How the MediaSmart Server stacks up

Now that you know the basics of what an HP MediaSmart Server can do, how does it compare to other storage solutions? Take a look at some alternatives for data storage and centralization that fall into several categories:

• Recordable CD/DVD discs: Using discs can provide the convenience of a centralized system or the 24-hour availability of a server. They are a good way to protect data for the long term and can be used in conjunction with the MediaSmart Server for archiving purposes.
• External hard drives: An additional hard drive is handy, and some such as the HP Media Vault offer backup software and network-attached storage. It can even stream audio and video, but it doesn't offer remote access features such as Photo Webshare or the flexibility of Windows Home Server software.
• Online storage: This can serve in some of the ways that the MediaSmart delivers files via remote access, but without the fun. Online storage can only download and upload files, which are stored either free or for a fee on a commercial server away from your home. They also don't offer any of the home uses such as iTunes sharing and video streaming.

As you can see, there are no other home consumer products that directly compare to the MediaSmart Server. That's partly because until Microsoft released Windows Home Server, there hadn't been a simple way to create your own home server system. But the software is only part of the equation. The hardware of the MediaSmart Server is another reason why it's so functional and easy to use. Here are some of the features that make it unique:

• Small size: Believe it or not, the server's streamlined profile is under 10" tall and only 5.5" wide -- just enough room for the computer processor and two internal hard drives.
• Several expansion ports: It features four USB 2.0 ports to connect external hard drives as well as one eSATA port for an external SATA drive.
• Computer brain: It uses an energy-saving AMD processor to perform tasks without the need of an attached computer, such as streaming video to networked devices.
• Silent running: The perforated steel exterior provides cool and quiet operation.

Figure 4 shows how easy it is to monitor your MediaSmartServer storage details and settings through the Windows Home Server Console.

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Next, we'll take a look at how easy it is to get up and running with the MediaSmart Server.

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