Home Server spruced up for Windows 7

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 20 Jul 2009 at 07:39

Microsoft is releasing a new version of its Home Server software to coincide with the launch of Windows 7 this Autumn.

Windows Home Server Power Pack 3 will bring a series of new features to the platform, which has so far struggled to gain momentum.

Close integration with Windows 7 is the key feature for Power Pack 3, with the new software supporting full image-based backups of any Windows 7 machines on the home network.

System Tray reminders to back up your PC will disappear once the Windows Home Server Connector is installed on a Windows 7 system, with Home Server automating the backup process in the background.

Power Pack 3 will also offer support for Windows 7's new Libraries feature, with files stored on the Home Server appearing in Documents, Photos and Music Libraries on the client PCs. It essentially makes the physical location of the files invisible to the end user, giving access to all the content on the home network from any Windows 7 PC in the house.

There's additional good news for users of Windows Media Center. Power Pack 3 includes a new TV archiving feature that allows users to move recorded shows to the Home Server. Users can also choose to make a compressed copy of the show for devices such as Windows Mobile smartphones or Zune players, allowing them to stream recorded television directly to those devices at optimum bit-rates.

Microsoft is currently inviting Windows 7 Release Candidate users to test out the Power Pack 3 beta.

The company says it's aiming to get the Power Pack out of the door by the time Windows 7 rolls out in late October.