Last week I got my HP Media Smart Home Server EX470 setup for my home network. I must say, I really love this box. It is quite and takes very little power to operate and extends my ability to get at the data I want, when I want. Scott Hanselman mentioned on his blog that he measured the power consumption to cost around $3.00 per month @ $0.0079 per kWh. That is much cheaper than say, my Xbox 360 or home computers.
Home Server uses Windows Server 2003 SP2 as it's underlying operating system, but has many features especially designed for the home user.
These include:
- Automatically backup of any PC on the network
- Remote access to your files and applications including remote desktop
- Stream your photos, music and videos to any PC or Xbox 360 on your network
- Built in iTunes server to stream music to family members' PC
- Duplication of designated folders across multiple hard drives
- Centralize all shared files for your home network
There are currently two models made by HP, the EX470 and the EX475. Both comes with a standard 512mb of memory, but with a little computer know how and some help from Home Server Hacks, you can easily upgrade either machines to 2gb of RAM. The EX470 comes with a single 500gb hard drive in one of it's four drives bays, while the EX475 has two drives to bring it's standard configuration to a full 1 terabyte. All other specs between the two machines are identical.
With the exception of setting up my the source control software Subversion on it, I am pretty much running the server as stock at the moment until I get a chance to more fully explore it's capacities. I will post more once I have delved deeper.
