Replace Windows Home Server: Free Alternatives

Alternatives to Windows Home Server

Recent shifts in Microsoft’s product strategy have prompted many users to seek alternatives. The discontinuation of the $50 Windows Home Server in favor of the more expensive $450 Windows Server Essentials has left some feeling frustrated.

Fortunately, comparable functionality can be achieved using a selection of free tools, eliminating the need for financial investment in Microsoft’s offerings.

Key Features of Windows Home Server

Before exploring alternatives, it’s important to identify the core strengths of Windows Home Server. It excelled in two primary areas:

• Automated Backups: The system provided automated backups of your entire system.
• Media Streaming & File Serving: It functioned as a reliable file server, offering OS-independent DLNA media streaming to various devices.

These two features were central to the appeal of Windows Home Server, and will be the focus of our replacement solutions.

Free Alternatives

Let's examine the tools available to replicate the functionality previously provided by Windows Home Server.

While achieving the exact same level of operating system integration for backups may prove challenging, excellent alternatives exist.

These tools will allow you to establish a robust file server with OS-independent DLNA media streaming capabilities.

Data Backup Solutions

CrashPlan Overview

CrashPlan represents a commercial cloud backup solution, though it also provides a complimentary, cross-platform application designed for backup management.

This application facilitates the creation of a remote, personalized backup infrastructure. Installation occurs on multiple machines, with a designated portion of local drive space allocated for backup purposes.

The system functions by installing the application on an initial machine and then configuring a secondary machine to back up data to the first.

Implementing a Peer-to-Peer Backup System

Users can leverage this functionality for individual machine backups or establish a collaborative "buddy system" with associates.

Within this system, participants reciprocally back up data to each other’s machines, offering a resourceful and effective data protection strategy.

This approach is particularly advantageous, as detailed in Matt’s comprehensive tutorial, which can be found here.

Consider the benefits of this decentralized backup method for enhanced data security and redundancy.

System Imaging with Windows 7

For users of Windows 7 editions excluding the Home version, a built-in system imaging capability is already available. These system images can be saved to a network drive, provided it utilizes the NTFS file system.

This image can then be employed to completely recover a system that has become inoperable. While not as streamlined as the backup and restore features found in Windows Home Server (WHS), it represents the nearest equivalent option available without cost.

A comprehensive guide detailing backup and restore procedures, titled "Stuff Happens," is offered for free download by Tina. This resource provides a complete step-by-step walkthrough of the process.

Media Streaming

Plex

Plex remains a top choice for media streaming, serving as both a server and an application. I’ve previously discussed its capabilities, but let's revisit the core features that contribute to its impressive functionality.

• The server application is compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS operating systems. Versions are also available for ARM-based ReadyNAS network servers.
• Client applications for Mac and Windows are provided at no cost. However, access to the iOS and Android clients requires a one-time purchase of $5.
• Plex functions as a DLNA server, enabling compatibility with devices such as smart televisions, Roku players, Xbox 360 consoles, and PlayStation 3 systems.
• The Plex server automatically scans designated folders for newly added files. Upon detection, it efficiently retrieves artwork and other metadata from diverse online sources. This process boasts approximately 95% accuracy, minimizing the need for manual adjustments to your movie and media library.
• Plex offers a visually appealing interface. It presents exceptionally well on a 50-inch television and integrates seamlessly with the Apple remote control.
• Plex incorporates a unique social and online dimension. This allows users to queue videos discovered online for later viewing and to share specific portions of their media collections with friends.

A complimentary Plex PDF guide is available to assist you in getting started.