Hi,
Looking for help to make an informed decision. I currently have a WHS v1 HP470 that I have really enjoyed. I use MyMoives with a couple HTPCs. Over the past year or so it has been acting badly and I am thinking it is on its last legs. This is strictly a home user based server.
I purchased a new case, couple of drives, and an ASUS AMD350 board thinking I was going to build a 2011 home server but held off because of Drive extender mainly. I have Server 2012 essentials disk and key sitting in front of my as I write this...
So the short version -
1) Do I go and purchase the remaining parts to complete the Windows 2012 Essentials server? OS drive(s) with icy dock and 2 more storage drives?
2) OR I have been reading about Terry's experience with this ASUSTORE NAS and am wondering if that makes more sense.
My concerns/desires:
1) I want the backup, remote access, plug-in functionality the WHS used to offer. Drive extender or pooling is a big deal to me. Does the new "drive extender" force duplicated files onto different physical volumes? Perhaps that feature does not exist anymore..
2) What is the consensus concerning using Active Directory in a home environment? I am not versed in it or have ever used it other than at work. I have read that you can skip that step during install (Paul Thurrott) and use it "normally". If I go the 2012 Essentials route what should I do? I am willing to go the AD route if that is the best way. I just do not want to make this complex for my family.
3) Should I just buy a NAS and be done? Will I be happy?
I realize that some of this is personal preference. I would appreciate hearing the - "if I were you I would..." thoughts from everyone. If there are good resources that have answered this recently please pass them along.
Thanks in advance for any/all help.
Cheers,
Tom