RE: [OT] Home setup
What area of maintenance do you want to reduce? Cheers Ken From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] On Behalf Of Grant Molloy Sent: Wednesday, 13 March 2013 2:04 PM To: ozDotNet Subject: [OT] Home setup Hey all.. I'm looking at re-jigging my home PC's and network setups in an attempt to lower the levels of required maintenance. Currently have following * Server - Core 2 Quad, 8gb ram, raid 5 array (<2tb), + 2 x 2tb hdds, server 2008 R2 OS (non domain) with hyper-v vm's. * Desktop - Core 2 Duo, 8gb ram, 4 bed's, Win 7, printer, scanner, several dev VM's (vmware), apps, etc.. * Media PC x 2 - old Dell mini desktops with extra hdd's, xbmc, Skype, 802.11n wifi cards and with wireless keyboards. * plus laptops, tablet, phones... I was looking at keeping with 2008 r2 server (just beef it up more), and then having thin clients to replace desktop, and new terminal for kids, and also replacing media PC's with a 'media device's of one sort or another. What are you using? I would welcome people's experiences in this area and suggestions.
RE: [OT] Home setup
All of it.. Patches, updates, failed updates, PC worked yesterday but not today.. usual things. On Mar 13, 2013 1:48 PM, "Ken Schaefer" wrote: > What area of maintenance do you want to reduce? > > ** ** > > Cheers > > Ken > > ** ** > > *From:* ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto: > ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] *On Behalf Of *Grant Molloy > *Sent:* Wednesday, 13 March 2013 2:04 PM > *To:* ozDotNet > *Subject:* [OT] Home setup > > ** ** > > Hey all.. > > I'm looking at re-jigging my home PC's and network setups in an attempt to > lower the levels of required maintenance. > > Currently have following > * Server - Core 2 Quad, 8gb ram, raid 5 array (<2tb), + 2 x 2tb hdds, > server 2008 R2 OS (non domain) with hyper-v vm's. > * Desktop - Core 2 Duo, 8gb ram, 4 bed's, Win 7, printer, scanner, several > dev VM's (vmware), apps, etc.. > * Media PC x 2 - old Dell mini desktops with extra hdd's, xbmc, Skype, > 802.11n wifi cards and with wireless keyboards. > * plus laptops, tablet, phones... > > I was looking at keeping with 2008 r2 server (just beef it up more), and > then having thin clients to replace desktop, and new terminal for kids, and > also replacing media PC's with a 'media device's of one sort or another.** > ** > > What are you using? > I would welcome people's experiences in this area and suggestions. >
RE: [OT] Home setup
Your kids must young as a thin client wouldn't cut it with mine, have they discovered Minecraft yet? I have a 11 and 15 year old and moding games and running minecraft servers and skype, ventillo with headsets on all the time music going. Recording youtube videos - youtube playing all day. Multiple player games, with more kids coming over and lan parties - thin clients just don't cut it. God I wish had this setup when I was there age. Good Luck. Dave. From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] On Behalf Of Grant Molloy Sent: Wednesday, 13 March 2013 2:04 PM To: ozDotNet Subject: [OT] Home setup Hey all.. I'm looking at re-jigging my home PC's and network setups in an attempt to lower the levels of required maintenance. Currently have following * Server - Core 2 Quad, 8gb ram, raid 5 array (<2tb), + 2 x 2tb hdds, server 2008 R2 OS (non domain) with hyper-v vm's. * Desktop - Core 2 Duo, 8gb ram, 4 bed's, Win 7, printer, scanner, several dev VM's (vmware), apps, etc.. * Media PC x 2 - old Dell mini desktops with extra hdd's, xbmc, Skype, 802.11n wifi cards and with wireless keyboards. * plus laptops, tablet, phones... I was looking at keeping with 2008 r2 server (just beef it up more), and then having thin clients to replace desktop, and new terminal for kids, and also replacing media PC's with a 'media device's of one sort or another. What are you using? I would welcome people's experiences in this area and suggestions.
RE: [OT] Home setup
I know, right?? Kids sitting around the kitchen table talking about heros on dota2. Setting PC on dinning table and gaming. I was so proud. :) On Mar 13, 2013 11:59 AM, "David Szkilnyk" wrote: > Your kids must young as a thin client wouldn’t cut it with mine, have they > discovered Minecraft yet? > > I have a 11 and 15 year old and moding games and running minecraft servers > and skype, ventillo with headsets on all the time music going. > > Recording youtube videos – youtube playing all day. > > Multiple player games, with more kids coming over and lan parties – thin > clients just don’t cut it. > > ** ** > > God I wish had this setup when I was there age. > > ** ** > > Good Luck. > > Dave. > > ** ** > > ** ** > > *From:* ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto: > ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] *On Behalf Of *Grant Molloy > *Sent:* Wednesday, 13 March 2013 2:04 PM > *To:* ozDotNet > *Subject:* [OT] Home setup > > ** ** > > Hey all.. > > I'm looking at re-jigging my home PC's and network setups in an attempt to > lower the levels of required maintenance. > > Currently have following > * Server - Core 2 Quad, 8gb ram, raid 5 array (<2tb), + 2 x 2tb hdds, > server 2008 R2 OS (non domain) with hyper-v vm's. > * Desktop - Core 2 Duo, 8gb ram, 4 bed's, Win 7, printer, scanner, several > dev VM's (vmware), apps, etc.. > * Media PC x 2 - old Dell mini desktops with extra hdd's, xbmc, Skype, > 802.11n wifi cards and with wireless keyboards. > * plus laptops, tablet, phones... > > I was looking at keeping with 2008 r2 server (just beef it up more), and > then having thin clients to replace desktop, and new terminal for kids, and > also replacing media PC's with a 'media device's of one sort or another.** > ** > > What are you using? > I would welcome people's experiences in this area and suggestions. >
RE: [OT] Home setup
