Windows 7: Windows Home Server 2011

I see Windows Home Server 2011 is $52.99 on Amazon, while Windows 7 Home Premium is $99.99. I understand generally that the two versions are targeted for
different uses, but ..... what's wrong with using WHS 2011 on a workstation/PC?
Is WHS 2011 missing important features for normal PC users? Thx, Gus

It is missing some features, but mainly the compatibility will be issues. It is a server OS, meaning you'll need server-compatible system utilities. WHS is also designed to be headless, and managed remotely.

The main point is, if you go to the store looking for a hammer, don't buy a screw driver just because it's cheaper. Use the right tool for the job.

Windows Home Server is designed to be a file server, backup sever and streaming server for your home network. It's not designed or intended to be used as a desktop. I would not suggest trying to use it as such.

WHS 2011 has Internet Explorer, Media Player but not Media Center - and is x64 only.

Have just got WHS after my FreeNas failed and I couldn't recover any data due to lack of Linux know-how.

WHS seems ok for the price, if you need a server.

That is a huge bummer man.

As a word of advice to anybody, these home servers and NAS solutions require you to "backup" your data regularly. They are not a replacement for a good backup strategy. They can and do fail from time to time. Even with a RAID array that is mirrored, I would still make regular backups of my data.

Thanks for the advice.

Still testing WHS - currently resynching 3 x 1TB Raid-5 (30% after 5 hours). Final setup will depend on the Raid-5 performance. Might add an external HDD.

My FreeNas was 4 x1TB as one big drive, so with the files scattered about and the unfathomable Linux error msgs I was up the creek etc. and prob would have had more chance of recovery of files from Windows disks hence the WHS.

'2 kinds of people in this world - those who once lost all their data, and those still to lose all their data'