2010-04-01, 22:40
I will cast a vote for Windows Home Server. I have been running a home built box since the beta and love it. I also have experience with the HP Mediasmart and really think it is the best network storage solution out there for the money.
I setup a MediaSmart on a very non-techie friends network more than two years ago and have not had to do anything to it, other than turn it on after power outages and add drives to it. They forget it is there. "oh, the little box in the spare bedroom"
You do not get a traditional raid, but, you do decide what folders to backup and it will do this automatically while serving all your network media needs AND automatically backing up all computers on your network.
The bonus is that if you lose a backed up computer, it is VERY simple to get it back with the server recovery feature. Also, if you want to upgrade your system drive, this is the same as a backup and painless. I have recovered from two hard drive failures with my WHS.
To me, this may be the most overlooked software/hardware solution out there.
I setup a MediaSmart on a very non-techie friends network more than two years ago and have not had to do anything to it, other than turn it on after power outages and add drives to it. They forget it is there. "oh, the little box in the spare bedroom"
You do not get a traditional raid, but, you do decide what folders to backup and it will do this automatically while serving all your network media needs AND automatically backing up all computers on your network.
The bonus is that if you lose a backed up computer, it is VERY simple to get it back with the server recovery feature. Also, if you want to upgrade your system drive, this is the same as a backup and painless. I have recovered from two hard drive failures with my WHS.
To me, this may be the most overlooked software/hardware solution out there.