My kids are still young ATM. Gaming is a future issue.. maybe they can play that on their Google glass v15! On Mar 13, 2013 2:02 PM, "Stephen Price" wrote: > I know, right?? Kids sitting around the kitchen table talking about heros > on dota2. Setting PC on dinning table and gaming. I was so proud. :) > On Mar 13, 2013 11:59 AM, "David Szkilnyk" wrote: > >> Your kids must young as a thin client wouldn’t cut it with mine, have >> they discovered Minecraft yet? >> >> I have a 11 and 15 year old and moding games and running minecraft >> servers and skype, ventillo with headsets on all the time music going. ** >> ** >> >> Recording youtube videos – youtube playing all day. >> >> Multiple player games, with more kids coming over and lan parties – thin >> clients just don’t cut it. >> >> ** ** >> >> God I wish had this setup when I was there age. >> >> ** ** >> >> Good Luck. >> >> Dave. >> >> ** ** >> >> ** ** >> >> *From:* ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto: >> ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] *On Behalf Of *Grant Molloy >> *Sent:* Wednesday, 13 March 2013 2:04 PM >> *To:* ozDotNet >> *Subject:* [OT] Home setup >> >> ** ** >> >> Hey all.. >> >> I'm looking at re-jigging my home PC's and network setups in an attempt >> to lower the levels of required maintenance. >> >> Currently have following >> * Server - Core 2 Quad, 8gb ram, raid 5 array (<2tb), + 2 x 2tb hdds, >> server 2008 R2 OS (non domain) with hyper-v vm's. >> * Desktop - Core 2 Duo, 8gb ram, 4 bed's, Win 7, printer, scanner, >> several dev VM's (vmware), apps, etc.. >> * Media PC x 2 - old Dell mini desktops with extra hdd's, xbmc, Skype, >> 802.11n wifi cards and with wireless keyboards. >> * plus laptops, tablet, phones... >> >> I was looking at keeping with 2008 r2 server (just beef it up more), and >> then having thin clients to replace desktop, and new terminal for kids, and >> also replacing media PC's with a 'media device's of one sort or another.* >> *** >> >> What are you using? >> I would welcome people's experiences in this area and suggestions. >> >
Re: [OT] Home setup
Sounds like a case for a virtual machine, with snapshots. On Wed, Mar 13, 2013 at 2:51 PM, Grant Molloy wrote: > All of it.. > Patches, updates, failed updates, PC worked yesterday but not today.. > usual things. > On Mar 13, 2013 1:48 PM, "Ken Schaefer" wrote: > >> What area of maintenance do you want to reduce? >> >> ** ** >> >> Cheers >> >> Ken >> >> ** ** >> >> *From:* ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto: >> ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] *On Behalf Of *Grant Molloy >> *Sent:* Wednesday, 13 March 2013 2:04 PM >> *To:* ozDotNet >> *Subject:* [OT] Home setup >> >> ** ** >> >> Hey all.. >> >> I'm looking at re-jigging my home PC's and network setups in an attempt >> to lower the levels of required maintenance. >> >> Currently have following >> * Server - Core 2 Quad, 8gb ram, raid 5 array (<2tb), + 2 x 2tb hdds, >> server 2008 R2 OS (non domain) with hyper-v vm's. >> * Desktop - Core 2 Duo, 8gb ram, 4 bed's, Win 7, printer, scanner, >> several dev VM's (vmware), apps, etc.. >> * Media PC x 2 - old Dell mini desktops with extra hdd's, xbmc, Skype, >> 802.11n wifi cards and with wireless keyboards. >> * plus laptops, tablet, phones... >> >> I was looking at keeping with 2008 r2 server (just beef it up more), and >> then having thin clients to replace desktop, and new terminal for kids, and >> also replacing media PC's with a 'media device's of one sort or another.* >> *** >> >> What are you using? >> I would welcome people's experiences in this area and suggestions. >> > -- Meski http://courteous.ly/aAOZcv "Going to Starbucks for coffee is like going to prison for sex. Sure, you'll get it, but it's going to be rough" - Adam Hills
RE: [OT] Home setup
In terms of patching, do you have this handled automatically at the moment? Or do you just wish to automate this? You could use WSUS, or MU but with patches auto-downloaded and installed (at least to cover the Windows bit) In terms of "PC worked yesterday but doesn't work today" - are you having hardware issues? Or software issues? If the latter, I don't see how a VM will help if people are screwing things up. Look at Restore Points (and removing Admin access) instead. Or is there some other kind of issue? Even though you say "usual things", that really doesn't enlighten us much per se. FWIW I have 7 PCs and 3 physical servers (+about 8 always on VMs), plus a few phones, tablets etc., but I don't consider I spend much time on keeping it running. Most maintenance activities (like backups) are automated (e.g. clients backup to Windows Home Server, patching is handled by WSUS) Cheers Ken From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] On Behalf Of Grant Molloy Sent: Wednesday, 13 March 2013 2:52 PM To: ozDotNet Subject: RE: [OT] Home setup All of it.. Patches, updates, failed updates, PC worked yesterday but not today.. usual things. On Mar 13, 2013 1:48 PM, "Ken Schaefer" mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com>> wrote: What area of maintenance do you want to reduce? Cheers Ken From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com<mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com> [mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com<mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com>] On Behalf Of Grant Molloy Sent: Wednesday, 13 March 2013 2:04 PM To: ozDotNet Subject: [OT] Home setup Hey all.. I'm looking at re-jigging my home PC's and network setups in an attempt to lower the levels of required maintenance. Currently have following * Server - Core 2 Quad, 8gb ram, raid 5 array (<2tb), + 2 x 2tb hdds, server 2008 R2 OS (non domain) with hyper-v vm's. * Desktop - Core 2 Duo, 8gb ram, 4 bed's, Win 7, printer, scanner, several dev VM's (vmware), apps, etc.. * Media PC x 2 - old Dell mini desktops with extra hdd's, xbmc, Skype, 802.11n wifi cards and with wireless keyboards. * plus laptops, tablet, phones... I was looking at keeping with 2008 r2 server (just beef it up more), and then having thin clients to replace desktop, and new terminal for kids, and also replacing media PC's with a 'media device's of one sort or another. What are you using? I would welcome people's experiences in this area and suggestions.
