OSNews:

OSNews: http://www.osnews.com/story/19154/_Mommy_Why_Is_There_a_Server_in_the_House_ Exploring the Future of Computing en-us Copyright 2001-2009, David Adams adam+nospam@osnews.com Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:12:26 GMT http://www.osnews.com/images/osnews.gif OSNews.com http://www.osnews.com Joke http://osnews.com/thread?295540 http://osnews.com/thread?295540 Before anyone says it: this IS a joke. Microsoft is not going to try to put this in the children's section at your local bookstore, it's just witty promotional material.

Most of Digg didn't understand that. Sat, 12 Jan 2008 22:34:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (i3X171UM) Comments Counter action! http://osnews.com/thread?295541 http://osnews.com/thread?295541 Quick! We need to counter act! How about a "Daddy why is there a penguin in the bath?" series of books?

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 22:39:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (sonic2000gr) Comments So the main purpose of the server is "file sharing"? http://osnews.com/thread?295543 http://osnews.com/thread?295543 > "Your family can share pictures and music, and almost anything else"
> "You can even share files with people outside the house!"

How does so much talk about "sharing" (even if its a joke) fit with Microsoft's and industry's crusade to practically demonize everyone engaged in "file sharing"? Sat, 12 Jan 2008 22:58:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (drynwhyl) Comments RE: So the main purpose of the server is "file sharing" http://osnews.com/thread?295545 http://osnews.com/thread?295545

How does so much talk about "sharing" (even if its a joke) fit with Microsoft's and industry's crusade to practically demonize everyone engaged in "file sharing"?

Maybe because this is about sharing content you actually hold copyright over?

Just a wild guess. Sat, 12 Jan 2008 23:01:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (Thom_Holwerda) Comments Humor http://osnews.com/thread?295547 http://osnews.com/thread?295547 Microsoft can produce some weird wacky stuff.
They're preaching to a crowd who barely knows how to utilize what they've got. I doubt there's even a market for that given that you can share the files on computers at home... Sat, 12 Jan 2008 23:10:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (Buck) Comments My favorite ones... http://osnews.com/thread?295548 http://osnews.com/thread?295548 Sweet:

http://cache.gizmodo.com/assets/images/gallery/4/2008/01/medium_217...

http://cache.gizmodo.com/assets/images/gallery/4/2008/01/medium_217...

Needless to mention that you don't need the server to be at home, and it doesn't have to be Windows. A regular oversold Linux web hosting account at $7/m will do the trick. Sat, 12 Jan 2008 23:12:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (Joe User) Comments http://www.stayathomeserver.com :) even better http://osnews.com/thread?295554 http://osnews.com/thread?295554 heheh ... if you thought that was funny go check http://www.stayathomeserver.com ( as one of the comments write )

its almost as good as "the office"

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:03:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (Yagami) Comments Best Thing Ever. http://osnews.com/thread?295555 http://osnews.com/thread?295555 This may be the best thing Microsoft has ever made.

Seriously, how can you top this?
http://gizmodo.com/photogallery/microserveces08/1000446233 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:17:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (DigitalAxis) Comments RE: My favorite ones... http://osnews.com/thread?295556 http://osnews.com/thread?295556

Needless to mention that you don't need the server to be at home, and it doesn't have to be Windows. A regular oversold Linux web hosting account at $7/m will do the trick.

Well, that really depends on what you're planning to do with your server. Sharing streamed media just isn't that easy with a web server. Not that you need a super expensive Windows server for the task, though... Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:18:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (J-Ho) Comments Stay at home server http://osnews.com/thread?295560 http://osnews.com/thread?295560 Microsoft Bob, anyone? :-) Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:25:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (protagonist) Comments RE: Best Thing Ever. http://osnews.com/thread?295571 http://osnews.com/thread?295571 Haha :p ... talk about being desperate :p Sun, 13 Jan 2008 01:10:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (dylansmrjones) Comments Why? http://osnews.com/thread?295574 http://osnews.com/thread?295574 Because upgrading every two to three years and having a computer for every family member isn't good enough to sustain Microsoft's revenue stream ...

