Windows Home Server 2011

codyw · 01 Nov 2012

Although this is not related to the Windows 7 OS, I do have a question regarding the Windows Home Server 2011 software. I have bought this software online today and was wondering if anyone has used it and/or has had great success with it. I was thinking about running it and deploying its features/functions across my network through a virtual machine. Would this be a good or bad idea? Essentially, the VM would only be ran when a network machine was needed. The alternative was going to be using an XP tower that's about 6 years old and I don't know if I would trust it on for 12-24 hours because of its age.

Any suggestions?

richnrockville · 02 Nov 2012

Cody, Windows server 2011 is a subset of server 2008. It works fine as it will allow you to backup your local machines and allow the sharing of files. It should be on a separate machine that is on all the time. Not a VM as that would not be as reliable as a separate computer.
Just install it on a separate machine and make sure that the ventilation is good.

Rich

codyw · 02 Nov 2012

Would using the old tower I have be suitable then? Age was a concern since it would have to be on all the time.

Alejandro85 · 03 Nov 2012

The main point of building a server is precisely to have it running 24/7, so that you always have a remote backup available, plus any other things you may want to put there.

I would reuse the old hardware for that. Since servers essentially don't need to be that powerful, more for a home one, and you can put good use on that box. 6 years old is not that old anyway, if properly cared it can server well for much time. The only thing I might be concerned about failing is the hard disk which has mechanical parts, so having a good backup would be good idea. Everything else may last years.

codyw · 03 Nov 2012

Thank you. Great advice!