Home Server Show

HP Update Slowing down MediaSmart Windows Home Servers?

In Podcast 11 I reported a slowdown of my HP Media Smart Server after installing PVConnect.  I attributed this to PVConnect creating a database of the many Photos, Videos, and Music files I have stored on my MSS.  I viewed it as a normal process.  Indexing takes CPU cycles and hits the hard drives hard.

Engadget is reporting much worse symptoms but it seems they are reporting issues with both PVConnect installed and the new McAfee Antivirus Add-In installed.  This would certainly make sense but you would think this issue would have been addressed. The MS and HP bashers are having fun with the comments section.  “Doood, Leeeenix can cure that.”  Oh, sorry, I’m supposed to be professional.  Give me a break though Linux guy.

A good explanation of the slowdown can be found at withinwindows.com as reported by mswhs.com.  Could we see an officially supported RAM Upgrade procedure from HP?  I hardly think so but it’s looking more likely that my virgin MSS is soon to be violated.

Here is your chance…sound off about the new Add-Ins and the HP Update in general.  Did you have the cajones to install both Add-Ins?  At the same time?

Tags: HP Update, MSS, WHS

Microsoft Windows Home Server saves the Home Server Podcast!!!

It is true.  Today, I used my Windows Home Server to bail me out and help publish podcast number 5.  Let me set this up, it won’t take long.

I use Audacity to record and mix the podcast.  Audacity creates a project file and a folder of data files for the audio for each recording that you save.  If you save a project you must have both in order to re-open it.  You can open the data files and re-build a project but that is time consuming.

I had previously created the opening sequence of the podcast where the music plays, then the volume lowers while I introduce the podcast and then it resumes normal volume and fades out eventually.  I use this same project for every podcast.  Ok, the scene of the disaster is set.

After recording show 4 I decided to clean up Podcast Land.  Somehow I deleted the data folder leaving only the project file.  Without the data folder, we have no intro.  (Ok, the enthusiasts out there will no doubt be thinking, “Hey Dave, rip the intro from a previous podcast.”)  Yes, I could do that but not when Windows Home Server can save the day!

Instead of spending 10 to 15 minutes re-mixing I simply loaded a backup from about 10 days ago and Bingo!  There was my data folder, all nice and tucked away inside my trusty Windows Home Server.  Drag and drop restore and we now have episode number 5 with my geeky intro.

Big deal?  This instance, no, not really.  But!  If this had been my accounting data, customer data, or other vital files then it would have been a big deal.   This scenario solidifies the reason why I purchased the server, and more importantly why I have embraced the technology and have chosen to spend all this time podcasting about it.  Thank you trusty server.  Rest for now, but wake up tonight at midnight to backup episode 5!

Tags: backup, WHS

PP1 Release - The Home Server Show Podcast wants your feedback

Power Pack 1 Beta has been released to Microsoft Connect.  If you have not signed up to test PP1 you still can by visiting http://connect.microsoft.com

The changes and feature list is impressive.  Click the Blogroll for details on testing PP1.  Better yet, sign up, download, and test!

I would like to hear from you about your PP1 testing, issues, comments, etc.  Send an e-mail, .WAV file, .MP3 file, fax, carrier pigeon, smoke signals, anything!  E-mail is “podcast” ATSign homeservershow.com.

If you get comments to me in the next couple of days I will get them in Show 5.  Thanks everybody!

Tags: PP1, WHS, Windows Home Server

Whole House Music Distribution via Nuvo and Windows Home Server “CE Pro Article “

Nuvo and S1Digital showcased a multiroom audio solution at EHX Spring 2008 that uses Windows Home Server as it’s back end data storage. What is interesting is that the S1Digital WHS uses a sound card to output the streams. I knew that S1Digital had an upcoming WHS but don’t recall any mention of this configuration.

The CE Pro article can be found here.

There is a related slideshow showing all the goods.

Tags: WHS

Killer Deal on HP’s MediaSmart Server at Newegg.com

The HomeServerHacks.com Blog has posted a great deal on a Media Smart Server. I’m not just repeating the deal, I bought one! I am already running the EX475 so this one is not for me. If you search for EX475 on Newegg’s site the Hard Drive deal will be at the bottom. It is a “Refurb” and I didn’t see a choice between the drive and a wireless router but I would have chosen the drive anyway. I am scheduled to receive the hard drive tomorrow so I will post on the outcome.

Update: The WD drive arrived and I couldn’t tell if it was a refurb or not. There were no stickers or mention of it anywhere. Drive is in my server and working fine. Great deal.

Tags: Deals, WHS