... nor does it destroy the environment fast enough. Sun, 13 Jan 2008 01:25:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (MacTO) Comments I'm waiting... http://osnews.com/thread?295576 http://osnews.com/thread?295576 I'm waiting for the exact same people stand there 'its oh so confusing! I don't understand! its so complex!'. As satirical as it may be, lets remember that Joe and Jane average is as thick as two short planks; when push comes to shove, most do very little independent thinking of their own - especially on matters relating to IT. Sun, 13 Jan 2008 02:19:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (kaiwai) Comments Uhhh.... http://osnews.com/thread?295582 http://osnews.com/thread?295582 Most home internet plans specifically forbid hosting a web server "because servers belong in the office" - and, as they would have it, on an office plan. Does Microsoft expect that this 'soft' contract breakage will be overlooked by consumers? I mean, many have no problem straight-out breaking copyright laws, but this puts the consumer in a different position. Sun, 13 Jan 2008 04:38:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (jadeshade) Comments Way too serious http://osnews.com/thread?295586 http://osnews.com/thread?295586 I'm beginning to think that too many people have had their funny bones surgically removed at an early age -- this was a really funny, satirical example of what can happen when you give your creative folks free reign.

I'm no fan of Microsoft, but this was terrific! Sun, 13 Jan 2008 05:31:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (MissinBeOS) Comments The real purpose http://osnews.com/thread?295587 http://osnews.com/thread?295587 Everyone knows that the sole purpose of having a windows server environment at home is to spread worms, spam and automated exploits when the company servers are down due to worms, spam and automated exploits. Sun, 13 Jan 2008 05:49:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (dwave) Comments RE: I'm waiting... http://osnews.com/thread?295590 http://osnews.com/thread?295590 Not just IT. There is a whole generation of people here in the UK between 18-36 who cannot cook. They think cooking is opening a tin of food and heating it in the microwave.

To enjoy good food, they need to go to a restaurant where someone else will cook for them.

Let them starve I say. Close all the fast food places and see how long they will survive. Sun, 13 Jan 2008 06:44:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (raver31) Comments RE: Uhhh.... http://osnews.com/thread?295591 http://osnews.com/thread?295591 Most isp have policies now where a home network will not get touched, but the call advisor will help getting one computer connected. After all, they are calling for an internet connection problem. So, get them either to plug in a laptop alone, or disconnect one pc from the network while the internet connection is tested.

After that, it is up to the consumer to set up his network connection how he pleases.

Don't expect a call advisor to do that for you, why should he ? Sun, 13 Jan 2008 06:47:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (raver31) Comments Haha! http://osnews.com/thread?295593 http://osnews.com/thread?295593 "The office is a boring place where big people go and do boring things."

About as accurate a representation of adulthood as you can give to a kid.

Somebody who wrote this is a parent.

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 06:57:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (Almafeta) Comments RE[2]: I'm waiting... http://osnews.com/thread?295601 http://osnews.com/thread?295601 Lol, we need to start a 'jaded old mans club' for all grumpy old men such as you and I. To think my generation of friends are impressed by my culinary skills - I always thought my food preparation skills were barely a notch above 'survival skills' level

I remember watching my grandfather put together his television and video which be bought down the road; set the whole lot up himself - how did he do it? he followed the instructions! he read the friendly f*cking manual - and praise the lord, it worked! I find it therefore funny when I hear people whine of *MY* generation claiming things are oh-so-difficult.

There is nothing remotely difficult about a computer; if I can by the age of 10 programming my own games in AmigaBASIC, and hacking around using UNIX by the age of 14, I damn well expect at least my generation to know how to navigate a basic GUI interface as provided on computers these days.Edited 2008-01-13 10:43 UTC Sun, 13 Jan 2008 10:38:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (kaiwai) Comments thin clients http://osnews.com/thread?295603 http://osnews.com/thread?295603 I would like to see "stay at home thin clients" next. Sun, 13 Jan 2008 10:46:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (dimitar) Comments RE[2]: My favorite ones... http://osnews.com/thread?295609 http://osnews.com/thread?295609 Why? Just create the following directories: Videos, Music, Images in your remote home directory and mount them locally as a local folders on the computers of your house.

I have done something similar to work at the office and at home at night. You can have remote directories on both Linux and Windows workstations. Sun, 13 Jan 2008 12:18:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (Joe User) Comments Not Going to happen http://osnews.com/thread?295622 http://osnews.com/thread?295622 Until networks, DHCP devices and home servers are built into new homes as standard, and there is some demand to build them into existing homes (Powerplug is probably the best option and it's really cool), all this 'server in the home' stuff is a pipe dream. The server might be easy but the networking isn't, which is why people have such trouble with wireless.

