce tomorrow two new Series 2 Windows Home Servers and a price drop for the SQA-5H.

This is great news for people who are in the market for a lower cost home server and its great to see Tranquil PC pushing forward with new models.

Tranquil PC shipped the first Windows Home Server appliance in Sept 2007, and since that time has won numerous awards and always had the highest rated reviews. We now provide not only the finest, most power efficient Home Servers, but we also can ensure that you can get the best out of your Home Server.

There are 3 models to choose from – the Harmony T7, the Harmony T2 and the SQA-5H.

Harmony T7 – Series 2

The Harmony T7 – Series 2 Home Server in ideal, affordable starter unit. Powered by the latest Intel Atom D510 Dual core CPU, this Home Server delivers outstanding performance, coupled with low power consumption. This high quality unit will be at home anywhere, similar in size to a typical hard back dictionary. With wall mount option, it can be secured out of sight and out of mind. Supporting 4x external HDDs, this is an excellent Server start up option. Why not couple it with the slot on T7-HDx units (and have up to 9TBs of storage)

Harmony T2 – Series 2

The Harmony T2 – Series 2 Home Server for mid range users. Powered by the latest Intel Atom D510 Dual Core CPU, this Home Server delivers outstanding performance, coupled with low power consumption. This slim server supports 2x internal high capacity HDDs, 4x high speed USB HDD ports, and optional 4x eSATA ports. With numerous professional mounting options, this server can sit on your desk, fit in a 19″ rack, sit on the floor, or even be secured to a wall.

SQA-5H – Series 2

Our flagship Home Server, the SQA-5H, powered by the latest 64 bit ready Intel Atom D510 (2×1.66GHz) Dual Core and running Microsoft Windows Home Server. This server provides high capacity, quick installation storage, and a long list of new features. The power consumption is still very low, and it’s still a very quiet server too!
With new accessories such as the SQA-Ex (additional 5x HDDs) and the SQA-HDD1 (HDD carrier) along with a 3 year warranty, this is the Home Server for the discerning buyer.

All models have the following features in common

· Windows Home Server (PP3) Operating system

· Powerful Intel 64 bit D510 CPU (Dual 1.66GHz)

· High Speed Network – Gigabit LAN

· High Speed 800MHz RAM (up to 4GB)

· Silent and reliable Fanless CPU cooling

· Power efficient and cool HDDs

· Designed and manufactured in UK

· AVA CD ripping engine + various Media servers

· 24 month warranty (Except SQA-5H which is 36 months)

Prices range from £249+VAT for the basic Harmony T7, up to £399+VAT for the SQA-5H-1000

Reduced pricing

The SQA-5H pricing has also been reduced, as well as the pricing on additional storage options etc.

Contact

To learn more about the new Series 2 Home Servers from Tranquil PC :

http://www.tranquilpc-shop.co.uk/acatalog/HOME_SERVERS.html

To take a quick review of the different versions :

http://www.tranquilpc-shop.co.uk/acatalog/comparison_new.html

Email

HomeServers@tranquilpc.co.uk

Intel Atom CPU

http://www.intel.com/products/processor/atom/index.htm

S1Digital Announce 100 Disc Blu-ray Changer

Andrew Edney

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Feb 6, 2010

0

Earlier this week, S1Digital announced a 100 disc Blu-ray changer that could be used with Windows Media Center and/or Windows Home Server.

This is what S1Digital had to say:

When connected to an S1Digital Media Center (or any third party Microsoft Windows 7 or Vista PC that includes media center) you’ll be able to load up to 100 Blu-ray and/or DVD movies into the S1Digital Bly-ray Disc Changer. Using the included My Movies software, each disc will be scanned and metadata and cover-art automatically downloaded to the server. Once catalogued, you can view more information about the movie, or watch the movie by selecting the appropriate cover-art, which is all available on the familiar and easy-to-use media center interface. The changer is simple to use and enables almost instant access to movies without having to physically find and load each movie. (Please note that this feature will be available soon).

When connected to an S1Digital Entertainment Server (or any third party Windows Home Server), you’ll be able to automatically archive your Blu-ray, DVD and CD discs to the server*. With the included My Movies for WHS software, every movie and audio disc will automatically be stored on the hard drive, catalogued and metadata and cover-art will be downloaded. As each movie or album is stored, it is immediately available on your home network from any S1Digital Media Center (or other PCs and certain media streaming devices) for playback.

A typical Blu-ray disc can take an hour or more to archive. With our solution, you simply load up the changer and hit go. You don’t have to load each disc one by one. The changer will automatically move from disc to disc so you don’t have to worry about spending days manually storing movies and music.

* Note: Non copy protected discs only – copy protected discs cannot be legally copied

So if you have a lot of content you would like archived to your Windows Home Server, and you have some spare cash available, you might want to take a look at this.

The price for this beauty is $1500, and it also cannot be returned for a refund. To learn more, and possibly make your order, click here.

HP Release New Version of iStream App for HP MediaSmart Windows Home Servers

Windows Home Server

Andrew Edney

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Feb 6, 2010

1

If you have an iPhone or an iPod Touch, and an HP MediaSmart Server running at least the 2.5 server software then you could use the iStraem app to connect to your Windows Home Server and view pictures, videos, and so on. We did an in-depth review of the app last year – why not take a quick look by clicking here.

A few days ago HP released an update to this app – now at version 2.0.50.

