Author Archive for Philip Churchill

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Add-In: StableBit DrivePool v1.2.0.6989 BETA

The beta version of StableBit DrivePool has a new release: Fixed error adding an unformatted but initialized MBR disk to the pool. DrivePool expected a GPT disk and was throwing an error. [D] Fixed special tag directory cloning on disk removal. [D] Fixed ‘Access Denied’ on disk removal when removing unduplicated but protected files. Finalized […]

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Alternatives to Windows Home Server

informIT have a list of alternatives to using Windows Home Server. FreeNAS, Amahi Home Server and TonidoPlug are the three candidates which are taken a look at: We discussed three different cost-saving alternatives to using Microsoft’s Windows Home Server (WHS): FreeNAS provides basic NAS and media streaming functionality, but is best for more technically inclined […]

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The BYOB Podcast Episode 102

Its time for another episode of the "BYOB" podcast: “Are you Ready for some serious Windows 8 talk? We have the Surface RT, Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13, Asus VivoTab RT, Windows RT, Windows 8, and some additional discussion of Surface Pro on this weeks BYOB Podcast.” You can find episode 102 here.

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Storage Spaces a great feature when it works

ArsTechnica have a thorough look at Storage Spaces. The article does not sound hopeful with a title of "Storage Spaces explained: a great feature, when it works", but there is hope in Drive Extender’s latest incarnation. Whilst trying Storage Spaces out ArsTechnica suggests that it needs more warning signs, and whilst performance may be a […]

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Add-In: Drive Bender v1.3.8.2 BETA

The beta release of Drive Bender has a new release. Version 1.3.8.2 has the following changes: Bug fix: A number of compatibility issues with S.M.A.R.T. and Silicon Image controllers. Update: When adding a drive via the wizard, the system drive (i.e. drive C), no longer appear in the list of drives available (they appeared disabled). […]

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The Purpose of the "Do Not Cover This Hole" on Hard Drives

You have have ever wondered the purpose of the "Do not cover this hole" on hard drives then we have the answer for you. On many hard drives, there’s a stern text warning to “not cover this hole”, sometimes adding that doing so will void the warranty. But what is its purpose? The hole allows […]

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Update User Display Names in WS2012 Essentials

When you add a user on the WS2012 Essentials Dashboard, it does not populate the Display Name of the account object, and it also sets the Description to the same value as the username. Luckily for us Microsoft MVP Robert Pearman has made a PowerShell script which will take a users First and Surname and […]

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ViridianPC Announce their New Generation Servers

ViridianPC have announced their latest products, and the first systems in their second generation of servers. The new models, the PureServ Pro 4HC G2,  HomeServ Pro 4HC G2 and OfficeStor Pro 4HC G2 all have new features, and at a considerably lower price. As in the last generation servers, the compact and practical chassis can […]

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WS2012 Essentials Reading Material

We have a couple of TechNet wiki articles for users of WS2012 Essentials. First up is one we have mentioned in the past, which is the Router Setup guide. This guide looks at UPnP router configuration and provides specific steps for the following routers as well as general directions. So even if your router is […]

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The Home Server Show Podcast Episode 203

Episode 203 of "The Home Server Show" podcast is up, and for this week’s edition: We are just a few days beyond the 2nd annual Meetup and we just have to talk about it! Even if you didn’t attend this is still a pretty good listen. We are talking gear, demos, and about some good […]