FAQ: HP MediaSmart Server ex485 and ex487 (Page 7 of 9)

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by MediaSmartHome Team January 29, 2009 03:45 PM

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Data Protection

Q: How does automatic PC client backup work on the HP MediaSmart Server ?

A: Once you install the MediaSmart Server client software on a PC, it will automatically be backed up to the HP MediaSmart Server. This client software must be installed on each PC that you wish to include in the backup operation. The sophisticated WHS backup algorithm copies files, folders, and complete images of the PC hard drive. It can recognize the same file in two or more places, and will keep only one copy of the file, but with multiple pointers, in order to save storage space on the MediaSmart Server.

You can optionally customize the backup by selecting which volumes on the PC to backup, what files to exclude, the backup window, and the number of revisions to keep. You can also configure the Server to automatically ‘Wake up’ both the Server and PCs, when a backup is about to start.

Q: Can the HP MediaSmart Server back up a computer connected remotely?

A: No. PCs must be on the local network (wired or wirelessly) to be backed up.

Q: How do you backup the HP MediaSmart Server itself?

A: There are multiple ways to backup data on the HP MediaSmart Server. By default, shared folders on the MediaSmart Server have ‘Folder duplication’ On, which means that every file in that folder is written to two separate hard drives in the array. This shared folder level mirroring provides the first level of redundancy.

Additional internal or external hard drives can be added to the Server as part of a separate backup volume, you can backup the shared folders on the MediaSmart Server to this drive, through the Computers and Backup tab in the WHS Console. If you add an external hard drive for your Home Server backups, you can store the hard drive in a separate location for disaster protection.

The MediaSmart Server can also be backed up to the Amazon S3 online data storage service. The MediaSmart Server provides links to the Amazon S3 Service to enable registration and use.
Lastly, you can selectively backup files to an external hard drive, CD/DVD or tape that is connected to one of the PCs on the network.

Q. If my PC hard drive crashes, would it be possible to re-image a new hard drive and recover the computer using the HP MediaSmart Server ?

A. Yes, The HP MediaSmart Server automatically backs up the PC hard drive image and can save multiple versions. It also comes with a PC restore CD, and after replacing the failed PC hard drive, you merely insert the CD into your PC, and pull the desired hard drive image from the HP MediaSmart Server. If your computer has been corrupted by a virus, malware, spyware etc., you can re-image your hard drive to a known good state by bringing back an older version of the hard drive image from the HP MediaSmart Server.

Q. If I lost my notebook, would it be possible to re-image my new computer using the HP MediaSmart Server?

A. It is not possible to re-image the new computer simply due to third party license restrictions. However, you will be able to restore your data as individual folders and files from the HP MediaSmart Server just like you had them in your old computer.

Q: What type of security does the HP MediaSmart Server have?

A: The HP MediaSmart Server includes several security measures. The HP MediaSmart Server administrator assigns a user name and password for up to 10 users plus an additional pre-defined Guest user account. Remote access is disabled by default and must be enabled for each of the user accounts. The Guest account is not enabled or given access to any shared folders by default.

Remote access to the HP MediaSmart Server for file access, media streaming and accessing HP Photo Publisher is handled through 128 bit https only. Users must login and authenticate to access the HP MediaSmart Server shared folders or PC applications through the Server.

Q: Does HP MediaSmart Server have encryption?

A: The HP MediaSmart Server doesn’t include encryption as part of the solution, but users can use their own software encryption solution on the unit.

Q: Does HP MediaSmart Server have a firewall built in?

A: Users of the HP MediaSmart Server should have a router with built-in firewall protection. Additionally, the HP MediaSmart Server is built on the proven technologies of Windows Server and uses the software firewall technologies built into Windows Home Server to provide an additional level of protection. Also, Windows Home Server manages opening a port in the firewall for remote access in a secure fashion.

Q. Does the MediaSmart Server offer server Anti-Virus software?

A. There is a McAfee Anti-Virus software add-in for the HP MediaSmart Server, which the customer can choose to install to the MediaSmart Server. The customer can also either use their existing PC AV software to scan the server, or there are 3rd party server AV add-ins from companies including F-Secure.