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HP Announces Software Upgrades and European Availability for MediaSmart Servers

May 5, 2009 Paul Thurrott | Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows

Here's some unexpected news from HP. The issue here, if you're not familiar, is that HP has dramatically improved the capabilities of its second generation ("Encore") Windows Home Servers, but was only providing a subset of that new functionality to first generation machines. This angered those users, but the rationale was practical: The first generation devices have far too little RAM (512 MB, vs. 2 GB for gen-2 devices) and a lackluster processor, so running all of the stuff that comes in the 2.5 software would be problematic.

Regardless, HP is now going to fully support first-gen MediaSmart users with the 2.5 software. Here's their statement.

We have two updates to share with our MediaSmart Server communities.

We have listened to the customer feedback related to our recent software update availability.  Based on this feedback, we are working to provide a supported path to allow customers to update all generations of their EX Series and LX Series MediaSmart Server products to the current software version.

Due to the generational differences of our platform architectures, we will not be providing the updated software as traditional downloads.  Instead, we will provide complete server image DVD’s through HP support in the same manner as replacement DVD's are provided today.  We expect that there will be certain hardware limitations and/or trade-offs for the various platforms that will be detailed once the new server DVD's are available.

Timing is tentatively scheduled in Fall 2009.  We understand customers would like these updates sooner, but this timing is necessary to adequately develop and test these new software images.  As we get further along in our development, we will provide an updated timetable.

We have also read the inquiries regarding European availability of the MediaSmart Server products.  We are pleased to announce that our European customers can expect to see our LX and EX series products for sale in Europe.  Targeted availability is Fall 2009.

We thank everyone for their continued support of the MediaSmart Server products and appreciate the continued feedback.

So, kudos to HP for fully supporting early adopters. But understand that you will require at least a RAM upgrade to get the full meal deal, or will need to at least disable much of the new functionality.

Discuss this Article 8

DarkSages
on May 5, 2009
I really don't use hps software at all in my mediasmart server. I actually wish I could install some of the features like itunes streaming, hp photos, and so on. But I thank HP for supporting those that do need them.
Waethorn
on May 5, 2009
Anybody have any preferences for AV software on WHS? I see that Avast has one with a multi-license.
pthurrott
on May 5, 2009
I can tell you from experience that the McAfee product is terrible. Haven't tried Avast yet, but bet it's decent, based on having used it on the PC.
Waethorn
on May 5, 2009
McAfee is doing badly on AV-comparatives lately. Norton is actually quite high now, and has achieved the "fast" result for scanning. Avast is doing better than AVG, which is doing poorly, but not as good as Norton. Symantec doesn't have a WHS package though. I've been playing with the idea of protecting the server with the FCS agent in unmanaged mode (soon to be coming to a Morro near you). I currently use it for my SBS server at the store. You'd have to purchase FCS in a volume license contract of no less than 5 licenses from Microsoft, but you wouldn't need the (VERY expensive) security server software as WHS monitors Security Center on each PC for alerts. It costs about $12US/computer and works on Server 2003, so it should also work fine on WHS. To get it installed, I'd suspect it would require using RDP after dropping the files from the CLIENT folder off the CD to somewhere accessible on the server. Then you'd have to open a commandline like usual and run the clientsetup.exe file with the /nomom parameter just like you would for any other unmanaged desktop. Not an easy task for a newb, but it would likely work just fine. I'd probably have to suggest changing the default settings so that it automatically cleans any infected files since there would be no notification on any desktop PC of an infection on the server. SBSC's usually prefer automated security tasks anyway, since there's often no full-time worker on-site. ;) ....it's not like you WANT to leave infected files sitting there.
scottbakertemp
on May 5, 2009
I wonder if there will be a way to remotely install these DVD images or if you'll have to buy one those homemade VGA cables?
jefferyd
on May 5, 2009
I briefly considered buying on of HP's Home Server solutions when they first came out in 2007. However, the hardware specs made me think twice. In the end, I decided to build my own server box from the ground up. The end result? I have a machine that is infinitely more flexible. Yes, I'm missing out on some of HP's special capabilities, but that doesn't really matter. People who bought the early hardware and were upset at not being able to handle the new stuff should have thought ahead a little bit and maybe waited for the 2nd generation. As a rule, adopting first gen stuff is never a good idea. At least HP reversed their decision and is allowing the upgrades for everyone. ~Jeff
briandarroch
on May 5, 2009
I already have the 2.5 update on my 47x server and I didn't need to rebuild the system. The only known issue is that the drive lights don't work. I would rather have this minor issue than waiting 6 months and having to re-install the OS
Waethorn
on May 5, 2009
The OEM hardware manufacturers have really funny ways of building a WHS platform. Most of the techniques involve mass producing images and loading them automatically over a network, which is how you restore your server, or by using hard drive duplication software after a single image is created on a master disk. Usually they build on a master system that has full access to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Once the image is built they can duplicate the software on blank hard drives separate from the actual systems. In many cases, systems are assembled and not even turned on. Defects are handled via quality control later in the build process, but that usually means that maybe every 1 in 100 (or sometimes 1000) systems might actually be taken off the [assembly] line for testing and auditing. Once an assembly line has been tested and proven, individual systems don't need to be tested thoroughly - that's what your end-user warranty covers, ie. "manufacturing defects". Sometimes DIY'ers find it hard to comprehend how to software a system without turning it on. Now you know....

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