It's a nice piece of marketing though, and a decent attempt. I absolutely love the 'the daddy wants to give the mommy a special gift' part - a new gadget! I'm not sure whether that's intentional, but it's funny. Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:49:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (segedunum) Comments Re: Why is daddy and mommy in jail? http://osnews.com/thread?295624 http://osnews.com/thread?295624 I heard the lawyer in a suit say to mommy and daddy they didn't get a license use their home server.

Seriously, shouldn't a marketing company like Microsoft be focusing on improving their products rather than creating a child-oriented marketing brochure? Everyone who had a hand in this at Microsoft should be fired for wasting company resources.

I've had a server in my home, in one form or another, for well over a decade now and it's never been a Microsoft one.Edited 2008-01-13 16:09 UTC Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:08:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (mind!dagger) Comments RE: Re: Why is daddy and mommy in jail? http://osnews.com/thread?295644 http://osnews.com/thread?295644 "Seriously, shouldn't a marketing company like Microsoft be focusing on improving their products rather than creating a child-oriented marketing brochure? Everyone who had a hand in this at Microsoft should be fired for wasting company resources."

Except every geek and their dog are talking about this little book, so I say it worked wonderfully. Got you to even comment on it. That's an effective bit of advertising, in my opinion. Raises all around! Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:34:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (BluenoseJake) Comments RE[2]: So the main purpose of the server is "file shari http://osnews.com/thread?295662 http://osnews.com/thread?295662 Out of curiosity, do you know a lot of people who own copyrights for the music they listen to? Sun, 13 Jan 2008 20:35:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (archiesteel) Comments RE: Joke http://osnews.com/thread?295664 http://osnews.com/thread?295664 As promotional material it's certainly very creative. I'd be very concerned if MS actually started to target kids with their marketing strategies, though.

I hope that Home Servers catch on, but that Linux-friendly companies (such as ASUS and others) start offering their own products, so that Microsoft doesn't capture yet another market. Sun, 13 Jan 2008 20:41:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (archiesteel) Comments RE[3]: I'm waiting... http://osnews.com/thread?295665 http://osnews.com/thread?295665 "There is nothing remotely difficult about a computer; if I can by the age of 10 programming my own games in AmigaBASIC, and hacking around using UNIX by the age of 14, I damn well expect at least my generation to know how to navigate a basic GUI interface as provided on computers these days."

Hear, hear. As a game designer, I often attend focus groups/user tests and the like. It's amazing to see how quickly kids can pick relatively complex games, and how clever they will be when trying to break them...

Thinking that "the masses" are stupid is not only elitist, it's also pretty stupid in its own right. The problem is that the current generation has been told it can get everything without lifting a finger. In French we call it the generation of "Enfants-rois", or "Child Kings". They can be smart, but it's really hard to teach them any kind of self-discipline.

And, yes, this is off-topic, so I'll shut up now. :-) Sun, 13 Jan 2008 20:47:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (archiesteel) Comments RE: Way too serious http://osnews.com/thread?295707 http://osnews.com/thread?295707 Perhaps it says something about Microsoft if so many people percieved this at first glance not as funny, but as ominous.

Frankly, it hasn't made me crack a smile. Even after I realized it must be a joke of some kind. I can't seem to find the humor in disguising peddling of wares as a children's book.

I tried replacing the Microsoft server with another product, in my mind; a vacuum cleaner, a dishwasher, whatever. Just to see what I thought about it then. The ominous feeling lessened, so it shows that I am indeed biased against Microsoft's business practices.

But even so, I still didn't find it particularly funny or more than mildly clever, I found it disturbing. The mere suggestion of children being subjected to such strongly manipulative advertising makes the whole thing too repulsive to appreciate the joke anymore. It just triggers a strong "this is wrong" reflex in me. Even after eliminating the Microsoft component, even if no child will ever see it.

