Updated: July 11, 2020 (April 18, 2011)

Windows SBS Home Server Updated

Michael analyzed and wrote about Microsoft's operating systems, including the Windows client OS, as well as compliance and governance. Michael... more

Windows Home Server 2011, an updated version of Home Server based on Windows Server 2008 R2, helps consumers share data and media and monitor the health of PCs in a multi-PC home environment. Although Home Server 2011 is the second version of Home Server, current users may have to upgrade their existing hardware because it uses a 64-bit version of Windows. Home Server 2011, which lost a feature popular with beta testers during final testing, was released to OEMs in Apr. 2011 and should be available preinstalled on server hardware in the second quarter of 2011.

A Server for Consumers

Consumers will be interested in Home Server 2011 (previously code-named Vail) primarily for media sharing and PC health monitoring.

Media Sharing

Home Server can centrally store a family’s photos, music, and videos so they can be accessed from any PC in the home, or streamed to an Xbox or digital media receiver. Improved support for the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) version 3.0 has been added so Home Server can be a digital media server and stream media to other DLNA-compatible devices, including TVs, stereos, and an Xbox 360 (acting as a Windows Media Center Extender).

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