Re: [OT] Home setup
This is 1 consideration. Need to confirm that thin clients can connect to vm's On Mar 13, 2013 2:07 PM, "mike smith" wrote: > Sounds like a case for a virtual machine, with snapshots. > > > On Wed, Mar 13, 2013 at 2:51 PM, Grant Molloy wrote: > >> All of it.. >> Patches, updates, failed updates, PC worked yesterday but not today.. >> usual things. >> On Mar 13, 2013 1:48 PM, "Ken Schaefer" wrote: >> >>> What area of maintenance do you want to reduce? >>> >>> ** ** >>> >>> Cheers >>> >>> Ken >>> >>> ** ** >>> >>> *From:* ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto: >>> ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] *On Behalf Of *Grant Molloy >>> *Sent:* Wednesday, 13 March 2013 2:04 PM >>> *To:* ozDotNet >>> *Subject:* [OT] Home setup >>> >>> ** ** >>> >>> Hey all.. >>> >>> I'm looking at re-jigging my home PC's and network setups in an attempt >>> to lower the levels of required maintenance. >>> >>> Currently have following >>> * Server - Core 2 Quad, 8gb ram, raid 5 array (<2tb), + 2 x 2tb hdds, >>> server 2008 R2 OS (non domain) with hyper-v vm's. >>> * Desktop - Core 2 Duo, 8gb ram, 4 bed's, Win 7, printer, scanner, >>> several dev VM's (vmware), apps, etc.. >>> * Media PC x 2 - old Dell mini desktops with extra hdd's, xbmc, Skype, >>> 802.11n wifi cards and with wireless keyboards. >>> * plus laptops, tablet, phones... >>> >>> I was looking at keeping with 2008 r2 server (just beef it up more), and >>> then having thin clients to replace desktop, and new terminal for kids, and >>> also replacing media PC's with a 'media device's of one sort or another. >>> >>> >>> What are you using? >>> I would welcome people's experiences in this area and suggestions. >>> >> > > > -- > Meski > >http://courteous.ly/aAOZcv > > "Going to Starbucks for coffee is like going to prison for sex. Sure, > you'll get it, but it's going to be rough" - Adam Hills >
Re: [OT] Home setup
Wish Windows Home Server still existed. :( A VM helps scrape viruses and malware off a virtual install, restore points don't begin to fix that issue. On Wed, Mar 13, 2013 at 3:19 PM, Ken Schaefer wrote: > In terms of patching, do you have this handled automatically at the > moment? Or do you just wish to automate this? You could use WSUS, or MU but > with patches auto-downloaded and installed (at least to cover the Windows > bit) > > ** ** > > In terms of “PC worked yesterday but doesn’t work today” – are you having > hardware issues? Or software issues? If the latter, I don’t see how a VM > will help if people are screwing things up. Look at Restore Points (and > removing Admin access) instead. Or is there some other kind of issue? > > ** ** > > Even though you say “usual things”, that really doesn’t enlighten us much > per se. FWIW I have 7 PCs and 3 physical servers (+about 8 always on VMs), > plus a few phones, tablets etc., but I don’t consider I spend much time on > keeping it running. Most maintenance activities (like backups) are > automated (e.g. clients backup to Windows Home Server, patching is handled > by WSUS) > > ** ** > > Cheers > > Ken > > ** ** > > *From:* ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto: > ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] *On Behalf Of *Grant Molloy > *Sent:* Wednesday, 13 March 2013 2:52 PM > *To:* ozDotNet > *Subject:* RE: [OT] Home setup > > ** ** > > All of it.. > Patches, updates, failed updates, PC worked yesterday but not today.. > usual things. > > On Mar 13, 2013 1:48 PM, "Ken Schaefer" wrote: > > What area of maintenance do you want to reduce? > > > > Cheers > > Ken > > > > *From:* ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto: > ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] *On Behalf Of *Grant Molloy > *Sent:* Wednesday, 13 March 2013 2:04 PM > *To:* ozDotNet > *Subject:* [OT] Home setup > > > > Hey all.. > > I'm looking at re-jigging my home PC's and network setups in an attempt to > lower the levels of required maintenance. > > Currently have following > * Server - Core 2 Quad, 8gb ram, raid 5 array (<2tb), + 2 x 2tb hdds, > server 2008 R2 OS (non domain) with hyper-v vm's. > * Desktop - Core 2 Duo, 8gb ram, 4 bed's, Win 7, printer, scanner, several > dev VM's (vmware), apps, etc.. > * Media PC x 2 - old Dell mini desktops with extra hdd's, xbmc, Skype, > 802.11n wifi cards and with wireless keyboards. > * plus laptops, tablet, phones... > > I was looking at keeping with 2008 r2 server (just beef it up more), and > then having thin clients to replace desktop, and new terminal for kids, and > also replacing media PC's with a 'media device's of one sort or another.** > ** > > What are you using? > I would welcome people's experiences in this area and suggestions. > > -- Meski http://courteous.ly/aAOZcv "Going to Starbucks for coffee is like going to prison for sex. Sure, you'll get it, but it's going to be rough" - Adam Hills
RE: [OT] Home setup
Hey guys? Don’t forget Windows server 2012 Essentials; sounds perfect for what you are trying to do. And then keep the standard server for hyper-V, but use Essentials for other matters; Essentials can be in the network with another server OS of a higher rank, I believe? Somebody correct me on that though. From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] On Behalf Of mike smith Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 12:30 AM To: ozDotNet Subject: Re: [OT] Home setup Wish Windows Home Server still existed. :( A VM helps scrape viruses and malware off a virtual install, restore points don't begin to fix that issue. On Wed, Mar 13, 2013 at 3:19 PM, Ken Schaefer mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com>> wrote: In terms of patching, do you have this handled automatically at the moment? Or do you just wish to automate this? You could use WSUS, or MU but with patches auto-downloaded and installed (at least to cover the Windows bit) In terms of “PC worked yesterday but doesn’t work today” – are you having hardware issues? Or software issues? If the latter, I don’t see how a VM will help if people are screwing things up. Look at Restore Points (and removing Admin access) instead. Or is there some other kind of issue? Even though you say “usual things”, that really doesn’t enlighten us much per se. FWIW I have 7 PCs and 3 physical servers (+about 8 always on VMs), plus a few phones, tablets etc., but I don’t consider I spend much time on keeping it running. Most maintenance activities (like backups) are automated (e.g. clients backup to Windows Home Server, patching is handled by WSUS) Cheers Ken From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com<mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com> [mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com<mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com>] On Behalf Of Grant Molloy Sent: Wednesday, 13 March 2013 2:52 PM To: ozDotNet Subject: RE: [OT] Home setup All of it.. Patches, updates, failed updates, PC worked yesterday but not today.. usual things. On Mar 13, 2013 1:48 PM, "Ken Schaefer" mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com>> wrote: What area of maintenance do you want to reduce? Cheers Ken From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com<mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com> [mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com<mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com>] On Behalf Of Grant Molloy Sent: Wednesday, 13 March 2013 2:04 PM To: ozDotNet Subject: [OT] Home setup Hey all.. I'm looking at re-jigging my home PC's and network setups in an attempt to lower the levels of required maintenance. Currently have following * Server - Core 2 Quad, 8gb ram, raid 5 array (<2tb), + 2 x 2tb hdds, server 2008 R2 OS (non domain) with hyper-v vm's. * Desktop - Core 2 Duo, 8gb ram, 4 bed's, Win 7, printer, scanner, several dev VM's (vmware), apps, etc.. * Media PC x 2 - old Dell mini desktops with extra hdd's, xbmc, Skype, 802.11n wifi cards and with wireless keyboards. * plus laptops, tablet, phones... I was looking at keeping with 2008 r2 server (just beef it up more), and then having thin clients to replace desktop, and new terminal for kids, and also replacing media PC's with a 'media device's of one sort or another. What are you using? I would welcome people's experiences in this area and suggestions. -- Meski http://courteous.ly/aAOZcv "Going to Starbucks for coffee is like going to prison for sex. Sure, you'll get it, but it's going to be rough" - Adam Hills
