Two WHSs, one as file server

E

EnderW

[H]F Junkie
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Sep 25, 2003
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I'm thinking of building 2 identical WHS, one will be a simple file server, the second WHS will backup the first WHS as well as all the other computers.
Anyone else doing this? Seems like it should provide protection against a PSU blowing up or something as well as keeping it easy to expand storage room as well as backup room as bigger/cheaper hard drives come out.
 
Thats what I do. Mirror them on eachother and keep the second one powered off in another location.
 
Feel like detailing the mirroring process? I'm starting to get enough data on my WHS that I'm getting nervous.
 
Ockie said:
Thats what I do. Mirror them on eachother and keep the second one powered off in another location.
Click to expand...

What software do you use to do the mirror? Can you install the connector software on another instance of WHS?
 
Ockie said:
Thats what I do. Mirror them on eachother and keep the second one powered off in another location.
Click to expand...
:confused: Why do you power it off? Wouldn't you want it on so it can make backups?
Basically, more detals! :)
 
Yea I would too like to know how you "mirror" these boxen
 
EnderW said:
:confused: Why do you power it off? Wouldn't you want it on so it can make backups?
Basically, more detals! :)
Click to expand...

A backup at the same location is a good backup, but not a great one. If a fire occurs...well, your data can enjoy burning up together.

Backups don't occur 24/7....so why would do you need the server on. Also, a 20+ drive array isn't exactly chump change to run 24/7.
 
epimetheus said:
What software do you use to do the mirror? Can you install the connector software on another instance of WHS?
Click to expand...

The good ole sneakernet or drag/drop. Data is very static. I used some program before and it worked great (dont remember the name) but I prefer controlling what I backup myself.

EnderW said:
:confused: Why do you power it off? Wouldn't you want it on so it can make backups?
Basically, more detals! :)
Click to expand...

Because if you have run a few of these you will know that your electric bill would bail out any electrical company and you would also be singled out as a weed growing op.


Naw, besides the electricity, I also keep it off in the event of something more serious (quake, surge, drive batch failures, corruption, worm, etc).
 
I'm thinking a better idea would be to have the file server have a more generic OS (recommendations?) and just use JBOD for the disk management. Then I will have the WHS backup my main system, the file server, and HTPC. (and maybe my macbook pro if I decide to spring for one of those new HP mediasmart units).
 
EnderW said:
I'm thinking a better idea would be to have the file server have a more generic OS (recommendations?) and just use JBOD for the disk management. Then I will have the WHS backup my main system, the file server, and HTPC. (and maybe my macbook pro if I decide to spring for one of those new HP mediasmart units).
Click to expand...

The way I backup my Mac Pro is just use time machine and save it to a share on the WHS.
no need for new hardware.
 
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