Microsoft Windows Home Server 2011 (OEM) $32 After $10 rebate

[vshah]

Same here - I've had zero issues with WHS 2007, and I look being able to pool up 5 random hard drives. For me, the loss of drive extender ruins it, but the next version of Home server should have an even better version of drive extender.

really? linky please!

 

[Binky]

really? linky please!

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5307/windows-8s-storage-spaces-detailed

 

[vshah]

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5307/windows-8s-storage-spaces-detailed

Well, that just sold win 8 for me, thx

 

[Jiggz]

This is piracy.

What is the problem here? You spend $500 for a GPU and don't wanna spend for OS?

But if the GPU is less than $500 it's no piracy then?

 

[DerKaiser]

You are one of the lucky ones. From http://www.mediasmarthome.com/artic...om-Windows-Home-Server-What-You-Need-to-Know/ :

"not everyone using a 64-bit OS will have restoration issues. Like a Windows installation disc, the Windows Home Server PC restore disc includes a wide variety of 32-bit drivers that supports a wide variety of PC hardware. If compatible drivers for your PCs essential hardware are included, you'll be just fine."

I was not so lucky. I had no problem restoring an old 32-bit Athlon era XP machine, but I had no luck restoring any modern dual-core 64-bit machines running Win7 pro.

I just did my first restore from WHS 1.1 yesterday. It did work on my 64 bit Windows 7 Home Premium, quad core modern machine, but it was definitely more of a hassle than it should have been. It seems like most people have problems with restoring because of Realtek driver issues. The funny thing is, Microsoft is aware of the issue, but IMO, the solution they recommend is quite kludgy. They should fix the issue with a patch or update.

 

[txlonghorn]

It seems like most people have problems with restoring because of Realtek driver issues. The funny thing is, Microsoft is aware of the issue, but IMO, the solution they recommend is quite kludgy. They should fix the issue with a patch or update.

Yup. That's the problem for me. I am pretty sure all my machines have Realtek Gigabit NIC. It is not like Realtek is a 3rd-tier company. It is a big name player. Thanks for the info. I may give that a try next time.

 

[PokerGuy]

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5307/windows-8s-storage-spaces-detailed

Thanks for the link, I had not seen that before. That's excellent, all those older drives I have laying around will finally be useful again when I dump them all into one old machine for pooled storage with lots of redundancy.

 

[fei_xng]

Did you seriously just call that piracy? That is what most people do with family pack.

Does "family" in this case have a clear legal definition?

 

[fei_xng]

This is piracy.

What is the problem here? You spend $500 for a GPU and don't wanna spend for OS?

Exactly why he needs to share with a buddy

 

[Jiggz]

Does "family" in this case have a clear legal definition?

Try buying a family pack and if they ask for proof for a family, then maybe there is a definition for a "family". When you buy student software they ask for proof like student ID or school email. I bought a family pack and the only thing they asked is my credit card and shipping address. And I'm single! So is that piracy?

 

[HybridSquirrel]

WHS is pretty much only useful as a home server for automated backups, NAS that sort of thing. It does have a desktop environment, however it isn't like Windows 7 despite its appearance. It is essentially Windows server 2008 r2 with some UI mods.

In any case, it would be a better decision to pay for W7 Home Premium for $60 more, if you are planning on using it for desktop tasks.

Source: My experience.

and isn't windows server 2008 available through dreamspark? I thought about jumping on this deal.

 

[formulav8]

Pliz, I don't see how using the up to 3 users on the family pack is piracy. Whether its a friend or your mom. You basically pay for a 3 user upgrade license. 3 users. When you activate, I don't think microsoft asks whether your a friend or a daughter. Neither when you buy it. Unlike true specific, restrictions based software like for students and such.

 

[wirednuts]

of course its piracy its the same thing as bringing your friend to dennys and ordering the family platter. you split the bill with your friend and you go to jail. duh.

 

[Jiggz]

of course its piracy its the same thing as bringing your friend to dennys and ordering the family platter. you split the bill with your friend and you go to jail. duh.

I guess the wierdness and nutiness rules!