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Richard is Computerworld’s Junior Content Manager and occasional reporter and blogger, responsible for making sure the site is full of the latest and greatest technology news from around the world. Richard joined Computerworld from the world of PR, which he likes to think of as like leaving the Empire to join the Rebel Alliance. Richard is interested in open source, new technology and science, and the world of mobile. He’s also partial to all things geek, happiest when discussing the finer points of science fiction or playing a video game or two. Catch up with him lurking on Computerworld’s Facebook page.
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Linked-in ProfileMicrosoft launches new Windows Home Server preview
Only for the bold of heart
Published 16:35, 19 August 10
Microsoft has released a preview build of the new edition of it's next Windows Home Server product, codenamed 'Vail'.
I've spent some time with earlier versions of WHS myself, and I've found it to be a great, if frustrating product. While the interface is great, and integration with Windows clients on a local network was fantastic, there were some problems, including the infamous data corruption bug.
Check out our review of the HP MediaSmart Home Server to see what we thought of the original release of WHS.
Thankfully, later releases seem to have stemmed that particular problem, and done something to remedy the instability that my test units showed. So my main bone of contention, the only thing that still leaves me recommending a Linux-based home server, is the lack of apps and add-ins developed for the OS.
Thankfully, the community has responded with some great apps, and Microsoft seems to be making an effort to open the latest version up to more app developers. 'Vail' could be the OS that finally does home media/backup/streaming/file serving not only well, but with a simple and easy to grasp UI.
Remember, this is an early, unstable build, so use at your own risk. And let me know what you think in the comments.
Read more on the release at Ars Technica
I've spent some time with earlier versions of WHS myself, and I've found it to be a great, if frustrating product. While the interface is great, and integration with Windows clients on a local network was fantastic, there were some problems, including the infamous data corruption bug.
Check out our review of the HP MediaSmart Home Server to see what we thought of the original release of WHS.
Thankfully, later releases seem to have stemmed that particular problem, and done something to remedy the instability that my test units showed. So my main bone of contention, the only thing that still leaves me recommending a Linux-based home server, is the lack of apps and add-ins developed for the OS.
Thankfully, the community has responded with some great apps, and Microsoft seems to be making an effort to open the latest version up to more app developers. 'Vail' could be the OS that finally does home media/backup/streaming/file serving not only well, but with a simple and easy to grasp UI.
Remember, this is an early, unstable build, so use at your own risk. And let me know what you think in the comments.
Read more on the release at Ars Technica
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