Windows Home Server is an option!

Being a systems administrator, I was looking for a trial version of windows server 2003 or 2008.  I happened to come across Windows Home Server.

When I started my research I thought that this was going to be a rinky dinky system, and not able to control the ascpects that I was looking for.  I was soon learn that I was wrong.

I was not interested in setting up an entire domain, and more interested in a standalone NAS server.  I found the Acer Apsire H340 and I quickly purchased it online.  When the unit arrived, I was pleasantly surprised at the level of control that I had over the system, and that I was able to place 4 2 TB drives into the unit.

Although the unit doesný have a proper raid configuration, I have been able to setup different backup types on machine, and the files are copied to different drives that are hot swapable.  The noise coming from the unit is very low, and it is on all the time, as I primarily use it as a Media Server.

Installing the client onto my laptops enables me to easily connect to it, and have automatic backups of my machines performed and completed simplifing my life.

Since the drives are setup as shares based on types, connecting to the them is a snap even for unseasoned users.

I’ll go into the admin functions a little more as I use them more, and give you more info shortly.