Why have a MicroServer instead of pc or or network hdd ?

Im assuming XPEnology is linux or something ?

I also need windows for a few reasons

1. I know how to use it,
2 the other Work software will only run off windows and I will be running it all day. (one of the reasons for the microserver.

Can windows not do anything similar, or have the windows software running on XPEnology.
 
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2013 said:
Im assuming XPEnology is linux or something ?

I also need windows for a few reasons

1. I know how to use it,
2 the other Work software will only run off windows and I will be running it all day. (one of the reasons for the microserver.

Can windows not do anything similar, or have the windows software running on XPEnology.
Click to expand...

XPEnology is very simple and easy to use and what do you mean by you will running work software.

Are you going to be using this as a computer to do work on as well as the other software? or do you mean you use windows work software on your other computers?

Either way, your best option would be Windows Server 2012 or you can get away with standard Windows 7/8 to setup file shares, torrent downloading and so on.
 
XPEnology is a hardware independent version of the O/S which comes on Synology devices. It is Linux-based but it should be viewed more as an "appliance". It is highly refined to do one job very well. It meets all your requirements for storage and streaming which I though was all you wanted initially. Obviously it is not a Windows desktop so if you need this as well then you need something else.

Running VMware ESXi would be your best option as you can run multiple different Operating Systems side-by-side and add and remove them as you like. This gives you maximum flexibility for the future, however this does significantly increase the technical complexity of the setup.

If you want to keep it purely Windows then you could install Desktop (for up to 10 clients) or Server (for a lot more), create some shares, setup some backup schedules and install some something like Plex to do the streaming part.
 
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Biz.Kid09 said:
XPEnology is very simple and easy to use and what do you mean by you will running work software.

Are you going to be using this as a computer to do work on as well as the other software? or do you mean you use windows work software on your other computers?

Either way, your best option would be Windows Server 2012 or you can get away with standard Windows 7/8 to setup file shares, torrent downloading and so on.
Click to expand...

Yes I would like to use it as a pc also, running windows based software.

and Im wanting something thats a bit flexible
 
IT Troll said:
XPEnology is a hardware independent version of the O/S which comes on Synology devices. It is Linux-based but it should be viewed more as an "appliance". It is highly refined to do one job very well. It meets all your requirements for storage and streaming which I though was all you wanted initially. Obviously it is not a Windows desktop so if you need this as well then you need something else.

Running VMware ESXi would be your best option as you can run multiple different Operating Systems side-by-side and add and remove them as you like. This gives you maximum flexibility for the future, however this does significantly increase the technical complexity of the setup.

If you want to keep it purely Windows then you could install Desktop (for up to 10 clients) or Server (for a lot more), create some shares, setup some backup schedules and install some something like Plex to do the streaming part.
Click to expand...

XPEnology is good for a lot of my needs, but not for some. can I not use this as a app ?
Would VMware ESXi not make things slower and complicate ?
Im thinking windows desktop, but what about for other software for backups, shaaring, what can I use ?
 
2013 said:
Yes I would like to use it as a pc also, running windows based software.

and Im wanting something thats a bit flexible
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Ok, Windows Server or 7 or 8 etc will be perfect then. It can run your software, share folders/hard drives for backups and file sharing etc

You can then install something called Plex which is just a piece of software but you just set it up to look in certain folders for your films or TV shows etc and then install Plex on any other computer and you can watch it all. You can get Plex for Windows, MAC, Android and iPad/iPhone etc.

Windows in some variance is very flexible and will do everything you need, it's an added cost but for you it seems necessary/worth it for your needs.
 
can I use windows like

Can I access it from anywhere like dropbox and streaming apps like netflix. Stream movie's, music, images, ext from anywhere ?

Can I use it to Keep backups of all my data, movie's music photos, docs ext, and upload files from anywhere similar to dropbox.
 
From from what you guys have told me.

To run windows software, I would better off with windows OS,
to stream i will need plex or something similar.
what about using kodi or is that just for

what about the backup side of things ?
 
2013 said:
can I use windows like

Can I access it from anywhere like dropbox and streaming apps like netflix. Stream movie's, music, images, ext from anywhere ?

Can I use it to Keep backups of all my data, movie's music photos, docs ext, and upload files from anywhere similar to dropbox.
Click to expand...
Yes you can access it anywhere, you will need to setup a VPN into your network to have access to anything on the microserver outside of your home wifi though. If your just using laptop's etc in your house then everything will work perfectly but if you was on your phone for example at work and wanted something you would need to VPN to your home network.

Once you have VPN'd to your network then you can upload files, download files and stream media. It will be limited by how good your network is though.

Yes, on your other PC's you just need to set the backup to be a HDD or a partition on your microserver.

Plex allows you to share your media across the network, its simple and easy to use. Kodi is a media player that you can set up to play your media stored on the server. Kodi also enables a lot more features such as music and photo playback.

Plex would work like this;
Microserver with Plex Media Server installed and all your media on the hard drive.

Laptop/Desktop/TV or whatever with Plex software or you can even just do it in browser. Simply login with your plex account and all your media will be there to be played whenever you wish!
 
Really tempted to get one, not quite sure what I would use it for but it would be nice to be able to have something that can store films on and have my LEGAL torrents on without having my main desktop on all the damned time.

Am I right in thinking with windows 8, it could function like a regular PC? Say if I attached a wireless keyboard and mouse? How about as a server for games?

Also, can't seem to find the dimensions for this thing... how small is it?
 
I've also come across http://emby.media is this any good.

