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A Server at Home?

I often ask members of the public if they have a computer at home - regardless of age I rarely get told no and on many occasions I am informed that they have multiple computers.  I'm sure there are many families that have a computer for each member in the family to prevent squabbles of whose turn it is.

Today's modern home environment is made up of multiple computers and TVs, high speed internet, digital media (music, videos and pictures), and gaming consoles.

Before the end of 2007 Microsoft will release Windows Home Server software to pave the way for home computer users to connect multiple devices and to get the benefits that businesses have enjoyed for many years.

A Server is a bit like a warehouse that holds and distributes information and services to outlets (computers and other devices on the network).

The Server is controlled and configured via a Windows Home Server Console accessible via another computer in the house.  This allows new users to be set-up, controls user access to files, manages storage of files, back-up and security management, amongst other things.

Microsoft Home Server will provide the following benefits:
•    Enable you to link all techie devices (computers, TVs, printers, home entertainment systems, gaming consoles, etc) together.
•    One centralised storage facility will enable the family to share all files including pictures, music and video files.
•    You can access your home files, from anywhere in the world, if you have access to the internet.  This will enable you to download or upload files from any home computers.
•    It is expected the software will include a family scheduler to co-ordinate family member whereabouts.
•    To keep family memories safe backups can be swift, automated and centralised.
•    For extra data security, multiple mirrored drives are installed.  So as you create new files or make changes to existing ones data is automatically stored in two places.  If one drives fails the other will ensure all is not lost.
•    Software is installed on the server, so upgrades take place on one machine for the entire network of users.
•    Printers become a shared resource which every computer in the house can use.

The challenge for Microsoft will be to develop a normally complex server solution into a user friendly environment so mum, dad, and the kids can easily maximize the functionality that a server can offer.