
This week Michael and I are joined by John Zajdler as we talk Server 2012 R2 and Server Essentials 2012 R2.  We also have a few updates from prior shows on Haswell, and some new hardware and services to discuss.  A special thanks to John for joining the show this week and brining in his vast experience.
Ultra Mini Keyboard
ProXPN
Haswell Updates
Memory Performance Comparison
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BYOB Episode 128

Technology

Tech News

Podcasting

Gadgets

Software How-To


 
I am joined by special guest Ed from Bizmodeller, Director and Lead Developer of iHomeserver.  Ed talks in depth about his new upcoming version as well as key features of the existing version.  iHomeserver has always an outstanding product addressing a specific need and the upcoming version takes is to a whole new level.  I want to thank Ed for taking time from his busy schedule just weeks away from the release of the new version, to talk to me about iHomeserver as well as some of the other supporting products they have.  I encourage all of you to test out the free trial and see for yourself.
 
iHomeserver Main Site:  http://www.bizmodeller.com/
iHomeserver v3 beta:  http://www.bizmodeller.com/iHomeServer/v3/
Follow Ed on Twitter:  @bizmodeller
 
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BYOB Episode 140

Today I am joined by Christopher Courtney (aka: Drashna) to dig deeper into the topic of running a domain at home.  As enthusiasts, we will be faced with the potential of making the choice to either upgrade to Windows Server 2012 Essentials or possibly to look for other solutions.  Our discussion today deals with exploring all the benefits and drawbacks to running a domain at home.  After talking today with Chris, I now have a different perspective and viewpoint on this topic.  I would like to thank Chris for joining me today and enlightening us with his experience and views.  In addition we also discuss an update to Plex which breaks Blu-Ray folder metadata and changes how I am using it.   Show Outline Why do you need a domain at home?

* Most people don’t
* If you have a larger number of computers, it makes management easier
* If you have a few computers that everyone shares

What is a Domain/Domain Controller?

* It’s an Authentication Server, basically


* Authenticates users on multiple machines
* Verifies security


* Specifically, it allows one user account (a domain user) to access “resources” on multiple machines with the same username and password

What does a domain allow you to do?

* Authenticate users (yes, this is a running theme and the main point of domains/active directory)
* Enforce security/group policies


* Folder Redirection? Part of the “Implement Group Policy” feature in Essentials


* Sets user folders (Contacts, Favorites, Downloads, Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos) to use a Network share location by default, and to be synced between domain PCs
* Sets these files up in “Offline File Sync” so they are available if you don’t have access to the server, such as “Out of Office”


* Push MSI installations such as:


* Google Chrome for Enterprises
* StableBit Products
* TightVNC
* PDF Readers


* Most any other MSI


* Anything that uses “secpol.msc”, aka Security Policies


* CryptoLocker Prevention Kit http://msmvps.com/blogs/bradley/archive/2013/10/15/cryptolocker-prevention-kit.aspx
* WHSv1’s Windows 7 x64 Password Conflict issue http://homeservershow.com/windows-7-rc-x64-whs-password-conflict.html
* Disabling SMB Signing http://mctexpert.blogspot.com/2011/02/disable-smb-signing.html


* Anything that uses “gpedit.msc”, aka “Group Policy Editor”


* BitLocker without TPM? www.howtogeek.com/howto/6229/how-to-use-bitlocker-on-drives-without-tpm/
* Disabling the annoying new computer wizard in Windows 8
* Enabling Remote Management of Event Viewer, Devices, and Disks
* Configure Windows Update settings, and even allow configuration for a WSUS server
* And many, many other things that you can control via Group Policy, includes Start8 settings.


