Beta Releases: Windows Home Server Power Pack Available for Download
Redmond-based software giant Microsoft has announced that the first Beta version of Windows Home Server Power Pack 3 (PP3) has been made available for download to testers that are already using a previous version of the home server OS (operating system). If you are not already using Windows Home Server PP3 and would like to get it, you must sign up as a Beta tester here (Windows Home Server program on Microsoft Connect). Only after you do that will you be able to download the software.
According to Senior Product Manager with Windows Home Server, Steven Leonard, the one to announce the availability of Windows Home Server PP3 Beta, the software comes with a long list of new features: “Backup and restore of computers running Windows 7, Windows 7 Libraries integration, enhancements for Windows Media Center, and better support for netbook computers.”
Here’s a closer look at what Windows Home Server PP3 Beta has to offer:
Full Image-based Backups of Windows 7 PCs – the Action Center will no longer display the fact that you files are not being backed up after the Windows Home Server Connector is installed on your Windows 7-powered machine.
Windows 7 Libraries Support – all the music, video and photos from your Windows Home Server will be added to Windows 7 Libraries. Applications like Windows Media Player and Windows Media Center, via Libraries, will be able to access data stored on the Windows Home Server.
Windows Search 4 is now included – thanks to Windows Search 4, Windows Home Server PP3 Beta is capable of offering enhanced query search times, indexind times and improved reliability. You can search with ease through a Windows 7 Library, even though files are stored in multiple locations.
Windows Media Center Enhancements - you can archive recorded TV shows into Windows Home Server in various formats; you can use Console Quick View to access statistics about Windows Home Server through Windows Media Center
The Windows Home Server Team has yet to announce the release date of a final Windows Home Server Power Pack 3 product, but this will most likely occur before October 22nd, when Windows 7 will hit the stores.
Windows Communications Manager on the Windows Client Communications Team, Brandon LeBlanc, explains: “The Windows Home Server Team does not yet have a final release date for PP3 however they are shooting to have PP3 available shortly before GA of Windows 7. If you’re running Windows Home Server and have several Windows 7 PCs – I encourage you to give PP3 a try and help the Windows Home Server Team make PP3 rock.”
Windows Home Server Power Pack 3, after it reaches final status, will be rolled out free of charge to existing Windows Home Server users. This will be done via Windows Update.
According to Senior Product Manager with Windows Home Server, Steven Leonard, the one to announce the availability of Windows Home Server PP3 Beta, the software comes with a long list of new features: “Backup and restore of computers running Windows 7, Windows 7 Libraries integration, enhancements for Windows Media Center, and better support for netbook computers.”
Here’s a closer look at what Windows Home Server PP3 Beta has to offer:
Full Image-based Backups of Windows 7 PCs – the Action Center will no longer display the fact that you files are not being backed up after the Windows Home Server Connector is installed on your Windows 7-powered machine.
Windows 7 Libraries Support – all the music, video and photos from your Windows Home Server will be added to Windows 7 Libraries. Applications like Windows Media Player and Windows Media Center, via Libraries, will be able to access data stored on the Windows Home Server.
Windows Search 4 is now included – thanks to Windows Search 4, Windows Home Server PP3 Beta is capable of offering enhanced query search times, indexind times and improved reliability. You can search with ease through a Windows 7 Library, even though files are stored in multiple locations.
Windows Media Center Enhancements - you can archive recorded TV shows into Windows Home Server in various formats; you can use Console Quick View to access statistics about Windows Home Server through Windows Media Center
The Windows Home Server Team has yet to announce the release date of a final Windows Home Server Power Pack 3 product, but this will most likely occur before October 22nd, when Windows 7 will hit the stores.
Windows Communications Manager on the Windows Client Communications Team, Brandon LeBlanc, explains: “The Windows Home Server Team does not yet have a final release date for PP3 however they are shooting to have PP3 available shortly before GA of Windows 7. If you’re running Windows Home Server and have several Windows 7 PCs – I encourage you to give PP3 a try and help the Windows Home Server Team make PP3 rock.”
Windows Home Server Power Pack 3, after it reaches final status, will be rolled out free of charge to existing Windows Home Server users. This will be done via Windows Update.
