Windows Home Server

Ultra Simple Server for Home

Microsoft unveiled the Windows Home Server at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

Here is a device that we all knew would be coming, we just didn't know when.

You might even call it Convergence for the Home

Say goodbye to your data??

"Wait! I thought this was about computer backup, now I'm losing my data?"
Well, not exactly. What used to be data is what Microsoft seems to want us to refer to as "digital content". Personally, I've thought for a long time that Bill Gates just enjoys saying the word "content".

Quoting Bill from his CES keynote:

"As computers and digital media become more and more central to family life, we need better ways to organize, share and protect digital content and information at home."

"Do I have to hire a Computer Consultant to run it?

Not at all. Just keep my website bookmarked and you'll be fine! Microsoft has designed this system to be ultra simple to administer, in fact, with just a few "wizards".

As I understand it, drive letters won't even be used, just simple shared folders. A pie chart will indicate when more storage is needed. More storage can simply be purchased and plugged in, ready to go in moments with no other user interaction than maybe the click of a button.

Let's look at the highlights of Windows Home Server

• Offered through hardware partners such as HP.
• "Always On" device requiring no ongoing administration.
• Connection by either network cable or wireless.
• Will serve as computer backup device for every PC in the home, with rollback points to known good instances. Automatically.
• Serve up media content to any appropriate device for playback.
• Access from anywhere in the world with Windows Live.
• Entry point of approximately $500.
• Can be accessed by Mac's also the same as any other Windows share.

This is exciting stuff without question. Can Microsoft actually deliver? We'll see, but initial indications look pretty good.

It wouldn't surprise me if the experts might not be a little frustrated here and there, but for the novice or user who just doesn't want to be bothered with the technology side, Windows Home Server looks to be a real winner.

Keep checking back for more news on this new entry into the computing field.