Home Server Show

The Home Server Show 15 - PP1 Issues and Train Signal WHS Training Video Review

PP1 Issues and Train Signal Windows Home Server Training Video Review

This is a show you will not want to miss!  Did you know that a group of users have reported problems with PP1?  WeGotServed Forums guru Bodog joins the show with a report.  I will also be reviewing Train Signal’s WHS Training Video.  Stay tuned for a chance to win a copy of this video as well as a promo code for its purchase.

Also, don’t forget to register for one of 5 copies of Kaspersky Internet Security 2009

E-Mail - I had tons of e-mail to go through and I have read a few on the show.  About 30 minutes after I posted the show I got a message saying I goofted one answer up.  Check the comments for that correction.

News

New Address for my blog at thedigitallifestyle.com  whs.thedigitallifestyle.com

Add-In: BDBB

WHS Backup Database-Backup (WHSBDBB), which allows the user to backup the WHS Backup Database which stores all your client PC backups

Add-In:  SageTV

New Site: WHS Safe Backup

update:  My apologies to Alex and Alex.  I mistakenly labeled this post as Alex Kuretz.  Here is the correct Alex.

WGS - HP “Investigating Options” For Official MediaSmart Server Memory Upgrades

WGS -Microsoft Investigating PP1 File Conflict Errors

Microsoft Forums on this Issue

WHS vs RAID as found on MSWHS.com

extremetech build

Vacation Remote Access

PVConnect Testing

Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 Giveaway

First Feed Awards

Don’t forget to vote for the Home Server Show at Podcast Alley.

My Blog at thedigitallifestyle.com

Review - Train Signal’s WHS Training Video

Please see the Train Signal review post for this review.

Purchase a copy for $49.95 using promo/discount code WHS

Sample Video of WHS Training

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast in iTunes(MP3).
[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast in the Zune Marketplace.
[Mp3] Download the Podcast in MP3.
[RSS] Add the Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator.
[Blog RSS] Add the Blog feed to your RSS aggregator.

 

 The Home Server Show 15 - PP1 Issues and Train Signal WHS Training Video Review: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Home Server Show 14 - Ian Dixon of thedigitallifestyle.com

I am on vacation so today’s show is a re-broadcast of show #1 minus news and all the pre-interview chit-chat.  Ian Dixon was the first interview and in the meantime the show has grown.  I thought it would be nice to blow the dust off of Ian and put him back on!  As you probably know, Ian hosts the popular Media Center Show over at thedigitallifestly.com

Don’t forget to register for a chance to win a copy of Kaspersky 2009.  Listen to show 13 and make a comment here. Kaspersky has been kind enough to donate 5 copies!!! Get registered and make a comment!

The Home Server Show will be back next week at it’s somewhat regular time.  Enjoy!

Don’t forget to vote for the Home Server Show at Podcast Alley.

My Blog at thedigitallifestyle.com

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast in iTunes(MP3).
[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast in the Zune Marketplace.
[Mp3] Download the Podcast in MP3.
[RSS] Add the Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator.
[Blog RSS] Add the Blog feed to your RSS aggregator.

 

 The Home Server Show 14 with Ian Dixon of thedigitallifestyle.com: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Home Server Show 13 - Antivirus for Windows Home Server and Kaspersky 2009

Lucky number 13!  This show is packed with information and goodies.  It’s the one show you can’t miss!  We will talk about Windows Home Server and it’s Anti-Virus options as well as go over the newly released Kaspersky 2009 Products. There may even be a giveaway but you will have to listen in order to find out!  Here is a rundown of today’s show.

E-Mail and Comments (Take a look at the comments for e-mails that are read on the podcast.)

Jungle Disk

I have an e-mail to answer about a first time EX475 installer.  You need to read this and comment.  It was a great question that I don’t most of us have thought about.  Everyone should have an opinion on this topic.  Thanks Tom. (Take a look at the comments for e-mails that are read on the podcast.)

First Feed Award - No cookies this time.

Home Build WHS Build Sheet

Windows Media Player 11 on WHS and streaming with PVConnect will continue on future episodes

Coming Shows - Interviews and Reviews.  More giveaways as well.

