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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.
Which Match Next?
Mike pondering over which match to watch next after we just had lobster rolls for lunch.
From the Top to the Bottom
As you saw, we started our day eating a great breakfast and snagging a great car. Granted, eating cereal or eggs in the RV saves money, we wanted to at least eat out with the general population a few times. The French toast was worth it.
After we shot back to the RV for something’s we forgot, we headed to the Palm Springs Tram through a sandstorm. Well, not really but there was a high winds advisory and on the way near some windmills we got sand blasted while taking pictures. But I only lost my hat once while driving.
I taped the drive up to the Tram via headcam because… it was cool! We went up the Tram and took loads of pictures and hiked 1.5 miles of a trail on Mt San Jacinto that had “notches” or lookouts. More on the Tram later.
We came back down sea level for a picture with Marilyn and decided to take drive down to the Salton Sea, which is much further away than it seems on the map. It was dark by then but we could still see the water and light coming over the mountains.
So from 8500 ft to -226 ft below sea level, we covered some altitude.
A Scary Episode
We drove around 3.5 hrs from LA and before that there wasn’t much time to breathe, let alone “rest” in a restroom. But it was fine. I could manage. Our restroom travelled with us.
We got settled and mostly hooked up at the Shadow Hills RV Resort in Indio near Indian Wells. We sat for a light dinner and some breathing time. After eating, at one moment my stomach (lower) moved very painfully. It passed. Then all I remember was Becca yelling my name and getting up, shaking my shoulder.
I had passed out.
I have never before passed out. Came close a few times and have been knocked unconscious a time or two in soccer. And even came close to blacking out recently when ill, but never passed out.
Becca said she saw me just slump over with my eyes wide open, dilated and when I came to, said I grabbed my chest. Her first thoughts were “heart attack”. Okay, I am 9 years older but really?
It was freaky. I started profusely sweating after that and was very disoriented. I don’t remember feeling it come on and think back that my chest clutching could have been a security “what’s going on” physical reaction… like “am I here?”
Needless to say, it still bothers me some. Freaked Becca out. And made me put “resting” at a higher priority.
When I said to Becca earlier “you need to know how to drive it (RV)… in case I am unconscious”… I really hoped not to mean it.
But you never know!
Rear View Mirror – Observing Santa Monica
Sunday. We took our time. Saturday was a tiring day of RV racing, wedding attending, photo shooting, and Universal Studios City Walk… topping it off with In and Out Burger at midnight. And it was gooood! Very simple menu, cooked to order, fresh. Similar to our Five Guys, but a little cheaper and ALL OVER California!
We recharged our batteries by relaxing in, eating turkey bacon and egg sandwiches while recharging all the batteries of the electronics. Our next stop was Griffith Observatory.
So our lunch is a shake from the night before. Not a great choice once we realized the hike up from parking on the street. EVERYBODY was there. Taking pictures, hiking the trails, running the hills… it was a nice Sunday afternoon.
By a recent post, you also saw the Hollywood sign, as did we (but we were closer :). We really didn’t spend too much time there and I woulda loved to refresh my science knowledge but Santa Monica was calling (don’t tell Becca, she may get jealous).
On the way to the pier we drove down Hollywood Blvd with the top down and a camera strapped to my head (to give a POV look for those who have never been). I didn’t get many strange looks except from Becca. This is California. Driving with a camera on your head is a daily occurrence.
After doing Beverly and Rodeo, we finally made our way to the Santa Monica Pier. The pictures will show what words can’t do.
