Although there’s a big and growing community of Windows Home Server users on the internet, I’ve yet to met one in the flesh. Given that WHS has been in the wild for around 6 months now, I’m a bit surprised. Yes, home servers are a ‘new’ concept, but I’d assumed that once users understood the benefits they would be snapping them up:
- remotely access all files and PC
- Backup multiple PCs
- Share files efficiently around the home
- Low cost
My WHS box has proven invaluable for me. It’s allowed me to get improved access to my media files around the home via my HTPCs, as well as allowing friends and family access to music and photos. The backups came in very handy when my girlfriend lost her dissertation, that was ready on the WHS box to be restored.
If you think all of this comes at a cost, then this guide proves that you can build a WHS for around $400. My WHS cost even less as I cannabilised parts from other PCs. All of my files now sit on the server and I love that no matter which PC I use within my flat, or anywhere in the world, I can access all of my files and PCs.
