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We came across a problem today that we have come across before, but each time forget the solution, so…time to document it!

Scenario – new machine to add to the WHS network. Shoved the connector disc in and follow it through, but after entering the password we get the message “Can’t find the windows home server” try this…and non of the suggestions work. Sound familiar?

The cause is a simple one when you think about it like we did…we have had the WHS running for a few months now, and as with all Microsoft products there have been updates both to the server and the connector software!

The software that came on the disc no longer works and therefore you have to use the stuff on the server…so do this on the machine you are trying to connect to your home server

• Start and Run
• \servernamesoftwareHome Server Connector Software
• Double click the ‘setup.exe’ file
• The connector installation process will run and you will get connected!

Easy once you know how (if you remember!)

At the end of last year we mentioned that we would be writing a range of posts about Microsoft’s Windows Home Server and I thought that a good place to start would be recommending some books.

There are two that we suggest you start with, your experience with networks and servers will depend on which one will suit you best.

The first is “Windows Home Server User Guide”, this will allow you to setup the server and get client machines connected with shared files, printers and more.  If you are new to networking and/or servers then this is the book to start with.  It talks you through the basics to get you fully functioning Windows Home Server easily and relatively quick.

The second is “Windows Home Server Unleashed”, this again goes through the basics but it goes a lot further as well.  If you are familiar with networking and have some server experience then we would say this is the one to go for.  It takes you through doing a lot more than the first book….but then it is probably 4 times the size!

So there we go, that is the first step, get the book…oh and the software…if you don’t have the software then download a trial.

More Windows Home Server posts coming throughout 2009!!

Our Sixth recommended retailer for Christmas Presents is Misco!  Misco are an electronics company, they sell a wide range of products which include; Computer Hardware, Laptops, Digital Cameras, Desktops, TFT’s, Printers, Servers, Wireless Networks and Software!

They are worth having a look at as they have loads of great deals which could save you loads!

Last week we looked at Domain Names, this week, Hosting! To have a website that is accessible to everyone it needs to be stored on a computer somewhere, and one that is permentantly connected to the internet as well. This can be done yourself on a computer at home but if you are thinking along those lines then these posts are not for you. Most people, especially beginners choose to host their website with a hosting company.

A Web Hosting company will provide space on a server where you can host (store the files of) your website. They also often offer other features such as:

• POP3 email accounts
• Database support (e.g. MySql, MSSQL)
• Site Building Tools
• eCommerce Tools

For a starter site you are unlikely to need a hugely expensive package, Brandstar’s hosting company Wildhosting.co.uk offer a starter package for just £12.50+vat, which is perfect for many, especially home users. Things to look for when buying your hosting pacakge:

1. Amount of Disk Space, usually measured in either MB (Megabytes) or GB (Gigabytes)
2. Bandwith – when a visitor comes to your site and views it they use some of the bandwidth you have been allocated to download the text information, images etc.
3. Email accounts, it is far more professional to have sales@mycompany.com rather than my_company_sales@hotmail.com!
4. The platform the server offering hosting on, either Linux or Windows. If the tool you want to use is written in PHP then you will want a Linux host, if it is written with asp/aspx then you will want a Windows host.

Often Linux hosts have Fantastico installed which helps beginners install tools to use on their website, such as WordPress, which we will look at next week! This saves you uploading your own choice of tool to your site and configuring the database!

A few exampls of hosting companies:

• Wildhosting
• 123-Reg *
• Fasthosts
• Rackspace
• GoDaddy

So there we are, hopefully you know enough now to start investigating which hosting package you want. Next week we can talk through some tools you can use to build your site!

*this link is an affiliate link, we have to run the site somehow if you want a link without the affiliate link then try this one: www.123-reg.co.uk. Please note, our affiliate status has no effect on us recommending 123-Reg.

Windows Home Server 2008 – Want to share files, photos and videos with other members in your family, easily backup all the machines in your home, then it is worth checking out.

Gone is the time that families have just the one computer and networking is crucial for sharing the internet connection, printers, etc. But what about shring files and photos togather? Well Windows Home Server 2008 makes that much easier and at the same time you can use it as a backup server for all the machines in your home. Takes the requirement off you to remember to backup to CD every friday!

Take a look at the Microsoft Site for more information about Windows Home Server, and what it can do for you!

Over the coming months we will be posting more about Windows Home Server, so keep an eye out here at PCToolbox.

I am often asked what are the advantages of having a server for a small business. Which is a good question as it can be a heavy investment and often a wasted investment if it is not used to its full potential. So how could a small business use a server to its full potential without using features for the sake of it..?

It’s my opinion that using Small Business Server from Microsoft is the ideal operating system as it is packed with features the standard versions don’t come with, most importantly for small businesses it includes Exchange Server. More specifically the features that I think would be most useful to a small business are as follows…

• File Storage – store files centrally to ensure easy access for all users rather than emailing documents back and forth or using USB Pen Drives.
• Exchange Server – Have your server manage your company emails so sending internally is immediate, you can share each others calendars and access all this remotely from any machine with an internet connection so your team can always stay in touch.
• Remote Access – Allows employees to work from anywhere with an internet connection for ultimate productivity.
• With all data stored on the server you have only one backup to worry about – even with the best server in the world you still MUST backup!
• Share printers
• Enabling Faxing from and to the server with faxes being delivered to the email inbox of users

Servers can do much more, but in my opinion those are the things that are the biggest advantages to Small Businesses looking to improve their Computing capabilities.
Something to try on your own? Most definitely not. Get hold of your I.T. Company and ask them to do it for you.