Anti-Virus for WHS

F-Secure

McAfee

Avira

Free Avira

Avast WHS Edition

Avast Family Pack Bundle

BitDefender Beta 3

Consumer Reports says…

Kaspersky Interview

Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 and Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009

Kaspersky Windows File Server Product

From Kaspersky’s Reading Room - “Cybercriminals are getting smarter and more sophisticated than ever, and they are using the Internet to their advantage. As a result, Internet security solutions available today simply can’t respond to the threats in the same way without creating issues of their own, such as huge performance hits on computers and personal productivity. Read about the paradigm shift that has taken place.”  Download PDF

Don’t forget to vote for the Home Server Show at Podcast Alley.

My Blog at thedigitallifestyle.com

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast in iTunes(MP3).
[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast in the Zune Marketplace.
[Mp3] Download the Podcast in MP3.
[RSS] Add the Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator.
[Blog RSS] Add the Blog feed to your RSS aggregator.

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Home Server Show - 12 HP MediaSmart Server Update

Show 12 covers news, e-mail, and the HP MediaSmart Server Update including PVConnect and McAfee.

Update: HP MSS Discontinued?  MediaSmartServer.net Forum Link HP Website Link

HP has responded to this link by saying, “The discontinued link on the HP site is an error.  There should be no link to Home Servers on the Discontinued/Retired page on the site. “  Thanks for clearing that up but as I said in the show I was hoping to see that new server soon!

Add-In: WHS Outlook Beta

All the WHS news you will ever need is at MSWHS.Com

First Feed Awards.  If you were a First Feed Award recipient please click here.

WHS WishList - I am starting a new segment in the podcast.  I will share my wishlist with you so leave a comment on what you are wishing for when it comes to Windows Home Server.  My wish this week is to have an Add-In that interfaces to Gallery2.

New Blog:  http://www.paulstimesink.com

Today’s Topic - HP Mediasmart Server Update, blunder or Wonder?

If you are not a HP MediaSmart owner you still need to hear this information!

Engadget Article

PVConnect Issues MediaSmartServer.net Forums

PVConnect/Twonky Forums

Don’t forget to vote for the Home Server Show at Podcast Alley. Thank you!

*I’m exporting the MP3 as VBR so the time of the podcast is hosed.  I hope to have that fixed next episode.

 

 The Home Server Show Podcast - 12 HP MediaSmart Server Update: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Home Server Show 11 - Power Pack 1 Extravaganza!

Todays Show - PP1 eXtravaganza! PVConnect review, restore CD for Windows Home Server, PP1 external backup, email and news.

Don’t forget to vote at Podcast Alley.

News

Drashna and GaMeR have proven that MCE2005 will run on WHS and you can check their progress in the WGS forums.

I have a new blog over on “thedigitalLifestyle.com.”  Ian Dixon has graciously given me some space to post my WHS happenings.  Ian was the first guest on the podcast and a big reason for it getting off the ground.  So thanks to Ian.  Please head over to the site and subscribe to Ian’s Podcast.  His Thursday show has Allen Buckner and they talk about the HP update to WHS.

I recently picked up a Windows Mobile 6 PDA Phone.  It’s the HTC PPC680 touchscreen.  Since I got this I obviously want to look at my sites on the mobile so I have enabled mobile on this site.  There are two different modes, iPhone and Windows based PDA.  I don’t have an iPhone so will someone with the iPhone jump on the site and give me some feedback?  I’m enjoying the new HTC and look forward to testing Mesh as well as using it with WHS and Media Center.

Listen to the end of the show to find out how to access Windows Home Server PVConnect for the HP MediaSmart Server VIA a web browser instead of the WHS Console.

New version of Home computer restore CD for Windows Home Server.

Deep Burner - CD/DVD Burning software.  It’s free and you can get it here.

Add-In: Media Connect Controller

PVConnect Review - You are going to need these links!

PVConnects official forum

MediasmartServer.net Forums - Look in Software

Here is a screen capture of the Add a Shared Folder box in PVConnect.  As I stated on the podcast if you click the folder name in the top portion and then change the content type in the bottom box, your folder selection will reset and you will not be adding the folder you selected.

