I've written
earlier about a Dell PowerEdge SC440 Server I have that I couldn't find anything to do with.
I would like to announce that my quest for a task is over. May I introduce Windows Home Server:
You can add one of these to your home network with ease, and it takes care of file duplication and backups automatically. In my opinion this is the best product for consumers that Microsoft has come up with in a very long time.
The architecture is based on Windows Server 2003 (the startup splashscreen tells us that), which is a proven operating system as it is in use very widely throughout the enterprise market. If you use multiple Windows systems and/or have an Xbox 360 that you want to access videos and pictures from, this is your answer. HP has them for about $599, but you'll need a second hard drive for the duplication capability. The two-hard disk model is $749, and that's two 500GB hard drives, plus room for two more. If that somehow is not enough, it accepts external drives as well.
If a disk fails, you'll get a message. Simply replace the drive and start the server again. It automatically rebuilds the disk and balances the storage.
You don't need a monitor or keyboard after it's set up. Just put it in a closet and plug it in to the network. Install the client software on each computer in the house, and go. Backups run at night, and everything (if you so choose) placed on the file server is duplicated (if so capable).
You can even access your Home Server from afar. With a little bit of configuration, you can access your files on the server and even upload new ones from anywhere you might find yourself. I have already found this useful.
Rehberg Technology can also provide, configure, and install the Home Server.