Imagine that it advertised smoking cigarettes or picking up hookers and perhaps you'll understand how I feel. Some things are meant for the grown-ups and associating them with children does not a good joke make, it only comes out in bad taste. And I'm sorry if for some people advertising has become so pervasive that they cannot see it for what it essentially is anymore: mind control.Edited 2008-01-13 23:08 UTC Sun, 13 Jan 2008 23:02:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (wirespot) Comments no market http://osnews.com/thread?295714 http://osnews.com/thread?295714 I strongly believe there's little to no market for home servers. All the people who really need a home server are geeks. And most of the geeks are smart & keen on opensource. Linux has no weaknesses as a server OS for geeks. Sun, 13 Jan 2008 23:23:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (gsmd) Comments RE: Joke http://osnews.com/thread?295724 http://osnews.com/thread?295724 I guess you are right, after all even though they went through the hassle of actually publishing this book complete with ISBN numbers and suggested retail cover price of $5.95 atleast when they posted the book info on Amazon they did so with out listing the price on there. Im not too keen on product marketing but I guess the more authentic a piece of promotional material seems, the effective the reception must be huh?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/160530641X/ref=olp_product_details... Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:58:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (de_wizze) Comments If MS could write code half as well as they can market http://osnews.com/thread?295737 http://osnews.com/thread?295737 Damn, can MS ever market a product. I rather liked the aproach in the same way I like the Apple ads; pure fantasy but entertaining to watch. They even managed to do so without bashing the direct competitor which may even put the MS ad department slightly above the Apple ad department.

Almost makes me want a WHS.. almost.. there is still those pesky funcion set and product quality technicalities.. but damn good marketing plug. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 01:36:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (jabbotts) Comments RE: Best Thing Ever. - ahahaha.. the "special place" http://osnews.com/thread?295739 http://osnews.com/thread?295739 "
And files don't get lost
even when bad things happen to your computers.
Because there all backed up
in a special place...on the server!
"

Did they patch that bug that can currupt your file when doing such heavy load tasks as saving or copying it too the server (ie. normal server operations like storing a backup image)?

hehe.. either way, I have some "The Office" fans at work that have got to see these.. damn good marketing.. could sell ice boxes in the arctic. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 01:43:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (jabbotts) Comments RE: The real purpose - thats why I keep one ready http://osnews.com/thread?295740 http://osnews.com/thread?295740 See, now that's exactly why I keep a backup MS Home Network (tm) safely dormant and ready in my VM collection.

http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/network.png

:D Mon, 14 Jan 2008 01:49:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (jabbotts) Comments RE[2]: Uhhh.... - it's not even the home network part http://osnews.com/thread?295741 http://osnews.com/thread?295741 The ISP around here are getting better at dealing with home networks since most people are getting wifi routers with the connection plan (cough.. Sympatico.. cough).

It's the open ports on the outside that will get you a mean sounding email; "we have detected a webserver running on your internet connection which is in breach of your contract. Please disconnect your server within..." (They spotted port 80 or 21 open and you didn't buy a business plan)

Granted, that also means the home user had to be able to configure there own router well enough too forward ports. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 01:56:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (jabbotts) Comments RE[2]: Joke - unholy crap.. they did get it on Amazon http://osnews.com/thread?295742 http://osnews.com/thread?295742 Funny marketing.. sure.. I can take an ad as a joke but damn.. getting it on Amazon as a book listing? That's some comprehensive marketing strategy. It tries to blure the line between advertisement and reality a little too much. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 02:05:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (jabbotts) Comments RE[2]: Re: Why is daddy and mommy in jail? http://osnews.com/thread?295749 http://osnews.com/thread?295749 I would not have known about it if I had not seen it here first. I guess Thom and OSNews are to blame.

Then I got busy repairing one of those "new fangled" Vista computers. Second Home Edition in a month. Porn sites do it to a Windows machine every time. LOL.

Maybe the Microsoft home server thing will be good for my pocket book as well.Edited 2008-01-14 03:16 UTC Mon, 14 Jan 2008 03:12:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (mind!dagger) Comments RE: Uhhh.... http://osnews.com/thread?295750 http://osnews.com/thread?295750

Most home internet plans specifically forbid hosting a web server "because servers belong in the office" - and, as they would have it, on an office plan.

Actually, that's not strictly true. ISPs will (theoretically) allow you to run a web server; however, they've placed so many obstacles in your path that it simply isn't practical for you to try it. For example, very few IPs will allow you to run with static IP, which would be necessary to register a website with DNS. Also, ISPs typically have strict limits on your bandwidth rate and throughput and, if you read your service terms, they will tell you that they can cut your service or force you to upgrade to higher-priced service if you exceed those limits. To be honest, you can't entirely blame them: Bandwidth isn't limitless or free. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 03:13:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (tomcat) Comments RE[2]: Way too serious http://osnews.com/thread?295751 http://osnews.com/thread?295751 Frankly, it hasn't made me crack a smile

You simply have no sense of humor. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 03:14:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (tomcat) Comments RE[2]: Way too serious http://osnews.com/thread?295752 http://osnews.com/thread?295752

Perhaps it says something about Microsoft if so many people percieved this at first glance not as funny, but as ominous.

