Windows Software SIG Meeting

Home Networking and Network Attached Storage
Kevin Lynn

Kevin will demonstrate a Networked Attached Storage (NAS) box with 4 internal SATA hard drives in a RAID 5 array for safe backup of his files. He will also show a Microsoft Windows Home Server he built - using a medium speed dual-core PC with 2 SATA drives - that he can access from anywhere on the internet. As usual, there will be a general session at the beginning of the meeting to discuss possible solutions to member questions.

The NAS box is a Buffalo LinkStation Quad, which has four SATA hard drives, a gigabit network interface and a USB 2 socket. There are several dual and quad drive NAS vendors, each with their own mix of features and short-comings. A set of reviews from PC World magazine was used to narrow down the choices, and several  of these reviews will be shown at the April meeting. Go to PC World Magazine to see their top eight list.

Windows Home Server is normally sold as a complete system by the major vendors, but the software is available to build your own box. It is designed to be a server, not a workstation or everyday computer. Kevin uses it to store programs, drivers, photos, video and music that can be  accessed from any internet connected machine.