RE: [OT] Home setup
WHS 2011 is still available. I was lucky to get a HP EX495 when they were still being sold, but you can certainly buy a HP N40L Microsoft + WHS 2011 today if you look on StaticIce If you’re getting malware and viruses, I’d have to ask “why?” and “how?” Most AV products can be set to update once-per-day, and removing admin rights should also do away with most of the really bad cruft that’s hard to get rid of (since it can only affect user mode), and thus make restore points a more valid way of dealing with them. Firefox, Flash and Java all have their own auto-update mechanisms if you need/want to use that software. Cheers ken From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] On Behalf Of mike smith Sent: Wednesday, 13 March 2013 3:30 PM To: ozDotNet Subject: Re: [OT] Home setup Wish Windows Home Server still existed. :( A VM helps scrape viruses and malware off a virtual install, restore points don't begin to fix that issue. On Wed, Mar 13, 2013 at 3:19 PM, Ken Schaefer mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com>> wrote: In terms of patching, do you have this handled automatically at the moment? Or do you just wish to automate this? You could use WSUS, or MU but with patches auto-downloaded and installed (at least to cover the Windows bit) In terms of “PC worked yesterday but doesn’t work today” – are you having hardware issues? Or software issues? If the latter, I don’t see how a VM will help if people are screwing things up. Look at Restore Points (and removing Admin access) instead. Or is there some other kind of issue? Even though you say “usual things”, that really doesn’t enlighten us much per se. FWIW I have 7 PCs and 3 physical servers (+about 8 always on VMs), plus a few phones, tablets etc., but I don’t consider I spend much time on keeping it running. Most maintenance activities (like backups) are automated (e.g. clients backup to Windows Home Server, patching is handled by WSUS) Cheers Ken From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com<mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com> [mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com<mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com>] On Behalf Of Grant Molloy Sent: Wednesday, 13 March 2013 2:52 PM To: ozDotNet Subject: RE: [OT] Home setup All of it.. Patches, updates, failed updates, PC worked yesterday but not today.. usual things. On Mar 13, 2013 1:48 PM, "Ken Schaefer" mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com>> wrote: What area of maintenance do you want to reduce? Cheers Ken From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com<mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com> [mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com<mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com>] On Behalf Of Grant Molloy Sent: Wednesday, 13 March 2013 2:04 PM To: ozDotNet Subject: [OT] Home setup Hey all.. I'm looking at re-jigging my home PC's and network setups in an attempt to lower the levels of required maintenance. Currently have following * Server - Core 2 Quad, 8gb ram, raid 5 array (<2tb), + 2 x 2tb hdds, server 2008 R2 OS (non domain) with hyper-v vm's. * Desktop - Core 2 Duo, 8gb ram, 4 bed's, Win 7, printer, scanner, several dev VM's (vmware), apps, etc.. * Media PC x 2 - old Dell mini desktops with extra hdd's, xbmc, Skype, 802.11n wifi cards and with wireless keyboards. * plus laptops, tablet, phones... I was looking at keeping with 2008 r2 server (just beef it up more), and then having thin clients to replace desktop, and new terminal for kids, and also replacing media PC's with a 'media device's of one sort or another. What are you using? I would welcome people's experiences in this area and suggestions. -- Meski http://courteous.ly/aAOZcv "Going to Starbucks for coffee is like going to prison for sex. Sure, you'll get it, but it's going to be rough" - Adam Hills
RE: [OT] Home setup
There's no 'major's issue, but it feels like there is always something that needs to be done with os. I do use WU/MU, but in recent times I've had a few failures which have cost me lots of time to fix. Virus/malware not issue as regular scans and daily update checks. PC and server have auto backups setup. I have noticed a nice amount of dust on front of cases and CPU heatsinks with too much dust, but that's not a biggie... Maybe I should have asked for the 'lowest maintenance' solution. On Mar 13, 2013 2:54 PM, "Ken Schaefer" wrote: > WHS 2011 is still available. I was lucky to get a HP EX495 when they > were still being sold, but you can certainly buy a HP N40L Microsoft + WHS > 2011 today if you look on StaticIce > > ** ** > > If you’re getting malware and viruses, I’d have to ask “why?” and “how?” > Most AV products can be set to update once-per-day, and removing admin > rights should also do away with most of the really bad cruft that’s hard to > get rid of (since it can only affect user mode), and thus make restore > points a more valid way of dealing with them. > > ** ** > > Firefox, Flash and Java all have their own auto-update mechanisms if you > need/want to use that software. > > ** ** > > Cheers > > ken > > ** ** > > *From:* ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto: > ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] *On Behalf Of *mike smith > *Sent:* Wednesday, 13 March 2013 3:30 PM > *To:* ozDotNet > *Subject:* Re: [OT] Home setup > > ** ** > > Wish Windows Home Server still existed. :( > > ** ** > > A VM helps scrape viruses and malware off a virtual install, restore > points don't begin to fix that issue. > > ** ** > > On Wed, Mar 13, 2013 at 3:19 PM, Ken Schaefer > wrote: > > In terms of patching, do you have this handled automatically at the > moment? Or do you just wish to automate this? You could use WSUS, or MU but > with patches auto-downloaded and installed (at least to cover the Windows > bit) > > > > In terms of “PC worked yesterday but doesn’t work today” – are you having > hardware issues? Or software issues? If the latter, I don’t see how a VM > will help if people are screwing things up. Look at Restore Points (and > removing Admin access) instead. Or is there some other kind of issue? > > > > Even though you say “usual things”, that really doesn’t enlighten us much > per se. FWIW I have 7 PCs and 3 physical servers (+about 8 always on VMs), > plus a few phones, tablets etc., but I don’t consider I spend much time on > keeping it running. Most maintenance activities (like backups) are > automated (e.g. clients backup to Windows Home Server, patching is handled > by WSUS)**** > > > > Cheers > > Ken > > > > *From:* ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto: > ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] *On Behalf Of *Grant Molloy > *Sent:* Wednesday, 13 March 2013 2:52 PM > *To:* ozDotNet > *Subject:* RE: [OT] Home setup > > > > All of it.. > Patches, updates, failed updates, PC worked yesterday but not today.. > usual things. > > On Mar 13, 2013 1:48 PM, "Ken Schaefer" wrote: > > What area of maintenance do you want to reduce? > > > > Cheers > > Ken > > > > *From:* ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto: > ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] *On Behalf Of *Grant Molloy > *Sent:* Wednesday, 13 March 2013 2:04 PM > *To:* ozDotNet > *Subject:* [OT] Home setup > > > > Hey all.. > > I'm looking at re-jigging my home PC's and network setups in an attempt to > lower the levels of required maintenance. > > Currently have following > * Server - Core 2 Quad, 8gb ram, raid 5 array (<2tb), + 2 x 2tb hdds, > server 2008 R2 OS (non domain) with hyper-v vm's. > * Desktop - Core 2 Duo, 8gb ram, 4 bed's, Win 7, printer, scanner, several > dev VM's (vmware), apps, etc.. > * Media PC x 2 - old Dell mini desktops with extra hdd's, xbmc, Skype, > 802.11n wifi cards and with wireless keyboards. > * plus laptops, tablet, phones... > > I was looking at keeping with 2008 r2 server (just beef it up more), and > then having thin clients to replace desktop, and new terminal for kids, and > also replacing media PC's with a 'media device's of one sort or another.** > ** > > What are you using? > I would welcome people's experiences in this area and suggestions. > > > > > > ** ** > > -- > Meski > > http://courteous.ly/aAOZcv > > > "Going to Starbucks for coffee is like going to prison for sex. Sure, > you'll get it, but it's going to be rough" - Adam Hills >
Re: [OT] Home setup
On Wed, Mar 13, 2013 at 3:53 PM, Ken Schaefer wrote: > WHS 2011 is still available. I was lucky to get a HP EX495 when they > were still being sold, but you can certainly buy a HP N40L Microsoft + WHS > 2011 today if you look on StaticIce > > ** > They're a sweet machine, even if I do work for HP :) > ** > > If you’re getting malware and viruses, I’d have to ask “why?” and “how?” > Most AV products can be set to update once-per-day, and removing admin > rights should also do away with most of the really bad cruft that’s hard to > get rid of (since it can only affect user mode), and thus make restore > points a more valid way of dealing with them. > > ** > I'm thinking of users that click "yes to install" in a pavlovian manner :) all that stuff, and software that requires admin. Less and less is requiring it, fortunately. In other news, WOW accounts continue to get hacked. Windows is getting a *lot* better. Used to be in the life of a machine, you could expect to do a reinstall of the OS. Now, the OS install most often lasts the machine life. Kudos to Microsoft for this. I'm less than wrapped in 8, but found a handy app that brings back the start menu. ** > > Firefox, Flash and Java all have their own auto-update mechanisms if you > need/want to use that software. > > ** > > ** > > Cheers > > ken > > ** ** > > *From:* ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto: > ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] *On Behalf Of *mike smith > *Sent:* Wednesday, 13 March 2013 3:30 PM > > *To:* ozDotNet > *Subject:* Re: [OT] Home setup > > ** ** > > Wish Windows Home Server still existed. :( > > ** ** > > A VM helps scrape viruses and malware off a virtual install, restore > points don't begin to fix that issue. > > ** ** > > On Wed, Mar 13, 2013 at 3:19 PM, Ken Schaefer > wrote: > > In terms of patching, do you have this handled automatically at the > moment? Or do you just wish to automate this? You could use WSUS, or MU but > with patches auto-downloaded and installed (at least to cover the Windows > bit) > > > > In terms of “PC worked yesterday but doesn’t work today” – are you having > hardware issues? Or software issues? If the latter, I don’t see how a VM > will help if people are screwing things up. Look at Restore Points (and > removing Admin access) instead. Or is there some other kind of issue? > > > > Even though you say “usual things”, that really doesn’t enlighten us much > per se. FWIW I have 7 PCs and 3 physical servers (+about 8 always on VMs), > plus a few phones, tablets etc., but I don’t consider I spend much time on > keeping it running. Most maintenance activities (like backups) are > automated (e.g. clients backup to Windows Home Server, patching is handled > by WSUS)**** > > > > Cheers > > Ken > > > > *From:* ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto: > ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] *On Behalf Of *Grant Molloy > *Sent:* Wednesday, 13 March 2013 2:52 PM > *To:* ozDotNet > *Subject:* RE: [OT] Home setup > > > > All of it.. > Patches, updates, failed updates, PC worked yesterday but not today.. > usual things. > > On Mar 13, 2013 1:48 PM, "Ken Schaefer" wrote: > > What area of maintenance do you want to reduce? > > > > Cheers > > Ken > > > > *From:* ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto: > ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] *On Behalf Of *Grant Molloy > *Sent:* Wednesday, 13 March 2013 2:04 PM > *To:* ozDotNet > *Subject:* [OT] Home setup > > > > Hey all.. > > I'm looking at re-jigging my home PC's and network setups in an attempt to > lower the levels of required maintenance. > > Currently have following > * Server - Core 2 Quad, 8gb ram, raid 5 array (<2tb), + 2 x 2tb hdds, > server 2008 R2 OS (non domain) with hyper-v vm's. > * Desktop - Core 2 Duo, 8gb ram, 4 bed's, Win 7, printer, scanner, several > dev VM's (vmware), apps, etc.. > * Media PC x 2 - old Dell mini desktops with extra hdd's, xbmc, Skype, > 802.11n wifi cards and with wireless keyboards. > * plus laptops, tablet, phones... > > I was looking at keeping with 2008 r2 server (just beef it up more), and > then having thin clients to replace desktop, and new terminal for kids, and > also replacing media PC's with a 'media device's of one sort or another.** > ** > > What are you using? > I would welcome people's experiences in this area and suggestions. > > > > > > ** ** > > -- > Meski > > http://courteous.ly/aAOZcv > > > "Going to Starbucks for coffee is like going to prison for sex. Sure, > you'll get it, but it's going to be rough" - Adam Hills > -- Meski http://courteous.ly/aAOZcv "Going to Starbucks for coffee is like going to prison for sex. Sure, you'll get it, but it's going to be rough" - Adam Hills
RE: [OT] Home setup
The absolute "lowest maintenance" solution just involves turning everything off. Unfortunately that usually fails other tests (having certain functionality available for use). Without understanding where your time is going, I think it'd be hard to guess what remediation measures to take. I don't think there's anything intrinsically wrong with the setup you have today. But obviously there is a need to cut down on the time/effort you're spending - just need to understand what you're spending time on. Cheers Ken From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] On Behalf Of Grant Molloy Sent: Wednesday, 13 March 2013 4:22 PM To: ozDotNet Subject: RE: [OT] Home setup There's no 'major's issue, but it feels like there is always something that needs to be done with os. I do use WU/MU, but in recent times I've had a few failures which have cost me lots of time to fix. Virus/malware not issue as regular scans and daily update checks. PC and server have auto backups setup. I have noticed a nice amount of dust on front of cases and CPU heatsinks with too much dust, but that's not a biggie... Maybe I should have asked for the 'lowest maintenance' solution.
