What results have recourse to the Internet for information on Microsoft Windows Home Server (WHS)? Will found a lot of contradictions, half-truths and untruths does. Of course, there are reliable sources of information, in particular, Paul Tyurro WinInfo newsletter, which provides up-to-date accurate information on a server-Microsoft product. But many other sites are no different accuracy. Let us try to look at several myths prevailing around WHS on the Internet.

1: The WHS is available only as an OEM product (with the equipment)

Indeed, Microsoft originally intended to supply only WHS OEM producers such as Dell, Gateway and HP, but the company abandoned those plans many months ago. OEM version of the programme can be bought, for example, at Newegg.com and Buy.com at a price of $ 169.99 and 180.00, respectively. This option can be economically advantageous when there is an old computer that meets the minimum requirements (1 GHz Pentium 3, 512 - Mbytes of RAM, a hard drive with 80 GB), and the need to configure existing systems to a specific application.

2: WHS - it's just NAS device with Wi-Fi

Yes, WHS is a data storage device, mapped to the network (NAS), as well as providing storage of important files on the network device. But there's no Wi-Fi, and, as far as I know, Microsoft has no plans to add such functionality in the future. WHS is not intended to replace the router for the small / home office. Instead, WHS must expand the existing network with the already-established DSL or cable modem and a firewall / router.

3: Server Linux can serve as WHS

This is partly true. Some readers have drawn attention to the Linux server functions in their entries to the first article. Professional network administrators can certainly produce a decision in which reproduces the basic features WHS server. The only problem is that not all users - network administrators, and even they are likely to prefer a ready solution for the home network. Personally, I - Windows administrator, full-time, twice a week in the evenings teach in the programme Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator and write articles for the magazine Windows IT Pro. And when I go back home, the least I want to know why Linux scenario is not fulfilling my backup computers.

4: Remote access - a dangerous and foolish idea

Admittedly, Microsoft's reputation in the security field uneven. But after repeated failures of specialists in Redmond realized that did not have the right to produce products that by the number of "holes" can compete with Swiss cheese. Therefore, when designing WHS technology used repeatedly tested in the most difficult conditions. WHS Server is built upon successfully protestirovannogo Windows 2003 Server Small Business Server (SBS), a mature operating system provides the security and stability of many small businesses. WHS is automatically installed on the retail version WHS HP server company called Media Smart Server, so the consumer does not notice the connection SBS. But if a WHS on the desktop, it becomes evident that this slim-down version of SBS embedded with some additional features.

However, it should be remembered that require careful handling opening to the outside the home network access: never tell a user name and password to persons who can not be trusted (for example, by e-mail or instant messaging system). In addition, the firewall should be open only to ports, as recommended in the article "Information about the automatic router configuration feature in Windows Home Server" of Microsoft. There is every reason to argue that WHS - is a secure product, which does not fail.