If you need a server for network and PC management, but have yet to take the plunge, look no further. Microsoft Windows Home Server is simple to set up and even simpler to use. And although I won’t recommend it, Home Server software can even be installed on a PC you already have in your home office, on a PC that is not currently in use.
Windows Home Server Backup lets you back up entire PCs the first time you run the program, and then performs ongoing incremental backups per your preferences. It offers a way to restore individual files and folders too; you don’t have to backup an entire system to find a single lost file.
As noted, it’s easy to use too. After installation and setup, which takes about a half hour to an hour, you will launch the Windows Home Server management console from any one of your networked (and protected) PCs. Each has an icon in the notification area which is accessible from any computer. Once you log in log in, you’ll have access to the Windows Home Server Console. [See Image 1]
Using the console you can configure backups and setting from four tabs: Computers & Backups, User Accounts, Shared Folders, and Server Storage. Listed next is what you can expect from each.
Computers & Backup
This is where you’ll manage all connected PCs. You can back them up, restore them, or choose what part of each PC to back up. There’s a Backup Configuration Wizard, which will guide you through any backup processes you’d like to perform
User Accounts
This is where you create user accounts to allow people on your next to access the home server. You will likely create and account for each person in your home office.
Shared Folders
Here, you'll see all of the shared folders that you’ve designated or configured on the home server. You can create duplicates of data if you have two hard disks, and you can add and configure shares from here too.
Server Storage
This is where you can see a list of all of the hard drives that are attached to your server, and add new storage.
There’s also a Settings feature. Here you can change any of the available settings including:
* Date and time, region, Windows Update, and more.
* Backup time and strategies.
* Password policies
* Media sharing settings and restrictions
* Remote access settings and restrictions.
* Windows Home Server add-ins.
Windows Home Server makes it easy to create a backup strategy and stick with it. This is mainly because once its set up, it’s done. There’s not monitoring on your part, and in fact, once it’s set up, the Home Server doesn’t even require a monitor, keyboard, or mouse be connected to it!