RE: [OT] Home setup
Thanks Ken, and all. On Mar 14, 2013 8:05 AM, "Ken Schaefer" wrote: > The absolute “lowest maintenance” solution just involves turning > everything off. Unfortunately that usually fails other tests (having > certain functionality available for use). > > ** ** > > Without understanding where your time is going, I think it’d be hard to > guess what remediation measures to take. I don’t think there’s anything > intrinsically wrong with the setup you have today. But obviously there is a > need to cut down on the time/effort you’re spending – just need to > understand what you’re spending time on. > > ** ** > > Cheers > > Ken > > ** ** > > *From:* ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto: > ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] *On Behalf Of *Grant Molloy > *Sent:* Wednesday, 13 March 2013 4:22 PM > *To:* ozDotNet > *Subject:* RE: [OT] Home setup > > ** ** > > There's no 'major's issue, but it feels like there is always something > that needs to be done with os. > I do use WU/MU, but in recent times I've had a few failures which have > cost me lots of time to fix. > Virus/malware not issue as regular scans and daily update checks. > PC and server have auto backups setup. > I have noticed a nice amount of dust on front of cases and CPU heatsinks > with too much dust, but that's not a biggie... > > Maybe I should have asked for the 'lowest maintenance' solution. >
RE: [OT] Home setup
Ken, Out of interest how loud is your computer room (based on 7pc's and 3 servers?) On Mar 14, 2013 8:05 AM, "Ken Schaefer" wrote: > The absolute “lowest maintenance” solution just involves turning > everything off. Unfortunately that usually fails other tests (having > certain functionality available for use). > > ** ** > > Without understanding where your time is going, I think it’d be hard to > guess what remediation measures to take. I don’t think there’s anything > intrinsically wrong with the setup you have today. But obviously there is a > need to cut down on the time/effort you’re spending – just need to > understand what you’re spending time on. > > ** ** > > Cheers > > Ken > > ** ** > > *From:* ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto: > ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] *On Behalf Of *Grant Molloy > *Sent:* Wednesday, 13 March 2013 4:22 PM > *To:* ozDotNet > *Subject:* RE: [OT] Home setup > > ** ** > > There's no 'major's issue, but it feels like there is always something > that needs to be done with os. > I do use WU/MU, but in recent times I've had a few failures which have > cost me lots of time to fix. > Virus/malware not issue as regular scans and daily update checks. > PC and server have auto backups setup. > I have noticed a nice amount of dust on front of cases and CPU heatsinks > with too much dust, but that's not a biggie... > > Maybe I should have asked for the 'lowest maintenance' solution. >
Re: [OT] Home setup
Compared, say, to an airport. :^) On Thu, Mar 14, 2013 at 9:44 AM, Grant Molloy wrote: > Ken, > > Out of interest how loud is your computer room (based on 7pc's and 3 > servers?) > On Mar 14, 2013 8:05 AM, "Ken Schaefer" wrote: > >> The absolute “lowest maintenance” solution just involves turning >> everything off. Unfortunately that usually fails other tests (having >> certain functionality available for use). >> >> ** ** >> >> Without understanding where your time is going, I think it’d be hard to >> guess what remediation measures to take. I don’t think there’s anything >> intrinsically wrong with the setup you have today. But obviously there is a >> need to cut down on the time/effort you’re spending – just need to >> understand what you’re spending time on. >> >> ** ** >> >> Cheers >> >> Ken >> >> ** ** >> >> *From:* ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto: >> ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] *On Behalf Of *Grant Molloy >> *Sent:* Wednesday, 13 March 2013 4:22 PM >> *To:* ozDotNet >> *Subject:* RE: [OT] Home setup >> >> ** ** >> >> There's no 'major's issue, but it feels like there is always something >> that needs to be done with os. >> I do use WU/MU, but in recent times I've had a few failures which have >> cost me lots of time to fix. >> Virus/malware not issue as regular scans and daily update checks. >> PC and server have auto backups setup. >> I have noticed a nice amount of dust on front of cases and CPU heatsinks >> with too much dust, but that's not a biggie... >> >> Maybe I should have asked for the 'lowest maintenance' solution. >> > -- Meski http://courteous.ly/aAOZcv "Going to Starbucks for coffee is like going to prison for sex. Sure, you'll get it, but it's going to be rough" - Adam Hills
Re: [OT] Home setup
I can relate to that.. Win7 box has 80mm fans which are a lot louder than the 120mm fans in same box and server.. still they all add up to noise! Was looking at full tower cases on pccasegear.com.au yesterday.. plenty now come with 20cm+ fans at 16dBA. Nice! Was looking at a sleeve adapter which allows you to fix 120mm fan to 80mm outlet (a bit like a reducer used with plumbing pipes). Just found one on www.PCcasegear.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=9_72.. cheaper than eBay too! On Mar 14, 2013 8:57 AM, "mike smith" wrote: > Compared, say, to an airport. :^) > > > On Thu, Mar 14, 2013 at 9:44 AM, Grant Molloy wrote: > >> Ken, >> >> Out of interest how loud is your computer room (based on 7pc's and 3 >> servers?) >> On Mar 14, 2013 8:05 AM, "Ken Schaefer" wrote: >> >>> The absolute “lowest maintenance” solution just involves turning >>> everything off. Unfortunately that usually fails other tests (having >>> certain functionality available for use). >>> >>> ** ** >>> >>> Without understanding where your time is going, I think it’d be hard to >>> guess what remediation measures to take. I don’t think there’s anything >>> intrinsically wrong with the setup you have today. But obviously there is a >>> need to cut down on the time/effort you’re spending – just need to >>> understand what you’re spending time on. >>> >>> ** ** >>> >>> Cheers >>> >>> Ken**** >>> >>> ** ** >>> >>> *From:* ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto: >>> ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] *On Behalf Of *Grant Molloy >>> *Sent:* Wednesday, 13 March 2013 4:22 PM >>> *To:* ozDotNet >>> *Subject:* RE: [OT] Home setup >>> >>> ** ** >>> >>> There's no 'major's issue, but it feels like there is always something >>> that needs to be done with os. >>> I do use WU/MU, but in recent times I've had a few failures which have >>> cost me lots of time to fix. >>> Virus/malware not issue as regular scans and daily update checks. >>> PC and server have auto backups setup. >>> I have noticed a nice amount of dust on front of cases and CPU heatsinks >>> with too much dust, but that's not a biggie... >>> >>> Maybe I should have asked for the 'lowest maintenance' solution. >>> >> > > > -- > Meski > >http://courteous.ly/aAOZcv > > "Going to Starbucks for coffee is like going to prison for sex. Sure, > you'll get it, but it's going to be rough" - Adam Hills >
RE: [OT] Home setup
