Media Smart Server with Windows Home Server - Essay Example

The 10/100/1000 Gigabit RJ-45 Ethernet can support both wired and wireless PC's via a wireless router. For storage, the HP EX475 model has two (2) SATA drives of 500 GB each which boosts the storage up to 1 TB. It also has an additional four (4) hard drive bays for additional storage expansion up to 4 TB (terabytes) of maximum storage including all internal and external hard drives. Aside from the internal hard drive slots, additional off-the-shelf SATA I or II drives can be added to expansion bays.

The smooth and streamlined micro-tower design of the casing and chassis really fits home and office use. For peace operation, the perforated steel exterior panels are the ones that provide the cool and quiet activities of the media server. Windows Home ServerThe Windows Home Server is the operating system created by Microsoft which assists the user to centralize and link digital objects. Not only that, but it also enables the user to share, manage, store, access, and protect the precious pictures, videos, music, and files.

FeaturesAs presented by Microsoft, the Windows Home Server offers the following features: (1) computerized backup and simple restore of home computers, (2) access and share computer files inside and outside of the home, (3) longer tenure and ability to meet the needs at present and also in the future. The first feature provides the user with peace of mind because of the automated backup of important files that is secured every day. This feature also gives ease to the user in restoring server settings or a particular file to a previous point in time.

The second feature of the Windows Home Server allows the user to store the files in a central location and access these files from any point in time in any place provided that the main server is powered on. This feature is very important for businesses that are mobile around the world and also makes the users more secured because they are not required to have their computers with them because they can access their files anywhere. The last main feature of this operating system is that the users are encouraged not to change the system as time progresses because they can always upgrade and add more drives for more space on the growing files, pictures, music, and videos.

This can save money in buying another new server system.System RequirementsFor the system requirements, the Windows Home Server requires the processor speed to be at least 1 GHz and above. Aside from the minimum requirement, Windows Home Server recommends a 64-bit processor for future compatibilities with updated versions of Windows. The memory minimum requirement is 512 MB of RAM. For the storage, the minimum requirement is 70 GB of internal (ATA, SATA, or SCSI) primary drive. The operating system recommends the primary drive to be large enough (300GB recommended) in order to ensure transfer multiple and large files to the home server simultaneously.

For networking, Windows Home Server requires a 100 Mbps capacity network interface card for internet and server connection. Other hardware parts needed are internal or external DVD drive for installation of Windows, a compatible mouse, and keyboard.