MS Windows Home Server

Now that the next major version of Windows Home Server (codenamed Vail) will be available sometime in 2010, it’s time to look at some of the details of Windows 7 the platform that Vail will be based on:

• Only one more release candidate (RC) and then it will be shipping to the customer (RTM).
• RTM will be sometime this year (2009).
• Customers who buy Windows Vista machines as of July 1 2009 will get the appropriate free upgrade to Windows 7 once it ships.

And the differences between Vista and Windows 7 versions are:

• Windows Vista Home Premium – Windows 7 Home Premium
• Windows Vista Business – Windows 7 Professional 
• Windows Vista Ultimate – Windows 7 Ultimate

Don’t forget if you would like to have a play with Windows 7 right now, then the current beta is available from:

• Microsoft’s Windows 7 site has it publicly available.
• MSDN Subscriptions or TechNet Plus Subscriptions if you are a subscriber
• Microsoft Connect site if you are an official beta tester

On the HP Home & Home Office Store you can enter the HP MediaSmart Server Sweepstakes.

If you are a resident of the US you can sign up to receive email notification when it becomes available to purchase. By doing so, each month one lucky winner will receive:

• HP MediaSmart Server
• A $200 HP Home & Home Office Store gift card

This contest ends March 28, 2009 and 3 units are up for grabs.

You can sign up here.