Datasheet
In addition to installing new software, the Connector CD is responsible for
establishing hundreds of default settings. In my experience, it performs the
job admirably well.
Behind-the-scene activities include these:
Defining backup locations: Unless you change the settings (see
Chapter 12), the Windows Home Server Connector backs up most of
the data files on all the hard drives inside your PC. It does not back up
system files, although it does back up USB-attached external drives.
Surprisingly, it does not back up recorded television programs.
Linking to initial shared folders: These include basics such as Photos
and Music. Your Windows XP or Vista machine suddenly acquires new
shortcuts on the desktop that point to the shared folders on the server.
Turning off remote access: You have to go into WHS and quite deliberately
give it permission to grant access to your network from the Internet (see
Chapter 10).
The Connector CD also installs the programs necessary to monitor your
system’s health, and keep the WHS server apprised of the computer’s
condition.
Once you’ve finished running the Connector CD on a specific PC, it’s your
responsibility to
Tell the WHS server about users on the PC (at least if you want to allow
the users to work with the WHS server — see Chapter 4).
Set up shared folders on the server for users on the PC (Chapter 5).
Add printers to the server (Chapter 17).
If you have Windows XP Media Center or Vista Home Premium (or
Ultimate), unlock shared media folders and enable the Guest account so
other computers on your network can get to them via the WHS server
(Chapter 6).
Knowing Windows Home
Server’s Limitations
Have you ever bought a new product and discovered — an hour or a day or
a week down the road — that it can’t do what you need it to do? Hey, I sympa-
thize. Been there. Done that.
I wanted to carve out a small part of this book to explain what Windows
Home Server
doesn’t.
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Chapter 1: Bringing Windows Home Server to Life
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