We Got Served

Here at We Got Served, we’ve featured quite a few Windows Home Server related books which help you build, install, configure and manage your new home server. Some people are much more visual thinkers however, and if you’re one of these type of people, or you don’t have the time to read a manual, a new suite of Windows Home Server training videos may fit your bill.

Windows Home Server Video Trainingby Scott Lowe is a package of training videos which cover all aspects of working with Windows Home Server, from the initial setup of your home network, through installing and configuring Windows Home Server,  managing your media and home server administration as well as extending the use of Windows Home Server through add-ins.

In total, there are over 12 hours of videos in the package, along with a 150 page instructor’s guide (if you did want to do some reading) which accompany the video which include guides to installing Wordpress (that’s the software that we use to create WGS, although not on my home server!) as well as Windows Sharepoint Services on Windows Home Server.

Scott takes you through each video step by step (there’s an example videoof setting up the Xbox 360 to work with WHS over on Train Signal’s site), with easy to follow instructions on making the most of Windows Home Server. What looks great here is that he doesn’t just cover the basics - the videos take you through the simple stuff, but for more advanced users, you’ll find discussion on printer sharing, managing the firewall, maintenance of hard drives, RAID configuration, remote client administration as well as the use of the Windows Home Server Toolkit for troubleshooting.

Scott covers a wide range of home server related topics - here’s a full breakdown:

Video 1:  My Lab Setup

• HP MediaSmart EX470 Home Server
• Network Equipment (Router and Switch)
• A Windows XP System Connected via Wireless N
• A Windows Vista System Hardwired
• A Second Windows Vista System Hardwired
• A Windows Vista Laptop Connected via Wireless N
• An Xbox Connected via an Xbox Wireless Adapter
• Xbox Networking Walkthrough

Video 2: Networking and TCP/IP

• Wireless Networking Options
• Wireless Network Security
• Power line Networking
• Cabling Your Home
• Network Adapter Types
• TCP/IP
• Bringing It All Together

Video 3: Client Computer Configuration

• The Role of a Network Adapter
• Client Connectivity Methods
• Explanation of DHCP
• Configuring an IP Address in XP
• Configuring an IP Address in Vista
• Naming or Renaming a Windows Computer
• Creating User Accounts in Windows (Vista and XP)
• Importance of Maintaining Consistent User Names on All Systems

Video 4:  Windows Home Server Feature Introduction

• File Storage and Resource Sharing
• Centralized File and Computer Backups
• Client Health Monitoring
• Remote Access
• Video and Music Sharing
• Using Add-Ins to Extend Home Server’s Capability

Video 5:  Home Server Installation

• Buying an Already-Built Home Server vs. Installing Home Server
• Home Server System Requirements
• Home Server Installation Process
• Summary

Video 5a: HP MediaSmart Server

• Specifications: Model EX470 vs. Model EX475
• Pictures of the Server and Port Information
• Initial Server Configuration
• Administrative Overview

Video 6: Adding and Managing Clients

• The Home Server Connector Software
• Basic Home Server Management
• Monitoring Client Health

Video 7: Managing Storage

• Drive Extender Explained
• Add Additional Storage
• Remove Storage
• Manage Server Storage

Video 8: Folder Sharing and Management

• WHS Shared Folders
• Manage Shared Folders
• Monitor Shared Folders
• Shared Storage Status.

Video 9: Home Server Security

• Creating User Accounts
• Managing Windows Home Server Users Rights to Shared Folders
• Security Home Server
• Configuring Automatic Updates on Windows Home Server.

Video 10:  Accessing the Windows Home Server

• Assumptions
• Accessing Shared Folders From a Client
• Mapping Drives in Windows Vista
• Mapping Drives in Windows XP
• Copying Files To The Windows Home Server
• Working With Files Stored On Windows Home Server

Video 11: Managing Client Backups and Restoring Files

• Managing Client Computer Backups
• Deciding What to Back Up
• Viewing Backups
• Restoring Files and Corrupt Client Computers
• Backing Up Windows Home Server
• Using an Online Service Through a WHS Add-In.

Video 12: Configuring WHS Remote Access

• Enabling the WHS Web Site
• Configuring Your Router
• Microsoft’s Homeserver.com Service
• Remote Management Possibilities
• Other Management Options

Video 13: Advanced Home Server Administration and Troubleshooting

• Connecting to Windows Home Server with Remote Desktop
• Tools and Actions to Avoid
• Sharing a Printer
• Managing the Windows Firewall
• Hard Drive Maintenance
• Other Administrative Tasks
• Troubleshooting
• RAID Problems
• Computers Brought Home From Work May Pose Problems
• 64-bit Client Support
• Remote File Uploads
• Remote Client Administration
• Using the Windows Home Server Toolkit

Video 14: Windows Home Server Media Sharing

• Enabling Media Sharing in the WHS Console
• Notes Regarding Media Sharing
• Picture Access
• Music and Videos Access
• DVR-line Functionality with Home Server
• Media-Related Add-Ins

ideo 15: Extending WHS Capabilities with Add-Ins

• Add-in Management
• General Notes Regarding Add-ins
• Add-ins Discussed in Other Videos
• Demonstrate New Add-ins
• Media Related Add-ins

Video 16: Windows Home Server Tricks

• Before You Start
• Hosting Your Own Blog with WordPress
• Windows SharePoint Services

Windows Home Server Training is now available for $99.95 (reduced from $299.95) from Train Signal.

More Info: Windows Home Server Training