* Organize and manage your network This is a bit more technical, and many not be needed in a home environment


* OU’s
* Volume Licensing Activation via the Key Management Services


* Domain Name Server (DNS)


* DNS is the back bone of Active Directory/Domains
* Instead of Host file hacking, you can add a “Primary Zone” and “A NAME” here

BYOB Episode 139


We got a great show this week.  Mike Martis could not make it this week but I have the pleasure of being joined by Paul Braren (tinkertry.com), and John Zajdler to close up 2013 and kick start 2014.  It a long show this week so get comfortable as we talk about Essentials 2012, iHomeserver, Synology, and our thoughts on tech for the year.  A real special thanks to John and Paul for joining me this week on this extra long show.
iHomeserver v3 beta:  http://www.bizmodeller.com/iHomeServer/v3/
Synology DS213J:  http://www.synology.com/en-global/products/overview/DS213j
Paul Braren:  http://www.tinkertry.com/
John Z:  @Dieharder
 
Additional Information:
Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials:
TinkerTry.com/how-to-make-windows-server-2012-r2-essentials-client-connector-install-behave-just-like-windows-home-server

Domain skip join/stop messing with my PC’s DNS, sure wish Microsoft added a simple checkbox to the client connector install to handle this, but meanwhile, it’s well documented here.
I also mentioned that the seamless VPN works in R2 Essentials, no more need for Hamachi (although I forgot to mention that the VPN doesn’t auto-connect by default)
I did need to forward TCP and UDP on ports 443 and 4125 on my Linksys EA6900 router, then it all worked beautifully (I don’t turn on UPnP).
Instead of USB boot media creation, you can now boot from network, Johnny Z. pointed out this could be great for USB-less devices
Just hit F12 or whatever key on your system lets you choose your network device, it begins boot process prompting you to hit F12 to continue, so nice to do bare metal recover without having to hunt down media.
My needs for 2012 Essentials versus 2011 Essentials were need for UEFI compatibility, and ability to handle >2TB drives (which my video library computer requires, it’s been 3TB in size since 2007)
TinkerTry.com/is-that-a-62tb-drive-in-my-home-lab
Superguide: Home Theater Combo – Samsung TV, TiVo Roamio, and Vizio Soundbar:
TinkerTry.com/superguide-home-theater-combo-samsung-tv-tivo-roamio-and-vizio-soundbar
Fresh my mind, a successful 50” Samsung TV/Vizio soundbar/TiVo Roamio install, at my family member’s house last week, it went very well.
YouTube app on iOS works well with TiVo Roamio, playback simply begins on TiVo automatically, avoiding any need for HDMI switching.
Networking:
UPnP (why I leave it off):  TinkerTry.com/upnp-vulnerability
I also leave WPS off (Wi-Fi Protected Setup): community.linksys.com/t5/Wireless-Routers/WPS-Vulnerability-status-update-for-Linksys-devices/td-p/486410
OpenVPN Appliance (Hyper-V or ESXi):  TinkerTry.com/using-your-home-networks-esxi-or-hyper-v-openvpn-appliance-to-safely-use-public-wifi
 
Looking forward to what in 2014?
I need to break past 32GB on an affordable PC,

BYOB Episode 138


 
Lots to cover this week.  We start the week off with a short tutorial on setting up the Hyper-V role and creating your first Hyper-V Virtual Machine, as well as a quick update on the XBox One now that the honeymoon is over.  We also cover some great free software for your IP cameras, awesome software from Fabultech for connecting USB devices to a VM or other machines over IP, and some not so great power line adapters.  We also talk about my first week with the Logitech Ultimate Hub.
 
Hyper-V basics
XBox One update
Fabultech – A great solution for USB over IP
Logitech – Hub
ZyXEL 600 Meg power-line adapter
iSpy Camera software
Smart home IP cameras
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BYOB Episode 137


 
XBox One, XBox One, and more XBox One.  Both Michael and I got our XBox One and have put them through the ringer over the past couple of days.  This week we are going to talk about our impressions, things we like, and things we do not like, as well as any issues we had.  Hope you enjoy the show and as always, let us know if you have any feedback.
 
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BYOB Episode 128

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