Despite much gnashing of teeth and rending of garments by the WHS enthusiast community, Microsoft has seen fit to excise the much-loved Drive Extender (DE) storage replication and expansion feature from WHS 2011. The biggest and most controversial change in WHS 2011 concerns how it utilizes storage space. Thankfully, this is no longer the case in WHS 2011 server backups now include the OS files and server settings and they automatically take place twice daily–at Noon and 11PM, though you can customize both the frequency and timing of backups. Conversely, a big weakness is that a backup of the actual server itself must be manually initiated, and server backups only include client backups and the contents of shared data folders, not the operating system and configuration settings (such as user accounts, etc.). One of the biggest strengths of the current WHS is its automatic backup of client PCs.

Alerts can now be delivered through e-mail as well as via the client software, which makes it easier to keep tabs on network status when you’re not connected to it. The Launchpad can also be extended to allow access to OEM server customizations or third-party software add-ins.įor administrative access to the server, the Dashboard takes the place of the current WHS Console utility and mostly mimics its predecessor’s look and feel.

backup or AV software out-of-date) and gives users easy access to server data and features such as shared folders, backups, Remote Web Access (more on that later), etc. A new client utility called the Launchpad delivers health alerts about the system and server (e.g. WHS 2011’s client software can now be installed directly via a browser, and both Windows and Mac systems are supported (the existing 10 user limit remains in place). (To facilitate sharing and streaming, WHS 2011 supports DLNA 1.5 and can participate in Windows 7 HomeGroups). Upon completing installation, WHS 2011 provides a checklist of (and convenient links to) the initial configuration tasks that should be performed, such as configuring server backups, enabling remote access, and setting up file sharing and media streaming options. Microsoft has done much to simplify the process of getting WHS 2011–and the systems you’ll connect to it–up and running. To be sure, WHS 2011 addresses most of its predecessor’s biggest shortcomings, though not all of the changes are necessarily for the better. Formerly known by its “Vail” code name, Windows Home Server 2011 delivers a number of major improvements, not the least of which is that it sports 64-bit Windows Server 2008 R2 under the hood–a major step up from the 32-bit Windows Server 2003 that underpins the current version. It’s been a long time coming, but the next version of Microsoft’s Windows Home Server is finally poised to make its debut this month. The latest version of Windows Home Server adds a lot of features–and subtracts a big one too.

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