The Hardware

Like anything in the computer biz, advancements in technology march forward; processors get faster, memory is expanded, and hard drive sizes grow. The new HP MediaSmart Server reflects these changes and more, sporting a up to date, faster internals.

The biggest change is the move to Intel processors. The previous MediaSmart Server used an AMD Sempron 1.8 Ghz processor, and while that was fairly slow at the time, most found it sufficient enough to run a home server. The EX-485/487 come stock with an Intel Celeron 440 (Conroe-L) humming along at 2.0 Ghz. The clock speeds are similar, though the Intel chip should yeild about a 20% performance improvement, while sipping less power than the older AMD part. Whether the performance improvement will be noticable for common uses of the home server is harder to tell. Certain actions, like opening the Admin Console, certainly felt peppier, but common tasks like transferring and accessing files seemed similar.

The other much needed hardware improvement in the new MediaSmart Server is the inclusion of more memory. The original HP MediaSmart Server shipped with standard with 512MB of DDR2 RAM, which was fine for the stock setup, but started to cause severe slowdown issues once Power Pack 1 and/or a few intensive add-ins were installed. Many users took it upon themselves to work their way into the 'Fort-Knox' enclosure and upgrade the module themselves, a warranty voiding procedure until HP changed their stance a few months back.

Vowing to not repeat mistakes of the past, HP's new line of MediaSmart Servers ship with 2GB of DDR2 standard, which should be more than enough to run the Home Server and any number of add-ins. 1GB probably would have been enough for most needs, but it's comforting to see HP step it up and not skimp on the RAM.

Not Just for PCs Anymore

HP has put an enormous amount of effort into making the HP MediaSmart Server much more Mac friendly than ever before. For example, the new MediaSmart Server, in conjunction with Apple's Time Machine backup software, can handle backing multiple PCs and Macs in the same home. 

The HP MediaSmart Server isn't intended for the Mac only home; the initial installation and setup must be performed from within Windows XP or Vista. Those in a blended PC/Mac environment, or at least those with a Windows install via parallels or Boot Camp, will find a lot to enjoy.

Read more about the new Mac features in the article: The MediaSmart Server EX485 & EX487: Bringing Your Blended Mac & PC Household Together

Setting Up the HP MediaSmart Server

If you already own or have used the HP MediaSmart Server before, there's really nothing new to report here. Regardless of a version 2.0 moniker on the Software Installation Disc, the setup works in exactly the same way.

For those new to the MediaSmart Server, let me tell you that this thing (regardless of how complicated a home server sounds) is really, really easy to set up. 

Start by choosing a location in your home and connecting it to your network. Before you begin asking why it doesn't include Wi-Fi, it's important to understand that where you put it really doesn't make a difference to how you use it. The HP MediaSmart Server is controlled via remote access over your home network; there's no monitor or keyboard hookups on the back.  For example, if your only hard-wired connection is in the basement near the router, then put it in the basement next to the router. All your wireless clients will be able to access and use it just the same.

Once it's connected and plugged in, hit the power button on the back to turn it on, and then head to your PC running Windows XP or Vista.

Pop in the Software installation disc and let 'er rip. If the MediaSmart Server has been properly connected to your network, the installation wizard will find it and begin setting up your computer to use the MediaSmart Server.

Along the way you'll set up a password for the Home Server, define your backup schedule, and other things. Overall, it takes anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes to do its thing.

Once the initial installation is complete, you'll need to run the software installation disc on any PC or Mac you wish to use with the MediaSmart Server. 

A New Look for the Admin Console

The HP MediaSmart Server Admin console has been given a refresh from the previous generation. The new "home page" puts the majority of important features at the forefront, making it easier to configure and use the MediaSmart Server without having to dive into the Settings area as much.

On the left, you'll tabs for various functions or features of the home server. Clicking the Server Summary tab, for example, gives you a summary for notification, storage, hardware, add-ins, software updates, and power management, as well as quick links to view or modify these settings.

Those familiar with the home server console from the previous generation will see the familiar tabs across the top for computers and backup, user accounts, shared folders, server storage, etc. The only noticeable change here is the inclusion of a default Mac shared folder on the "Shared Folders" tab. Otherwise, these tabs look and behave the same as on the previous generation.

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