Posts in Category: Software
Project Home Server – Quest For An Upgrade
The project. Upgrade to a new home server with new specs and software, etc.
Why? My HP MediaSmart home server was end of line and both Microsoft Windows Home Server and my Avast Antivirus Home Server software were no longer upgrading or being supported.
What is it? The Home Server was for a few things. It served (pun) as a file share location for photos, videos, etc., as well as a backup server for all desktops and laptops with access to that server. Simple.
Upgrade. After a little research I decided on the HP Proliant N40L Microserver. To add to the challenge, I read where folks were installing VMWare ESXi on it, creating a virtual environment. Originally I had planned on just installing MS Windows Server 2012 Essentials. After reading, I convinced myself of doing this virtual and ALSO going with unRAID OS and CrashPlan for backups. But before you purists out there start losing your digital panties and choking on your Bawls, it’s okay. I’m not sure how I’ll work the 2 OS’s together. I may not and play with 2012 Essentials as a test server. Either way, it’s time for an upgrade.
Parts.
HP Proliant N40L $280 (discount)
upgrades to the upgrade
16 GB kit Crucial Ballistix (non ECC) $90
Intel Gigabit CT NIC (addition to existing) $40
16 GB Micro Flash Drive (for ESXi) $13
2x 2 TB Western Digital Red Drives $115 x2
More to come on how it goes.
Project Life Cycle
This is a cartoon that someone gave me a while back but never knew where it originated. Now I know… and attached is my version. You, too, can create your own at www.projectcartoon.com.
also here… http://www.projectcartoon.com/cartoon/71643
Backup a Mac on HP’s MediaSmart Server/ Windows Home Server
I had the opportunity to buy a very cheap version of the HP MediaSmart Server ($299 at eCost.com refurb 1TB model). Though I could have built my own server with parts, etc., and gone the way of Zmanda to go all geeky. However, I actually went simple. Go figure.
Due to the change in my economy I am selling off a lot of my other machines and equipment and decided to commission a good working backup machine and media server. If I am doing contract work or practicing my [fill in the blank web language] I want to make sure I have the media and backups ready. And I guess that a client would like to know his work in progress is safe from loss.
Though it is touted as a simple home user machine, I can still get geeky with it. Open it, upgrade it… develop with it, within reason. The problem I ran into was “What about backing up the Macs?” (PC guys, take a breath… Mac guys, please stop cheering… it’s embarrassing).
Before buying the machine I did some limited research on IF a Mac is allowed to join the gang… or stand outside looking on as if not being picked for the nerdy kick ball game. Further study revealed all signs point to “yes”. Welcome brother Macs!
So to make sure I don’t lose the reference… and IF someone else out there is reading this… I want to share the great job a few people did by posting their steps regarding backing up a pre-10.5 (SuperDuper) and 10.5+ Mac with Time Machine.
Great job guys!
For OSX 10.5+
Using Mac’s Time Machine with the HP MediaSmart Server EX470/475
For the older, more ornery Macs
Backup MAC – SuperDuper to MSS Tutorial