My three servers are: 2 x Micro-servers (1 x N36L + 1 x N40L) 1 x EX495 (HP Home Server) These are pretty quiet, and also don't generate much heat (I was using them when I was living in Singapore). I replaced a single Dell 1400SC server with the above, and they have more capability whilst being quieter and cooler. I have the VMs setup in a way that I can turn off one of the Microservers without impacting much functionality in case it's a really hot day etc. The rest of the PCs are scattered around the place e.g. a Mac Mini runs Windows Media Centre, both my wife and I have a main laptop, we have a shared desktop, a HP Slate 500 tablet etc. We don't have them all on at the same time, but even if they were, laptops aren't particularly noisy :) http://www.adopenstatic.com/temp/homenetwork2.jpg is my current physical setup. I think the other thing that reduces overhead is that I've writen a decent amount of documentation (design docs, end user guides etc.). Also, things are setup in a corporate rather than SOHO manner e.g. access to everything is by AD identity (e.g. 801.1x for wireless through to print queues, mailboxes, scanning etc.), which centralises/minimises identity management overhead. So, if we have someone staying with us for a week, I create an AD account and put that account in some groups (depending on what they need access to). They can read the end user services guide to work out what they need to do to get access to something. Since our machines are domain joined, they can use any free computer in the place. When they leave, I just delete/disable their account. In the event a machine goes bad for some reason, I can re-image it from the backups on the WHS2011. Now, I don't have teenage kids, so I don't have to deal with the issues that this might throw into the mix :) Cheers Ken From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] On Behalf Of Grant Molloy Sent: Thursday, 14 March 2013 9:45 AM To: ozDotNet Subject: RE: [OT] Home setup Ken, Out of interest how loud is your computer room (based on 7pc's and 3 servers?) On Mar 14, 2013 8:05 AM, "Ken Schaefer" mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com>> wrote: The absolute "lowest maintenance" solution just involves turning everything off. Unfortunately that usually fails other tests (having certain functionality available for use). Without understanding where your time is going, I think it'd be hard to guess what remediation measures to take. I don't think there's anything intrinsically wrong with the setup you have today. But obviously there is a need to cut down on the time/effort you're spending - just need to understand what you're spending time on. Cheers Ken From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com<mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com> [mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com<mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com>] On Behalf Of Grant Molloy Sent: Wednesday, 13 March 2013 4:22 PM To: ozDotNet Subject: RE: [OT] Home setup There's no 'major's issue, but it feels like there is always something that needs to be done with os. I do use WU/MU, but in recent times I've had a few failures which have cost me lots of time to fix. Virus/malware not issue as regular scans and daily update checks. PC and server have auto backups setup. I have noticed a nice amount of dust on front of cases and CPU heatsinks with too much dust, but that's not a biggie... Maybe I should have asked for the 'lowest maintenance' solution.
RE: [OT] Home setup
Gosh; my computer room's too quiet with three; a Dell Latitude E6530 laptop, my mother's Dell Dimension 4600 (15 years old), and my Del PowerEdge T110 server with Server 2008 R2, though I think I'm going to upgrade it to Server 2012. It needs to be louder in here! Unlike most people on this list probably, I am not bothered, but enthralled by the noise of computer equipment; the more noise from servers and equipment, the better I can work, and the better I feel. From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] On Behalf Of Ken Schaefer Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 7:50 PM To: ozDotNet Subject: RE: [OT] Home setup My three servers are: 2 x Micro-servers (1 x N36L + 1 x N40L) 1 x EX495 (HP Home Server) These are pretty quiet, and also don't generate much heat (I was using them when I was living in Singapore). I replaced a single Dell 1400SC server with the above, and they have more capability whilst being quieter and cooler. I have the VMs setup in a way that I can turn off one of the Microservers without impacting much functionality in case it's a really hot day etc. The rest of the PCs are scattered around the place e.g. a Mac Mini runs Windows Media Centre, both my wife and I have a main laptop, we have a shared desktop, a HP Slate 500 tablet etc. We don't have them all on at the same time, but even if they were, laptops aren't particularly noisy :) http://www.adopenstatic.com/temp/homenetwork2.jpg is my current physical setup. I think the other thing that reduces overhead is that I've writen a decent amount of documentation (design docs, end user guides etc.). Also, things are setup in a corporate rather than SOHO manner e.g. access to everything is by AD identity (e.g. 801.1x for wireless through to print queues, mailboxes, scanning etc.), which centralises/minimises identity management overhead. So, if we have someone staying with us for a week, I create an AD account and put that account in some groups (depending on what they need access to). They can read the end user services guide to work out what they need to do to get access to something. Since our machines are domain joined, they can use any free computer in the place. When they leave, I just delete/disable their account. In the event a machine goes bad for some reason, I can re-image it from the backups on the WHS2011. Now, I don't have teenage kids, so I don't have to deal with the issues that this might throw into the mix :) Cheers Ken From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com<mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com> [mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] On Behalf Of Grant Molloy Sent: Thursday, 14 March 2013 9:45 AM To: ozDotNet Subject: RE: [OT] Home setup Ken, Out of interest how loud is your computer room (based on 7pc's and 3 servers?) On Mar 14, 2013 8:05 AM, "Ken Schaefer" mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com>> wrote: The absolute "lowest maintenance" solution just involves turning everything off. Unfortunately that usually fails other tests (having certain functionality available for use). Without understanding where your time is going, I think it'd be hard to guess what remediation measures to take. I don't think there's anything intrinsically wrong with the setup you have today. But obviously there is a need to cut down on the time/effort you're spending - just need to understand what you're spending time on. Cheers Ken From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com<mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com> [mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com<mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com>] On Behalf Of Grant Molloy Sent: Wednesday, 13 March 2013 4:22 PM To: ozDotNet Subject: RE: [OT] Home setup There's no 'major's issue, but it feels like there is always something that needs to be done with os. I do use WU/MU, but in recent times I've had a few failures which have cost me lots of time to fix. Virus/malware not issue as regular scans and daily update checks. PC and server have auto backups setup. I have noticed a nice amount of dust on front of cases and CPU heatsinks with too much dust, but that's not a biggie... Maybe I should have asked for the 'lowest maintenance' solution.