PP1 External Backup

MSWHS.com mentions Paul Therrott’s Supersite for Windows PP1 Backup article

Did you know that you can add an external drive to your WHS and use it as an external backup solution and not have to format the drive?  

Normally, when you add a drive to the storage pool WHS formats it and adds it up.  If you attach an external drive to WHS you have the option of formatting it and adding it to the pool or using it as an External Back Up Drive.

When properly added it gives you the option of formatting the drive or preserving the files that are already on it.  That is very nice.  When you backup your WHS shares to the external they are visible on any computer you should plug the drive into.  So if you have sensitive information and take the drive to an off site location remember that.  If you would like to read more about this topic check the blog for a link to Edward Casiti’s blog.

He has a good writeup and shares his thoughts about the backup process.

Lastly, I need to thank Microsoft.  For some odd reason this whole bug experience has raised my awareness on backing up my precious photos and videos.  I’ll never again feel 100% secure and safe about my files.  Never.  Not that this is a bad thing and a ding against Microsoft.  This is just probably how you should feel if you really care about your data.

Don’t forget to vote for the podcast at podcast alley and send me your feedback, good or bad.

Dave

 

 The Home Server Show 11 - Power Pack 1 Extravaganza: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

TheHome Server Show 10 - News and Review

Today we will be discussing the news and going over an external eSata enclosure.

MSWHS - Hi Grade Home Server Review

PCMag(I referred to it as PCWeek in the podcast) Home Server Build

HomeServerHacks.com - Home Server Build (Updated)

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 500GB 3.5″ SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
- $74.99 July 18th price is $79.99

Review
Rosewill RX-358-S BLK (Black) 3.5″ SATA to USB & eSATA Ext. Enclosure w/Int.80mm fan

Price - $44.99

Contents List:
External Enclosure
AC power adapter
eSATA Cable
eSATA Bracket
USB Cable
Screws

Warranty – 1 Year Parts and Labor
NewEgg Customer reviews – There are 135 and 70% are 5 Eggs.
I chose this drive because it mostly resemble the WHS, it has a Fan,a fan on/off switch, a case on /off switch, USB, and eSata ports, and comes with PC eSata bracket.

The feel of the case material was good and it was sturdy. The drive slid in very nicely and the case did not feel cheap. I have some super cheap IDE external cases that I wouldn’t wish upon anyone!

WHS recognizes the drive just fine. This is not PP1 so I can’t use it as a backup external and I don’t want to add it to my drive pool for this review. The OS will not have it registered as a drive without a little work. I partitioned and formatted the drive via Server 2003 Disk Management. Assigned it a drive letter and now it’s visible under My Computer. This was all done via a remote desktop session to the server.
A non-scientific* data transfer test was performed with the unit using a Western Digital WD5000AAKS, 500Gigabyte, 7200 RPM, 16MB cache, SATA Hard drive AND, a HP EX-470.
13 Gig File transfer via eSata – 4 Minutes, 7 seconds.
13 Gig File transfer via USB – 8 Minutes, 43 seconds.
The eSata is a full 4 and a half minutes faster than USB. We all know it’s faster but here is “real world” trial with the Windows Home Server.
*This was timed via stopwatch and not the file transfer “Time Remaining” indicator. I did notice however, the time remaining predictor was all over the place with the USB connection transfer. The eSata transfer was much more reliable.

Conclusion
I find that this external drive case satisfies the requirements in which I purchased it for. I wanted it to closely resemble the HP MediaSmart Server and also have a fan, USB, and eSata connectors. The bonus of this case is the fan’s on/off switch. I also found it nice that an eSata expansion adapter was included for a full size PC.
The speed of eSata compared to USB is a no brainer. The million dollar question is will I use the drive on the eSata port? Probably not. Seeing those speeds I will save this port for a multiple drive enclosure that I will add larger drives to my WHS data pool. This enclosure will find a nice cozy USB port and it will be a PP1 external drive. Meaning, I will back up the entire WHS with this drive when PP1 is fully released.
The fan is a bit loud but I’m thankful to have it. You could fry an egg on some of the older enclosures I used to run. The last thing, it’s a bit clunky looking and I could do without the bright blue LED’s.