Here is what HP say about the updates:

iStream 2.0.50 Changes and New features:

Performance improvements:
A more responsive user interface when starting large videos, improved music streaming, and faster browsing through the lists of items on the server.

New languages:
– Spanish
– Japanese

Music + Videos + Photos:
– Search: Search for an item by name within any list under Music, Videos or Photos. Click the search button (magnifying glass in the lower left area) and type the characters contained in the item you’re looking for.

Photos:
– Send up photos via email.
Instructions: Under Photos, go to a list view or view an individual photo. Then click on the action button (circle with arrow) on the lower left. Select the action sheet menu item “Send Photo”.

Limitations: up to 5 photo attachments per email; the size of the photo attachments has to be less than 9 MB. The attached photos will be resized to 1024 pixel for the longest side if they are bigger than that.

Requirements: Email account needs to be setup on the device.

Music:
– Cover flow mode when viewing a list of albums or playing a song; to activate turn device into landscape mode.

Videos:
– Video playback issues with iPhone OS 3.0 or higher were fixed; video playback performance has been improved.

– Video playback is not allowed when connected via cellular networks to reduce bandwidth requirements; Video playback over Wi-Fi is still allowed.

– Videos are filtered to show only videos converted with mq[2] or Mobile[3] Video Converter profile.

[2] = if connected to a HP MediaSmart Servers running software version 2.5
[3] = if connected to a HP MediaSmart Servers running software version 3.0

GETTING THE APP

If you already have the app installed, you can just check for update either directly in the App Store on from your device.

What is amusing is that the App Store information is wrong. Notice above it says it’s version 1.1.34 and yet underneath it says 2.0.50. Pretty poor really! Also, the app says 1.1.34 until you click on it (see below this image).

DO I HAVE THE RIGHT VERSION?

Given the confusing information provided by HP, you might wonder if you have the right version!

The image on the left was before the update and the one of the right after.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The app is easy to install, or update if you already have it.

It is a shame that the video playback over the mobile/cellular network has been removed though. So if you really need that functionality you might want to consider NOT updating.

And for those of you still running older versions of the HP MediaSmart Server software, your wait is almost over.

HP MediaSmart Software Version 3.0 Update – Update

Andrew Edney

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Feb 6, 2010

3

So, those of you with an HP MediaSmart Windows Home Server that isn’t running the version 3.0 software are probably wondering what has happened to the update?

It was supposed to be out by the end of last year, and it didn’t arrive. We posted an update back in December.

Last night we had an email from HP giving us an update on their update.

The following updates have been made:

· The upgrade process is now compatible with PowerPack 3 and Windows 7 machines.

· The media streaming process has been updated with the latest version of the PacketVideo media streamer.

HP are saying that is there are no further problems in this final stage of testing then the update should be available for order on HP.com later this month.

So if you want to run the MediaSmart Server 3.0 software on HP MediaSmart Server EX470/475 and EX485/487 models watch this space.

So fingers crossed, and we will keep you updated.

Now We Know – Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool

Timothy Daleo

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Feb 5, 2010

8

There is another easy way to load your Windows 7 Installation DVD on a USB Drive. Check out this 3 minute video.

A special thank you to Tyler and Dave Heckendorf for metioning this tool in my prior post.

I will try and check the comments areas next time. Our search only looks at prior posted articles.

Background

Why do this?

There are times when we need to install Windows and a DVD drive is not available. Whether you want to run an installation on a netbook, a rack server or a new build, the USB Drive is the faster way to go!

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The download link (and help topics) to the tool can be found at:

http://store.microsoft.com/Help/ISO-Tool

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How Does It Perform?

I used the USB Drive I created above to load Windows 7 onto my new refurbished Dell Mini 10V last night and it took 33 minutes. Not bad for a netbook.

The process worked perfectly!

I hope you get a chance to try the process out.

Now We Know

The Tranquil PC SSM and Other Windows Home Servers

Andrew Edney

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Feb 5, 2010

13

So as you may have read earlier today, I managed to get my hands on one of the new Tranquil PC SSM (Safe Server Modules) for Windows Home Server.

Tranquil sell the SSM for use in their SQA-5H boxes, but there is nothing stopping you from buying one and using it in your existing Windows Home Server.

To that end, I though I would see if it actually fitted in some of the Windows Home Server’s I have access to. The main reason for the test was to ensure it would sit properly in the server, if there was a server door cover the drive bays that the door would close, etc, etc.

So here are the results, along with some comments:

LENOVO IDEACENTER D400

Fits perfectly, although the drive caddies are a bit flimsy so it’s a bit of delicate work getting the SSM in, and even harder getting it out of the caddy itself. So it’s worth taking your time and not using too much pressure or you might break the caddy.

ACER EASYSTORE H340

this was the easiest and quickest to do – no problems other than again when removing it the front part of the SSM moved a lot and I can see it getting broken.

HP MEDIASMART SERVERS AND THE X510 DATAVAULT

The only thing I would say is that fitting the SSM into the caddy was a little tough, but it worked fine. This goes for all the various HP MediaSmarts and also the X510 Datavault.

FINAL THOUGHTS

So there you have it. The SSM will work in the Tranquil PC Windows Home Servers, and will fit perfectly well into the Lenovo Ideacenter D400, the Acer Aspire H340 and all the HP MediaSmarts and the X510 Datavault.

Stay tuned for my full review in the next few days.