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Which Windows OS should I choose for the server?


ecrispy

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ecrispy

I have licenses for Win 7/8 or a server OS like WHS 2011 or Server Essentials 2012. I'm leaning towards WSE 2012 since its a server OS but I'm concerned about having to setup a domain and making all the clients join the domain.

 

Any advice? I also want to use some kind of software like FlexRaid to consolidate disks, but will probably just start with individual file shares on each disk.

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Logos302

I use WSE 2012, but unless you want client backup and some extra security you probably don't need it, Window7/8 will do just fine.  

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Danee

A big benefit with the Home Server versions (WHS2011/SE2012) is that you can easily get a FQDN for your server for access over the internet.

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kkhan

I use WSE 2012.  Yes, it does create a domain but client PCs do not have to join the domain. I have Wintel machines running WMC/MBC or MBT and as these just serve content they are not part of the domain.  Other Wintel machines (PVR, laptop etc) are part of the domain as that allows them to be backed up automatically.  I can also access machines which are part of the domain via VPN built in to WSE 2012.

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kkhan

PS: Non-domain clients access media content as normally via shares.  Share permissions are set as you would normally

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ecrispy

But if clients don't join the domain, they don't the special features like backup/remote access etc, right? I didn't realize this was officially supported, last time I looked you needed a registry hack to enable this.

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kkhan

To be clear: if clients don't join the domain they officially cannot use any of the special features.  However, there is a registry hack to enable (some or all?) special features without joining the domain.  I generally do not bother with the hack; I might as well join the domain if I need the special features.

 

I do use the hack for one particular case.  My work laptop is registered to my corporate domain but I prefer to back it up on WHS 2012 at home so I use the hack to avoid having to create a new domain connection (against corporate policy) and switch domains.  I have only ever used the hack for backup restore so I do not know if it works for other special features.

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ecrispy

Would I not need Windows Pro to be able to join a domain. From what I see the regular editions don't have domain join. Or is that something special to WSE ?

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