Thursday, 14 June 2007

Microsoft Opens Home Server RC1 To Beta

Microsoft has opened its much-awaited Windows Home Server Release Candidate 1 to beta testing. It will be available to all beta testers and for those that sign up.

Home Server RC1 is designed to allow access to files over local network and gives users access from anywhere in the world via a secure web access, providing users free reign over their machine. It can be installed on any PC in home network.

MS only released the Beta back in January. Home Servers fast development cycle is attributed to the fact that it is based on Windows Server 2003 R2, minus some complexity and customisable options.

But that doesn’t mean there are no interesting features. Microsoft says, “More than just storage, Windows Home Server uniquely provides pre-defined shared folders, such as “Music” or “Photos” making it easier to organise and find your files. Windows Home Server also features simple storage extensibility, and built-in search capabilities… Also, in a Windows Home Server device with two or more hard drives, you can elect to duplicate folders. This prevents you from losing any photos, music, or other files stored in a folder that has “duplication” enabled, if a hard drive fails.”