lrlewis
Maximum PC Member Since: May 27, 2007
Total Posted Comments: 2 Comments on 2 Articles
Maximum PC Member Since: May 27, 2007Total Posted Comments: 2 Comments on 2 Articles
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How to Build a Kick-Ass Windows Home Server
Posted 11/01/2009 at 12:08:28am
I had been interested in getting a NAS, but decided, once I'd read the magazine article, to go this route instead. I am impressed with WHS's capabilities.
The magazine's instructions were easy to follow and everything went together well. My only COMPLAINT is the Asus M4A78 Pro motherboard. As another poster commented, Newegg's purchaser comments show this board has a lot of problems. I've waiting for my THIRD board:
1st worked, except for the on-board lan. Wouldn't work. When I tried to upgrade to the latest bios, using the bios's own ASUS EZ Flash 2 program, the program reported success, but the board would not post. No boot screen, no beeps, nothing. RMA'd.
2nd worked, but again, no lan. I did get the lan to connect to my router by enabling the "Check Atheros LAN cable" bios option. I did find drivers that worked on the motherboard's cd, even if ASUS does not say they support WHS (WHS itself able to find the appropriate drivers by using device manager). In fact, ASUS customer support specifically told me this board does NOT support WHS. With the driver installed, lan communications functional. Left the system on for 2 days, then shut it down. A day later, when I booted, or attempted to boot, the board would not post. Again, no boot screen, no beeps. Nothing. RMA'd.
Hopefully, 3rd time will be the charm. With a HEADLESS server, having the board boot up EVERY time CRITICAL. No chance to see boot errors when running headless.
In summary, the magazine's instructions are easy to follow, and the build is easy. But using this motherboard, I now have a bit of practice installing motherboards, cpu's, and heatsinks again and again.
Freeware Files: Five Portable Software Suites for your USB Key
Posted 07/08/2009 at 02:26:31pm
I use PortableApps, and it's OK. But the best, for me, is WinPenPack. I prefer their menu system, and it's easy to add your own apps. They have several pre-configured suites, depending on use and usb key capacity. Any updated versions of apps are quickly added, and are available for individual download.
Yes, the site does come up in Italian, but at upper right, a button to switch to english. Free registration required, no spam ever received, to get their X-"front-ends" to make non-portable apps portable.
I've used this for YEARS, and won't leave home without it.
http://winpenpack.com