Windows Home Server Power Pack 2

An article by Paul    Comments Off

Yesterday I installed the latest power pack for my WHS.

This is a welcome update to the OS adding much sought after functionality in areas of client connector robustness and support for boxes running MCE or extenders seeking content from a WHS.

Prior to PP2 you could access WHS content (movies, pictures and music) via the Xbox 360 media interface or opt to enable the guest account on your WHS in order for your extender / MCE box to find it.

PP2 fixes this and enables a much improved MCE extender end user experience. From your newly upgraded WHS options menus you can select full, read only or no access to just about any folder / share on your server.

The next version of WHS (Vail) is attracting increasing attention in a number of home server forums around the globe.

The thing to watch with this next major iteration will be how far team Microsoft chooses to go with the seemingly inevitable blending of MCE and WHS functionality.

Whilst most end users agree a merging of ‘the best of’ would be ideal – a MS sales & marketing guru intent on maximising potential sales opportunities may plump for as larger separation of SKU as possible.

Watch this space.