Microsoft has recently updated it’s Windows Home Server site and has added new features for both home users and custom built users alike. The site also includes pre-built home server units that come pre-loaded with WHS software ready to go. Some of the units are currently available for sale, while others like the HP models have not been released as of yet.

Not sure if WHS is right for you? You can order a 120 day trial version for only $5.99 for shipping in the US. This includes the installation DVD for WHS, a Connetor CD for setting up to 10 systems for use with WHS and also a Restore CD. Microsoft lists the following as the minimum system requirements:

To install the Windows Home Server 120-Day Evaluation Kit, you need:

• Computer with 1 GHz Pentium III (or equivalent) or faster processor
• 512 MB of RAM or more
• 70 GB or larger ATA, SATA, or SCSI hard drive as the primary hard drive and any number of additional hard drives of any size
• DVD drive—your home server must be capable of booting from this drive
• VGA or higher-resolution monitor for software installation
• Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device (needed only during initial home server software installation)
• 100 Mbps or faster Ethernet network interface card

To run Windows Home Server, your home network must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Internet broadband router/firewall device with a 100 Mbps or faster wired Ethernet connection for your home server
• Windows Home Server assumes that your home computers get their IP address from the router/firewall device on your home network
• Broadband connection (fees may apply)

Notes:
A wireless connection between Windows Home Server and your network is not supported. You must have a wired Ethernet port available on your router/firewall device for your Home Server. However, home computers connected wirelessly to a wireless router/firewall device in your home can access your Home Server.

For more information take a look here.

Comments welcome.

[tags]microsoft, home server, web site, updates, server hardware, trial version, order, [/tags]