I have installed Ventrilo server onto my WHS ages ago and did not post a how to on this site.  The Ventrilo chat server works well.

Go to http://ventrilo.com/download.php and download the Server program for Windows, this is named “Windows i386 – 32bit (Version 3.0.3)”, this will be the Server, when you are here (if you have not already) download the client program that suits your computers on your network.

Login to your server via Remote Desktop Connection or directly.

Step by Step install guide

Double click on the .exe file of the Ventrilo server.

Click the “Next” button, on the installer.

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There are a number of services that you can run on WHS that are supported and others that are not.  There are more, not mainstream services that you can run.  However any Windows XP compatible software can be installed and run as a service by using the Windows Server 2003 Resource Kit Tools (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=9D467A69-57FF-4AE7-96EE-B18C4790CFFD&displaylang=en).  And using the addin Any Service Installer to be able to install the program as a service easier.  Some of the below services such as UTorrent need manual install as a service.

Kentdome Technologies that have made the Windows Home Server add-ins:-

1. Vista Caller-ID
2. Grid Junction
3. Remote Alert

Have a new beta of their Remote Alert addin, more information on it can be found at http://www.homeserverland.com/forums/t/93.aspx, all you do is sign up and then request to beta test it.

I have been testing it out on my server and I must say it has some great features that will be good for most owners of WHS.

I will be writing how to do/step by step guides on how to get the most out of your Windows Home Server rather it be a HP MediaSmart Server or a self build server.

Some of these guides will include how to install programs that you would have never thought about installing onto the Home Server.

Watch this space as am currently testing the programs out now and will for a week or so.

Some people think and have reported that Windows Live Sync does not install when people install the Windows Live Essential software.

If you have not installed the Windows Live Essentials, go ahead and download and install it, you can get the setup file of Windows Live Essentials from http://download.live.com either the web or the stand alone.

Accept the Service agreement of the Windows Live Essentials.

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To all the people that visits GeekPill in 2008, and maybe just visited us today, have a great 2009 and we will hopefully start the netcast soon.  And sorry for the downtimes of deleting posts etc.

HP has confirmed that the Mac side of things with the new HP MediaSmart Servers will be coming as an update to current MediaSmart Servers EX470 and EX475.  As seen on one of the HP microsites (flash info site).  http://www.hp.com/united-states/campaigns/mediasmart-server/?jumpid=ex_r602_go/mediasmartserver#/HomeServerComparison/.

But the Media Collector and the Remote Media Streaming will not be included in the update that will be released later in the new year.

This being said if you are going to get the current HP MediaSmart servers on the cheap and don’t mind the less software features then go ahead, if you don’t have the skills to upgrade the RAM and the processor of the current servers then hold off and get the new updated ones in Jan/Feb 09.

First of all this is NOT supported by Microsoft and may be against the EULA of Windows Home Server. This guide will show you how to install Windows Live Essentials onto your Windows Home Server, by using the MSI files.

1. Go ahead if you have not done it and install the Windows Live Essentials installer and install the programs of the suite you want. The install will have to be on a XP or Vista system, since the installer knows that it should not install to a Server. The installer can be found at http://download.live.com either the web or the all(offline) installer will do.
2. Open up an explorer window and click on:- “Tools” > “Folder Options” > “View” tab then in the Advanced settings uncheck the box “Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)” click “Apply” then “OK”. Read the rest of this entry »

HP has released information and details of the new MediaSmart Servers, these are the EX485 with 750GB hard drive and the EX487 with 1.5TB hard drive.  Both Servers will be released for pre-order in the United States of America from 5 January 2009 and will start to ship them at the start of February.  There is no details on when HP will release the new servers on this side of the pond (United Kingdom).  It seems that HP have done a great deal of work to get Time Machine for the Mac to work with the Home Server.

For more information on the Server, or want to read the first review of the Server, head over to We Got Served for their five part review:-

• http://www.wegotserved.co.uk/2008/12/29/hands-on-hp-mediasmart-server-ex487-part-1/
• http://www.wegotserved.co.uk/2008/12/29/hands-on-hp-mediasmart-server-ex487-part-2/
• http://www.wegotserved.co.uk/2008/12/29/hands-on-hp-mediasmart-server-ex487-part-3/
• http://www.wegotserved.co.uk/2008/12/29/hands-on-hp-mediasmart-server-ex487-part-4/
• http://www.wegotserved.co.uk/2008/12/29/hands-on-hp-mediasmart-server-ex487-part-5/

However if you want to hold off to see what the next version of the Windows Home Server software will bring, then you may be waiting a long time.  That being said knowing my luck Microsoft will release the closed (Connect) beta sometime soon.

Most people that have been on the Official Microsoft Windows Home Server forums and sites that have a interest in the Home Server wants a basic edition and an advantage edition of WHS 2.

If Microsoft does do this would HP release a paid upgrade to the next version of WHS, all we have to do is wait and if enough people are asking for it then HP may offer that (like they did with the EX470 & EX475 upgrading the RAM by the customer not voiding the warranty).

Windows Live Wave 3 web services was released 1 December and Windows Live Essentials was released about 16 December. Below is a overview of the Wave 3 of Windows Live. There will be further posts about the Windows Live Essentials and Services.