Windows decision ...

[Bullmecha]

Friend is basically running a file server for his home to watch movies, tv episodes etc that he has recorded, but also wants to have a good remote access when he goes over seas.

He wants to run Windows Server OS but does he really need it? I thought you could remote access XP, Vista, and 7.

I am no guru on software, hence my topic is now posted.

Any thoughts are welcome...

Thanks in advance

 

[Gothique Doll]

You can use RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) to connect out in all versions of windows, but remote control is only included in the Professional, Business, or Ultimate versions of Windows. Home editions do not allow remote desktop control. There are alternatives, such as VNC which will run on any machine, or web based applications such as TeamViewer. VNC is not so good for watching video as it tends to stutter and lag behind.

You say a Windows server OS, which I am assuming means Server 2008 R2 or similar? I think unless you have other needs such as DNS, DHCP, printer serving, webserving and so on, it would probably be overkill, especially as Windows Home Server also has RDP (as far as I can tell from Googling) and is massively cheaper and less complex. If he generally wants to run a file server at home and particularly wants it to be a windows OS and he wants to use RDP to connect to it, WHS is probably the best option.

As a note, in case he isn't aware, this does mean he will need to set up his router with the proper port forwarding to allow him to RDP in from outside his intranet. You need to be comfortable setting that up and with the fact that it opens holes in your firewall. That's why some people prefer a service like TeamViewer.

 

[Rastalovich]

S2k8r2 I wouldn't bother with, unless you have a desire to learn about it.

Simplicity is to install just Win 7, above home if you want some extra stuff.

Anyone use something like PC Anywhere ? Idea sounds nice, but I've not tried it.

I understand you can web access your WHS if you use that.

As GD says, you need to be sure you can access from the outside world into whatever router setup you have. There are guides for these things.