Re: [OT] Home setup
Just watch out for Industrial deafness then ;) On Thu, Mar 14, 2013 at 2:10 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: > Gosh; my computer room’s too quiet with three; a Dell Latitude E6530 > laptop, my mother’s Dell Dimension 4600 (15 years old), and my Del > PowerEdge T110 server with Server 2008 R2, though I think I’m going to > upgrade it to Server 2012. It needs to be louder in here! Unlike most > people on this list probably, I am not bothered, but enthralled by the > noise of computer equipment; the more noise from servers and equipment, the > better I can work, and the better I feel. > > ** ** > > *From:* ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto: > ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] *On Behalf Of *Ken Schaefer > *Sent:* Wednesday, March 13, 2013 7:50 PM > > *To:* ozDotNet > *Subject:* RE: [OT] Home setup > > ** ** > > My three servers are: > > 2 x Micro-servers (1 x N36L + 1 x N40L) > > 1 x EX495 (HP Home Server) > > These are pretty quiet, and also don’t generate much heat (I was using > them when I was living in Singapore). I replaced a single Dell 1400SC > server with the above, and they have more capability whilst being quieter > and cooler. I have the VMs setup in a way that I can turn off one of the > Microservers without impacting much functionality in case it’s a really hot > day etc. > > ** ** > > The rest of the PCs are scattered around the place e.g. a Mac Mini runs > Windows Media Centre, both my wife and I have a main laptop, we have a > shared desktop, a HP Slate 500 tablet etc. We don’t have them all on at the > same time, but even if they were, laptops aren’t particularly noisy J > > ** ** > > http://www.adopenstatic.com/temp/homenetwork2.jpg is my current physical > setup. > > ** ** > > I think the other thing that reduces overhead is that I’ve writen a decent > amount of documentation (design docs, end user guides etc.). Also, things > are setup in a corporate rather than SOHO manner e.g. access to everything > is by AD identity (e.g. 801.1x for wireless through to print queues, > mailboxes, scanning etc.), which centralises/minimises identity management > overhead. > > ** ** > > So, if we have someone staying with us for a week, I create an AD account > and put that account in some groups (depending on what they need access > to). They can read the end user services guide to work out what they need > to do to get access to something. Since our machines are domain joined, > they can use any free computer in the place. When they leave, I just > delete/disable their account. In the event a machine goes bad for some > reason, I can re-image it from the backups on the WHS2011. > > ** ** > > Now, I don’t have teenage kids, so I don’t have to deal with the issues > that this might throw into the mix J > > ** ** > > Cheers > > Ken**** > > ** ** > > ** ** > > *From:* ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [ > mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com ] *On > Behalf Of *Grant Molloy > *Sent:* Thursday, 14 March 2013 9:45 AM > *To:* ozDotNet > *Subject:* RE: [OT] Home setup > > ** ** > > Ken, > > Out of interest how loud is your computer room (based on 7pc's and 3 > servers?) > > On Mar 14, 2013 8:05 AM, "Ken Schaefer" wrote: > > The absolute “lowest maintenance” solution just involves turning > everything off. Unfortunately that usually fails other tests (having > certain functionality available for use). > > > > Without understanding where your time is going, I think it’d be hard to > guess what remediation measures to take. I don’t think there’s anything > intrinsically wrong with the setup you have today. But obviously there is a > need to cut down on the time/effort you’re spending – just need to > understand what you’re spending time on. > > > > Cheers > > Ken > > > > *From:* ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto: > ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] *On Behalf Of *Grant Molloy > *Sent:* Wednesday, 13 March 2013 4:22 PM > *To:* ozDotNet > *Subject:* RE: [OT] Home setup > > > > There's no 'major's issue, but it feels like there is always something > that needs to be done with os. > I do use WU/MU, but in recent times I've had a few failures which have > cost me lots of time to fix. > Virus/malware not issue as regular scans and daily update checks. > PC and server have auto backups setup. > I have noticed a nice amount of dust on front of cases and CPU heatsinks > with too much dust, but that's not a biggie... > > Maybe I should have asked for the 'lowest maintenance' solution. > >
RE: [OT] Home setup
Oops. I never thought that you could go deaf from servers LOL. From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] On Behalf Of Brett Christensen Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 11:33 PM To: ozDotNet Subject: Re: [OT] Home setup Just watch out for Industrial deafness then ;) On Thu, Mar 14, 2013 at 2:10 PM, Katherine Moss mailto:katherine.m...@gordon.edu>> wrote: Gosh; my computer room's too quiet with three; a Dell Latitude E6530 laptop, my mother's Dell Dimension 4600 (15 years old), and my Del PowerEdge T110 server with Server 2008 R2, though I think I'm going to upgrade it to Server 2012. It needs to be louder in here! Unlike most people on this list probably, I am not bothered, but enthralled by the noise of computer equipment; the more noise from servers and equipment, the better I can work, and the better I feel. From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com<mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com> [mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com<mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com>] On Behalf Of Ken Schaefer Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 7:50 PM To: ozDotNet Subject: RE: [OT] Home setup My three servers are: 2 x Micro-servers (1 x N36L + 1 x N40L) 1 x EX495 (HP Home Server) These are pretty quiet, and also don't generate much heat (I was using them when I was living in Singapore). I replaced a single Dell 1400SC server with the above, and they have more capability whilst being quieter and cooler. I have the VMs setup in a way that I can turn off one of the Microservers without impacting much functionality in case it's a really hot day etc. The rest of the PCs are scattered around the place e.g. a Mac Mini runs Windows Media Centre, both my wife and I have a main laptop, we have a shared desktop, a HP Slate 500 tablet etc. We don't have them all on at the same time, but even if they were, laptops aren't particularly noisy :) http://www.adopenstatic.com/temp/homenetwork2.jpg is my current physical setup. I think the other thing that reduces overhead is that I've writen a decent amount of documentation (design docs, end user guides etc.). Also, things are setup in a corporate rather than SOHO manner e.g. access to everything is by AD identity (e.g. 801.1x for wireless through to print queues, mailboxes, scanning etc.), which centralises/minimises identity management overhead. So, if we have someone staying with us for a week, I create an AD account and put that account in some groups (depending on what they need access to). They can read the end user services guide to work out what they need to do to get access to something. Since our machines are domain joined, they can use any free computer in the place. When they leave, I just delete/disable their account. In the event a machine goes bad for some reason, I can re-image it from the backups on the WHS2011. Now, I don't have teenage kids, so I don't have to deal with the issues that this might throw into the mix :) Cheers Ken From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com<mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com> [mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] On Behalf Of Grant Molloy Sent: Thursday, 14 March 2013 9:45 AM To: ozDotNet Subject: RE: [OT] Home setup Ken, Out of interest how loud is your computer room (based on 7pc's and 3 servers?) On Mar 14, 2013 8:05 AM, "Ken Schaefer" mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com>> wrote: The absolute "lowest maintenance" solution just involves turning everything off. Unfortunately that usually fails other tests (having certain functionality available for use). Without understanding where your time is going, I think it'd be hard to guess what remediation measures to take. I don't think there's anything intrinsically wrong with the setup you have today. But obviously there is a need to cut down on the time/effort you're spending - just need to understand what you're spending time on. Cheers Ken From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com<mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com> [mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com<mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com>] On Behalf Of Grant Molloy Sent: Wednesday, 13 March 2013 4:22 PM To: ozDotNet Subject: RE: [OT] Home setup There's no 'major's issue, but it feels like there is always something that needs to be done with os. I do use WU/MU, but in recent times I've had a few failures which have cost me lots of time to fix. Virus/malware not issue as regular scans and daily update checks. PC and server have auto backups setup. I have noticed a nice amount of dust on front of cases and CPU heatsinks with too much dust, but that's not a biggie... Maybe I should have asked for the 'lowest maintenance' solution.
