Windows Home Server
As my home network has grown and my paranoia of losing data has increased, I have decided to get some central storeage… I have looked at standard NAS devices and almost purchased a DLink system. Then I realized there is no way I can get my wife to manually backup her data on a consistent basis. I have also had low success with with backup software and not overwriting good data and keeping it sync’d between multiple devices. So after some reading it looks like I will go with a Windows Home Server.
Now the problem is which way to go about the process! Should I home build, buy and Acer or a HP?
Option #1 – Home build
Building my own has some distinct advantages. 1) I can choose the hardware and build a box to my tastes. 2) Low cost of materials makes it very feasible. The disadvantages are also there.. 1) There is now warranty, except what I get with the purchase. 2) No support except for forums and my brain… Overall it is not a big deal for the warranty and support, I am pretty solid on my hardware and software skills.
Option #2 – Acer H340
The Acer seems like a good mix between a home build and the HP. It has the advantage of a nice box, simple hardware and good specs. I am concerned about the Atom processor being so low of power. I have little experience with Atom processors and Acer, so that is the major fear for me (crap products?). Acer tends to have a good reputation, but then again so did Packard Bell when I bought their computer in 1993. The Acer is also nice because it has so few “crapware” products that have been added. I have learned to dislike the crapware that Dell, HP and "others” put on computers. I like a basic XP/Vista/Win7 install, because things just run better. I like the Acer idea, but just don’t know Acer; so I am hesitant in purchasing.
Option #3 – HP Ex485
I generally like HP, not the laptop keyboards, but in general they make a good product. The HP’s are well rated, but many in the forums I have read are not happy about the long term support for the product. Updates seem to be an issue… The consensus is that HP has made some excellent add-ins for their machines in regards to multimedia. Since I want a machine to backup computers and server media to various computers and the Xbox 360, HP has a keen interest from me.
There a few pieces for me to resolve when it comes to the Windows Home Server.
1) I need to backup a remote computer at my sisters (10 mile away). Hamachi seems to answer the issue since it would put that computer in my network via VPN. It is free for my use and I also use LogMeIn, so that is fine. I would make an image on the local network and then just have the basic backups over the WAN network.
2) Can I setup the home server to rip CDs and DVDs (legally) to be streamed across my network (gigabit)? I would love to use the home server for this or at least rip and store on the sever and not a PC. The server is for storage and not the PCs, so can it hold all data and let me sync just small portions to laptops? Sort of like what you do with an MP3 player when you have more media than space on it….
3) Offsite storage, this is an issue incase of fire, tornado, or a general act of God. Excluding the second coming (), I would like to backup pictures and a few documents. I know Amazon has S3, but maybe I can us my shared hosting account. I already pay for that…
4) Document management… This is a big issue for my life and I would like to find a solution! I need to store college writings, business writings and personal writings for both me and the wife. Eventually I will need to add the kids and maybe my sister/nephew. So whatever path works, I hope to be able to use the WHS.
5) Nice if… It would be nice to have a central calendar for the family. Something that we just sync all our appointments to.
6) Finally, I want to know if there is going to be a WHS 2009 or 2010. If so, is my hardware going to be able to run it. I don’t want to have to buy a new system. The only way to make sure of that is to build it myself.
Those are my thoughts for now… I am hoping that either Newegg.com has another great deal on the Acer H340 (free 1tb drive), I find out if HP is going to make new boxes for this year, or I see a good sale for a DIY box.
When I decide the path to take, I will make a documentary on my system.
Related posts:
- Windows Home Server: 60 Days Later
- Windows Home Server: The Reason to Own One
- Windows Home Server (Part II)
- WHS (Part III): That was fast!
- Windows 7: Welcome to x64 Life