Solved Server Software

[HammerHead]

If I was going to build me a home server, what MS server software would I want to use?

 

[Mark Phelps]

Since MS has killed off Windows Home Server, you should read through the linked article to see what to buy now: Windows Server 2012 Essentials: The Home Server Replacement | Windows Server content from Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows

 

[HammerHead]

Okey Doke

I'm downloading a copy now.

 

[Alejandro85]

For a home server, often even the client editions will do perfectly fine, XP or 7 can serve well in a home environment. Windows Home Server is a good dedicated option. A dedicated Windows 2008/2012 seems too much for me, but of course it's possible and a nice way to learn it.
What task will that server have?

 

[HammerHead]

Usage

Pretty simple. Just a Hub for my home computers.

 

[Alejandro85]

I see, then to begin with, I would just go for Windows 7 if things are simple, I don't think that a home can make much use of any extra features of the server-exclusive features (and better alternatives are free anyway). If it proves insufficient you can always upgrade latter.
I would go with at least the professional edition, only to have Terminal Server available so you can manage it remotely from the other computers, but if that's not necessary, even the home editions can work ok.

 

[HammerHead]

Agree

I am tending to agree.

 

[z3r010]

I've just replaced my old home server, as I only use it for sharing etc I opted for Windows 8 on a homegroup rather than WHS2011 or Server essentials and it turned out to be a great move and did everything I needed for a fraction of the cost.

 

[HammerHead]

Overkill

You people have convinced me a server for my use is overkill.

Thank You

 

[bobafetthotmail]

Well, there are plenty of guides to turn oldish PCs into decent home servers running some kind of linux. (In case you don't want to pay a cent)

This for example is a simple NAS and a media streamer to other devices in the house.

This is another.