The BYOB Podcast

 

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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Michael Martis’ Blog

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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

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,

 

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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Michael Martis’ Blog

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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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Michael Martis’ Blog

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Michael’s back this week and we talk some XBox 1 in readiness for launch day.  We also discuss the VM Ultra drive, portable Bluetooth speakers, and some odd wireless controllers.  Mike gives a quick impression of the new Plex Home Theater version that is available for Plex Pass members and we also discuss Untangle 10.  Hope you enjoy the show and thank you for the continued support.

 

Show Links

Photive CYREN Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker with Built in Speakerphone 8 hour Rechargeable Battery – Black

Velocity Micro VMUltra Drive:  http://www.velocitymicro.com/wizard.php?iid=234

Cao Controller  http://www.smarthome.com/69532/Cao-Gadgets-Wireless-Sensor-Tag-Manager-Controller/p.asp

Cao Sensor Tag.  http://www.smarthome.com/69531/Cao-Gadgets-Wireless-Motion-and-Temperature-Sensor-Tag/p.aspx

Untangle 10:  http://www.untangle.com/

 

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Michael Martis’ Blog

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Yep, it has been a while.  We have been out of commission mainly due to problems in my schedule but we are back this week with a great show.  Mike Martis is off to the races today so I am joined today by Paul Braren (tinkertry.com).  We discuss the completion of my rack project, my experience with an Arc 2U server case, and talk in depth with Paul on his recent painful  upgrade to 150/50 internet service.  Paul gives us an overview on the 3 current routers he has been testing.  A special thanks to Paul for his time and expertize today and please visit his links below for more detailed information.

 

Show Links

Mike’s Rack Project

Arc IPC-2U2055 Server Case

Firsthand experience with the Motorola SURFboard SB6141 DOCIS 3.0 Cable Modem

Firsthand experience with ASUS RT-AC68U, Netgear R7000, and Linksys EA6900 802.11ac WiFi routers

Superguide: VMware vSphere

Install ESXi 5.5 with Realtek 8111/8168 NIC

Intel Ethernet Server Adapter I350T2 Dual port, for ESXi 5.5 home lab

Superguide: Timeline of USB, SATA, and Thunderbolt speeds

Looking forward to breaking past 550MB/sec SATA3 SSDs, using PCIe, PCI NGFF (M.2), and software caching

 

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This week we recap all the hardware changes that we are working on, from server OS’s, to racks, to hardware.  We spend some time talking about the Automatic – Driving assistant, and get a detailed update on the Galaxy Note 3 from Michael.  As I am becoming a big fan of Plex Media, we talk about the latest version and some of the added functionality in the current releases.  We also get into Hyper-V and the new version on Acronis True Image.  Hope that you enjoy the show and thank you for your support.

http://www.automatic.com/

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Michael Martis’ Blog

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This week Michael and I talk about a variety of topics from Untangle 10, Server 2012/Essentials R2, Windows 8.1 and IOS 7, along a with a few side tracks down some other topics.  Michael hints about his new network setup.  Some pretty good stuff coming down the road as we both migrate to different platforms and completely different directions.    We hope that you enjoy the show and as always we appreciate your feedback.

* Untangle 10

* Server 2012 and 2012 Essential R2

* Windows 8.1 Issues Update

* IOS 7

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Mike Faucher’s Blog

Michael Martis’ Blog

 

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This week Michael and I talk about a variety of topics from  Asus motherboards, power line adapters, issues with Windows 8.1, Chromecast, to Bluetooth earphones,  and more.  We hope that you enjoy the show and as always we appreciate your feedback.

* Asus Haswell motherboard (http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/MAXIMUS_VI_HERO/)

* TrendNet 500Mbps Powerline Adapters (http://www.trendnet.com/products/proddetail.asp?prod=105_TPL-401E2K)

* Bluetooth earphones from Plantronics (http://www.plantronics.com/us/product/backbeat-go-2)

* Highlights of the Apple Announcements

* Chromecast – Old News but just want to share my experiences with it.

* Windows 8.1 Issues – Evernote, Lastpass, Norton Internet Security, and Live Writer

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