I will need to look into how to setup a VPN into your network


Is there a wayy to setup so I can backup or download, without having a drive on the pc/laptop ( I wont always use my personal pc) and be able to backup from my phone

also how about something like owncloud for dropbox style backup and downloads ?
 
Well this thread didn't take long to convince me. Just ordering one now. Will mainly use to store all my music and all my DVDs that i will put on to it to get them off my shelves.

Have already got a small pc with a 4670k but will use they for steam big picture mode.
 
Not sure if anyone also mentioned, but the licensing costs for ESX are rather high, so unless you have a nice big budget that's not the route you'll want to go down.

Having only skimmed through the thread, most people tend to buy microservers because they're inexpensive, still relatively powerful, and also low power consumption.

Not entirely sure of your requirements, however a windows OS will cost, compared to a Linux OS. Also most of the top streaming applications work on both.
 
Semple said:
Not sure if anyone also mentioned, but the licensing costs for ESX are rather high, so unless you have a nice big budget that's not the route you'll want to go down.
Click to expand...

The licensing cost for ESXi is £0 if you don't want Virtual Center, Vmotion, HA, etc, etc (which he won't).
 
gradyhawks said:
Really tempted to get one, not quite sure what I would use it for but it would be nice to be able to have something that can store films on and have my LEGAL torrents on without having my main desktop on all the damned time.

Am I right in thinking with windows 8, it could function like a regular PC? Say if I attached a wireless keyboard and mouse? How about as a server for games?

Also, can't seem to find the dimensions for this thing... how small is it?
Click to expand...
Yeah will function like a normal PC, install any software you like! so don't see why it can't be a server for games.
2013 said:
I've also come across http://emby.media is this any good.

I will need to look into how to setup a VPN into your network


Is there a wayy to setup so I can backup or download, without having a drive on the pc/laptop ( I wont always use my personal pc) and be able to backup from my phone

also how about something like owncloud for dropbox style backup and downloads ?
Click to expand...
I haven't used it but it looks ok, I mean I would stick to the tried and tested but no harm in trying different things.

I don't understand what your asking, sorry! :(

Again, I haven't used it. No harm in trying, if it meet's your needs then great. If not then just uninstall and try something new!
 
down to economies, the microserver does not have a soundcard and has very rudimentry graphics to connect a monitor or screenshare with a lan computer.

It allows easier access to the hard drives. and is sized just to meet it's needs. small power supply etc.

a desktop computer will idle at higher power even if it's using a very basic microserver OS.
 
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ci_newman said:
I use my Microserver with the Synology DSM software too.

It's basically the same as a Synology NAS but cheaper, more powerful and more flexible. You can still use the Synology Apps on your phone, use Synology updates etc.
Click to expand...

This. I run Server 2012 and will soon be running several Virtual server 2012 machines, along with an Xpenology VM which hosts all my media for plex/raspberry pi's through the house, as well as my Steam library.
 
Golf1.6 said:
down to economies, the microserver does not have a soundcard and has very rudimentry graphics to connect a monitor or screenshare with a lan computer.

It allows easier access to the hard drives. and is sized just to meet it's needs. small power supply etc.

a desktop computer will idle at higher power even if it's using a very basic microserver OS.
Click to expand...

Indeed, it has a very basic 32MB Matrox graphics chip and only a VGA output and no sound. It does have duel gigabit nics and ILO4 though ...it's a server remember, not really a desktop pc. It can function as one but it's not really ideal. It's not really designed to be used directly as a pc but remotely via RDP and to provide services.

It will work as a good media storage facility and will stream okish. But for direct use nope, no HDMI, no sound and very basic graphics pretty much preclude that for media consumption or creation purposes.
 
2013 said:
Hi first of thanks everyone for taking the time to answer my questions.

its hard to explain but its a bit complicated for me, some may have had the same issues, I hope you can help me with my decision.

What do you guys use your Micro server for ?
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I have the Hp Gen8 Microserver that I bought with the previous cashback offer (only £35 instead of the current £60 cashback).

This is my first microserver/NAS of any kind, as such I kept it simple and installed Xpenology (Synology software), so far I have just 1 x 3TB WD red drive and an old 2.5" drive in the ODD bay (dvd slot).

I am running it as a download box, media server and NAS. Its extremely quiet, the background hum of my old Altec Lansing subwoofer is louder.

I set up a free DNS and my brothers can now remotely access the server and my data if need be, as well as me on the move.

Very very useful! I can remotely start downloads, retrieve copies of my cv while working away from home no bother etc etc.

It also has iLo, which means you don't need a seperate monitor, keyboard or mouse to access it, even when setting up the bios etc.

Superb bit of kit, wish I had bought one sooner
 
BAcon said:
I have the Hp Gen8 Microserver that I bought with the previous cashback offer (only £35 instead of the current £60 cashback).

This is my first microserver/NAS of any kind, as such I kept it simple and installed Xpenology (Synology software), so far I have just 1 x 3TB WD red drive and an old 2.5" drive in the ODD bay (dvd slot).

I am running it as a download box, media server and NAS. Its extremely quiet, the background hum of my old Altec Lansing subwoofer is louder.

I set up a free DNS and my brothers can now remotely access the server and my data if need be, as well as me on the move.

Very very useful! I can remotely start downloads, retrieve copies of my cv while working away from home no bother etc etc.

It also has iLo, which means you don't need a seperate monitor, keyboard or mouse to access it, even when setting up the bios etc.

Superb bit of kit, wish I had bought one sooner
Click to expand...

I will be doing the same using 2.5 hdd for the OS I am thinking of using ssd but im not sure if i will see any benefits
 
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