How to build a Windows Home Server

Interestingly, network storage companies have flocked to WHS. Iomega, Fujitsu, HP, and many others have released—or plan to release—network storage devices built around WHS. The HP MediaSmart Server EX475, for example, costs about $800 for the higher-end, 1TB version. It uses WHS Drive Extender technology so you can pop in additional drives at anytime, enable drive mirroring to protect data, and even comes with one add-in from HP that lets you post your photos online.

Still, you might be surprised to learn that a "turnkey" WHS device like the MediaSmart Server does not have a VGA/DVI port. You access it from a remote PC. This makes it slightly less interesting for the serious PC user. As an alternative, you can build your own Windows Home Server, using fairly inexpensive parts, and get full access to the operating system. Here's how to do it.