I have been reading a lot of threads here trying to make a decision on my server.
I currently have an HP MS Server 495. It came with a 1.5TB drive and I added three 2TB drives. The server runs WHS V1, and I use Drive Extender. My primary use of the server is to store files for my home use and my small consulting business. The second function of the server is to backup the three computers in the house. I have never had to restore them from these backups, but I like the peace of mind of having that extra backup. All of my machines also have Carbonite installed for an online backup. This includes the sever. To install it, I used remote desktop. It has been running on the server for over a year and has worked quite well.
Other than the server's being slow, it has served me well over the last couple years. However, recently it began acting up and currently will not boot. I just get flashing lights. I got it to boot a few times, but soon after it would crash.
So, right now I am checking each of the drives for errors in an external drive bay from my laptop.
I have read lots of posts about WHS 2011 with StableBit. This sounds very interesting to me. I also read Terry's review of the new ASUSTOR AS-604T NAS Server. I found this device quite intriguing. But it does not seem like it would backup my computers. It would just serve my files I believe.
I have limited IT expertise. I liked WHS because it did not require a lot of IT knowledge. Most important, I need a good reliable file server and a good reliable backup solution. It would be nice to have remote access to files as well, but I have not had this now, so it is not the end of the world if I don't have it. I have never really used the media sharing features of WHS, so I can live without that.
SO, assuming that my drives check out after the very L O N G scan they are currently undergoing, I will probably try to restart the HP server and see if I can squeeze some more life out of it. However, I have a spare 2TB HD. I am wondering if I should buy a copy of WHS 2011 and StableBit and try installing it on the HP on the spare drive. Can this even be done? can the HP hardware run 2011? From some of the posts I read it seems like it can, but is it advisable?
OR, should I just pony up the dough and buy a new server or that Asustor device? Does Carbonite work with such a device? Or would I then have to rethink my online backup solution too?
I am really just feeling buried in options here. When I bought this HP about 2-3 years ago, I did not think it would be so soon having to replace it.
I appreciate any suggestions. Thank you in advance.