Home Forums Windows Home Server 2011?

Thoughts on WHS 2011 as the AC server? Doesn't run Active Directory, and the 8GB limit may be a huge drawback for larger outfits, but for smaller outfits, wouldn't it be a better answer than something like Windows 7?

1. Only costs $49.
2. Makes sharing of files, as well as setting security options much easier than Windows 7.
3. Runs the network backup routines.
4. Allows for setup of Remote Web Access.

I struggled with this one for a while. Spoke to the people at Amazing Charts. They had no problem with it. I have ordered the software and machine, but have not run it yet. There are very reasonably priced machines optimized for home server. I think that for a smallish practice it is a very reasonable choice. I will let you know.

I have 2 offices. One runs SBS Essentials 2011 and the other runs WHS 2011. They are very similar except for the Active Directory.

I have been very pleased with WHS 2011 and actually have a copy at home and a spare copy (picked it up on sale for $30)

Very easy to reset a computer that has been corrupted. I have had to do this twice, once on each system. Same process, fast and easy.

It looks good, but I actually like Active Directory. Makes managing stuff simpler on my end.

I was at a clinic to help with the implementation of AC. I found it interesting that their IT guy installed all the printers one by one on 15-30 machines when they wanted to print things like clinical summaries from AC. Took him several hours when you could just use a GPO instead. (5 minutes)

Active Directory has its place. Like you said if you have 5 people/5 machines or less and people have fixed workstations, it's not a bad idea to use something like Win 7 or WHS 2011. When you start adding more, things get a little complicated.