No it doesn't.

Frankly, it hasn't made me crack a smile.

You must lead a very boring life. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 03:14:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (Soulbender) Comments Best Windows promo ever http://osnews.com/thread?295754 http://osnews.com/thread?295754 That is some seriously hilarious stuff, especially stayathomeserver.com The guy who plays "Mark Steele" is comedy gold. It doesn't make me want a Windos Home Server or even use Windows but still, it's hilarious.
How anyone could EVER fail to understand that this is humorous promo material is beyond me.
I wish more marketing was this funny. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 03:25:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (Soulbender) Comments RE: Re: Why is daddy and mommy in jail? http://osnews.com/thread?295755 http://osnews.com/thread?295755

Seriously, shouldn't a marketing company like Microsoft be focusing on improving their products rather than creating a child-oriented marketing brochure?

a) Microsoft is not a marketing company
b) it's not targeted at children.

Everyone who had a hand in this at Microsoft should be fired for wasting company resources.

c) Hell no. These people should make EVERY promo from now on.

I've had a server in my home, in one form or another, for well over a decade now and it's never been a Microsoft one.

Josh Barnhill, is that you?Edited 2008-01-14 03:30 UTC Mon, 14 Jan 2008 03:30:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (Soulbender) Comments RE: Uhhh.... http://osnews.com/thread?295759 http://osnews.com/thread?295759

Most home internet plans specifically forbid hosting a web server "because servers belong in the office"

The ISP has no right to dictate what you run at home. It's not valid to put such conditions in a consumer contract. Sure, they can block incoming connections but they cant stop you from running a server for your home network, which is what WHS is primarily designed for. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 03:54:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (Soulbender) Comments RE[2]: So the main purpose of the server is "file shari http://osnews.com/thread?295789 http://osnews.com/thread?295789 They do say "share music". I'm reasonably sure most families dont have a lot of music they have the copyright for.
It's even more fun of you go to the WHS home site. There's one interview with a guy who says he burned their entire music collection and stored it on the WHS to share. Hello copyright violation. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:07:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (Soulbender) Comments RE[3]: So the main purpose of the server is "file shari http://osnews.com/thread?295790 http://osnews.com/thread?295790

It's even more fun of you go to the WHS home site. There's one interview with a guy who says he burned their entire music collection and stored it on the WHS to share. Hello copyright violation.

Err, copies for personal use are allowed in most jurisdictions. In fact, in The Netherlands, you can keep an infinite amount of copies no matter the medium. As long as you don't share them beyond the family/home. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:23:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (Thom_Holwerda) Comments RE[4]: So the main purpose of the server is "file shari http://osnews.com/thread?295795 http://osnews.com/thread?295795 Personal use does not include the family. It means you. That's the actual law. Granted, no-one really cares about that (seriously, who didn't make mix tapes in their youth?) but still, the devil is in the details.
Either way, sharing on your WHS also mean that presumable anyone visiting your home could possibly have access to it. Or, as they like to point out, your mom and dad from their home.
Not a big deal by any means, but a somewhat ironic detail. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 09:07:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (Soulbender) Comments verizon vs microsoft http://osnews.com/thread?295907 http://osnews.com/thread?295907 There's a funny thing.
Verizon clearly states that FIOS subscribers can't run a server on their side.
Now, don't you feel like installing a piece of software that contains 'Server' in it's title would clearly violate the contract?

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 18:09:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (gsmd) Comments RE[2]: Uhhh.... http://osnews.com/thread?295961 http://osnews.com/thread?295961 Actually they have every right. It's a business contract that both parties sign, and if the contract does not suit you, you don't use their service. Simple as that. It would be the same as if you rented out your house, and the tenant said they could install whatever appliances they wanted, and could grill (barbecue) on the balcony, even if you write in the lease that it is prohibited. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:27:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (chmeee) Comments what??? http://osnews.com/thread?296271 http://osnews.com/thread?296271 I'm stunned that there are people here that thought that site or the book was funny. I just sent a link to someone to make the point that MS just can't come up with a good idea. It reminds me of the Windows 386 promo video - http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4915875929930836239

I don't get it, why can't they do something that isn't lame? Surely they have enough money to hire smart, creative people. I guess it's true that money can't buy taste. Wed, 16 Jan 2008 07:01:00 GMT donotreply@osnews.com (bongo_x) Comments