Conveniently centralize your files and access them from an internet-connected computer
500 GB hard drive, expands via 4 hard drive bays
Automatically backup and protect the digital memories on your home PCs running Windows XP and later operating systems
Stream photos, music and videos to PCs on your network or to your TV or stereo system
Powered by Microsoft Windows Home Server software and 1.8 GHz, 64-bit AMD Sempron processor
Rating: - Gives more time to play.
This server does a fine job of integrating tasks like backups so I have
more time to get other important things done. Serves up Itunes libraries
in fine fasion. The review should really be divided into hardware/software
since they are both integrated into one product. The hardware should have
been shipped with at least 1GB of RAM. HP was figuring that since this box
was only serving up files only 512 K was needed. WRONG!! By the time you
start adding other add-in software like virus protection and regular
maintenence, etc.... There it goes and your system slows down. This box
and software was desinged to set it and forget it and does a pretty good
job of keeping to that intention.
Rating: - Awesome little box - does everything it says.
This little server is a jewel. I love it!
It serves up my iTunes collection, streams video, backs up every PC in the house, and runs 24/7 in my closet.
The public side is nice for giving me remote desktop to my PCs in the house, and the web sharing of thing is nice too.
All in all, this is one of those rare boxes that does what it says.
I dropped an extra 400 GB drive in it, and had no problems whatsoever. Easiest addition... ever.
Rating: - Surpisingly good product
Now that MS has released the Power Pack 1 for this (it was really a service pack) this product works great, backs up 4 computers in my home every night and I have had ZERO disk errors once they fixed their software. It's a shame that MS made us wait so long for a fix but now that it is out I wouldn't hesitate to purchase this product.
One word of warning, the 512 megs of RAM that it comes with are fine if you use it as is but if you add *ANYTHING* to this machine the user interface will slow down to a crawl. For example, HP has a companion download update that goes with the power pack 1 and it includes MacAfee Anti-Virus; sound like a good idea? Don't do it because the machine will crawl. MacAfee is a resource pig and there just isn't a lot of resources to spare on this machine. It is possible to add more ram to this machine and I myself have done it but it isn't a casual operation, it is beyond the skill level of most computer users and it will void your warrantee.
If you want to use it as a file server and to backup your PCs then this is great, if you want an application server then purchase the Windows Home Server software without this machine and install it on a standard Windows PC.
Rating: - Nothing negative to say!
The price was almost $150 less than Best Buy (when you include the free 500GB hard drive). I took it out of the box, turned it on, installed the software, and it's been running flawlessly since. I highly recommend this product.
HP EX470 MediaSmart Home Server (AMD Live, Windows Home Server, 500 GB Hard Drive) Reviews
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