Windows Home Server, first gripes... 

Unfortunately, my first experiences with Windows Home Server beta were not very promising. On two machines my adventures started out with the dreaded "UI failed to start" during setup. Physical memory is an issue and the way the IDE bus is used and configured in the system. Appearantly very old PCs dont't make the mark and fail on installation.

When you take into account that Windows Home Server actually is a take on Windows 2003 Server it really isn't that strange. It makes you think, however, that this will make it hard for Windows Home Server to compete with all the lightweight Linux based alternatives. The main thing that Microsoft has to offer to win you over is a networked storage/backup system and the fact that you get a very capable OS to run web sites and networked apps. I remember writing an X10 service to remotely control home appliences. This would run nicely on the Home server. Maybe Microsoft also hopes that someone writes a killer app for the Home that needs a strong and user friendly OS.

For now I am exploring Windows Home Server as a Virtual PC. Not one of the best ways to test the beta I'm sure. When I can get my hands on a more recent 'spare' PC I will give the setup another go. Spare PC? Anyone?