It’s not a big deal since I’m after function, not form but it’s not the prettiest and the “nuclear” bright LED’s will be way too bright at night if your server is visible. Speaking of LED’s, there are two on the enclosure. My unit only had one working but I was thankful for that. Lastly, $44.99 is a tad on the high side. I would like to see that price come down around $5.00.
Overall it’s a great enclosure and I would recommend it if you are in the market for one.

Purchase this enclosure:
Rosewill RX-358-S BLK (Black) 3.5″ SATA to USB & eSATA Ext. Enclosure w/Int.80mm fan - Retail



Rosewill RX-358-S BLK (Black) 3.5″ SATA to USB & eSATA Ext. Enclosure w/Int.80mm fan - Retail Rosewill RX-358-S BLK (Black) 3.5″ SATA to USB & eSATA Ext. Enclosure w/Int.80mm fan - Retail

 

 TheHome Server Show 10 - News and Review: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Home Server Show 9 - MSS Fan Control

Today’s show will cover a bit of news and e-mail as well as a review of the Windows Home Server Add-In MSS Fan Control.

Should WHS and MCE be combined? The debate rages on.

Add-In: Logpoint Performance Monitor 3.0 Beta

Add-In: TV Manager Beta 3

Sharing printers with WHS

Backup Hacks

Add-In: MSS Fan Control

MSS Fan Control is an Add-In for the Microsoft Windows Home Server
Operating System. It is designed to work exclusively with the HP
MediaSmart Server EX47x models, and will not work with any other WHS systems.

MSS Fan Control allows the user to easily control the speed of the
upper and lower exhaust fans of the MediaSmart Server. It also allows
the user to configure the speed and temperature thresholds that determine
how the fan speed should increase as the CPU temperature rises.

Don’t forget to vote at Podcast Alley.

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Home Server Show 8 - 4th of July Edition

Add-In: TV Manager

Add-In: VPop3

Add-In: Download Manager v2.3

Add-In: MSS Fan Control

Don’t forget about the NewEgg EX470 deal. Click this link
HP MediaSmart Server EX 470 and use Promo Code “HP75MS” for $75 off!  The shipping is free and will total up to $464!  That’s a great deal but it only lasts until July 8th so don’t wait!

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Home Server Show 7 - AutoExit2008

Today’s show features news and an interview with Nick Asseloos.  Nick is the author of the popular Add-In AutoExit2008

Nick, WeGotServed.co.uk, and The Home Server Show are proud to announce the release of AutoExit2008R2.  Nick’s hard work has paid off with a great Add-In for the WHS community.  Listen to the Nick’s thoughts on the Add-In and click over to WGS to download it free-of-charge.

HP MediaSmart Server Webinar - Catch the webinar that aired on June 25th.

If you are an Add-In author and would like to have your Add-In featured on the podcast please contact me.  If you are a Blog owner, Podcaster, or other Guru and would like to do a segment on the podcast please contact me.

Check out the deal on HP’s MediaSmartServer at NewEgg.com.  Keep scrolling on homeservershow.com for the Promo Code.

Don’t forget to vote for the show at Podcast Alley.  I’m hoping you can help jump the show up a few spots from 988th place!

 

 The Home Server Show 7 - AutoExit2008R2: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Home Server Show Podcast 6 - News and Add-Ins.

This week we will go over storage news, PP1, and many Add-Ins for Windows Home Server.

Links:

AutoExit 2008R2 for WHS from ASoft

WD’s new MyBook Mirror

Media Center Extender Shootout

Add-In: LogPoint Performance Monitor

Add-In: Whiist - Website Management Add-In for Windows Home Server

Add-In: WHS DupFileManager

Add-In: Disk Management

Add-In: Lightsout
LightsOut is a power management add-in that allows you to place your home server in sleep or hibernation at scheduled times.

WinDirStat WinDirStat is a disk usage statistics viewer and cleanup tool for Microsoft Windows

Stay tuned for the next couple of shows. I’ve got some great interviews lined up with some Add-In developers that you will not want to miss. We may launch a few Add-Ins and possibly give away some software. Stay tuned!

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download