There is good news if you are one of the many people that purchased a netbook computer over the past while. A home server and a netbook can be a complementary solution. In addition to the image-based backup software included in Windows Home Server, the ability to augment the netbook storage space with a home server is a no-brainer. Shad Larsen commented on this solution in a post, “Making your Netbook functional using Windows 7 and Windows Home Server.”
Photo: Acer Aspire One A150
One of the benefits of a netbook is the small size and portability of the device. However, that size means a smaller screen and less visual real estate for applications. As a result, the Windows Home Server Console may not have displayed correctly on some netbook computers. The latest update, described in the Microsoft Knowledge Base article 963032, enables the Windows Home Server Console to support a resolution of 1024 x 600.
The update will automatically install as part of Windows Update if Automatic Updates is enabled on the home server. (How to turn on automatic updates.) Users can also click Update Now on the Settings tab of the Windows Home Server Console.
- Steven
Earlier this month, Terry Walsh at We Got Served announced the launch of a new Windows Home Server add-in competition. Announcing the Windows Home Server Add-In Idea Challenge ‘09!
With an interesting format, this competition should attract the attention of a broad group of Windows Home Server enthusiasts. As opposed to actually developing the Windows Home Server add-ins, We Got Served is simply looking for the best ideas.
Excerpt from blog post... "You don’t have to be a developer or technically minded to enter. All you need is your creativity and imagination to come up with the best idea for a future Windows Home Server add-in, which will then be coded up and released to the community for all to share."
There is still some time left to submit your ideas! The entry period closes on May 31st, and voting will commence in June. Developer Felix Kollmann (author of Router Control) will turn your idea into reality.
The Windows Home Server team anticipates seeing some terrific ideas from this community-led challenge. The winners may be featured in stories on the Windows Home Server Community web page. We showcase some of the most popular add-ins every month on the Windows Home Server add-ins page and your idea for an add-in may join the ranks of over 100 Windows Home Server add-ins available. For a comprehensive list, visit Home Server plus.
Pictured: "Hall of Fame" winner of the Code2Fame contest, Andrew Grant's Whiist.
If you need any added encouragement, here it is! Microsoft was asked to contribute some prizes for the contest... and believe me, they are awesome!
In case folks missed this, but today was an important milestone for the Windows Home Server category, with another major manufacturer – Acer – launching their product, the Acer Aspire EasyStore Home Server H.340 here in the United States. At $399 for a 2GB RAM with 1 TB HDD included (up to 4 HDDs supported), it’s a great value for all of you looking to add a Home Server to your repertoire.
Now available for pre-order at Amazon.com.
Still not convinced? Check out the good reviews for the product on CNET, Crunchgear, Gizmodo, and Engadget.
Congratulations Acer! Welcome to the Windows Home Server family!
- MP