Avtechman

I'm trying to determine what would be a good backup solution to backup all of my Windows 7 machines to one server. Basically, I am trying to decide what server OS to install on my new smaller server build, that will also run DrivePool and Scanner. I've read that Windows Server 2012 R2 would be ideal, but I'm wondering to install the Essential version or the Standard and install 3rd party backup software, like Paragon Backup and Recovery, etc. The Essential version has the client backup feature but of course doesn't support XP clients (but WHS 2011 does). I have two XP machines that I use for analog video capture and the best hardware was made in the XP era, so necessitates backing those up too.
 
I may use the SM board I have along with the Xeon E31230 v2 for this setup.
 
The main thing with the WS2012 is that it forces itself as a domain controller, which I don't need at this time. However I would like the ability to be able to utilize a print server so any machine in the house can print to it. I'm sure there are other uses but haven't looked into them yet. With this server box I plan to run Emby, JRiver for music streaming and of course storage for all my media collection. 
 
What are you guys using for a backup scheme (for clients) on your servers?

Almost feels im talking to myself lol.
 
Anyway Chris wanted to ask you about how are you liking running WS2012R2? Besides using it as a domain controller what other things are you using with it?
 
In my case, i have briefly used R2 Essentials starting out but now have a license for Standard which some say is better anyway. Ive always been intrigued in working with server based gear and OS's.
 
I've built my server using the SM X9SCL+-F board with the Xeon 1230 v2 cpu with 16gb ram in the Antec 302 case.
 
In my case, I have 6 computers running Win7, two of them being workstations, 3 XP machines, and 3 laptops. I know with the Essentials role in Standard it doesn't support XP clients for backups but I can use Paragon Recovery to backup the XP boxes to a network share.
 
I plan to run Emby server, Drivepool and Scanner all on the same box, and possibly JRiver for all my music needs.
 
Other things id like to use my server for is network booting via PXE and i have two network printers i use regularly. I'm debating whether to delve into domains as i have tried it before but admit was a little confusing on how domains work but am willing to give it another go at it and get some understanding.
 
I also read that 2012 can also be used to give out IP addresses as well. I have used HyperV before and it works very well, but not sure whether i need to do VM at this time.
 
I also bought an LSI 9211 8i SAS card (already flashed to IT mode, P19 firmware) with the cables. I'm looking forward to delving deeper into the world of servers!

Almost feels im talking to myself lol.
 
Anyway Chris wanted to ask you about how are you liking running WS2012R2? Besides using it as a domain controller what other things are you using with it?
 
In my case, i have briefly used R2 Essentials starting out but now have a license for Standard which some say is better anyway. Ive always been intrigued in working with server based gear and OS's.
 
I've built my server using the SM X9SCL+-F board with the Xeon 1230 v2 cpu with 16gb ram in the Antec 302 case.
 
In my case, I have 6 computers running Win7, two of them being workstations, 3 XP machines, and 3 laptops. I know with the Essentials role in Standard it doesn't support XP clients for backups but I can use Paragon Recovery to backup the XP boxes to a network share.
 
I plan to run Emby server, Drivepool and Scanner all on the same box, and possibly JRiver for all my music needs.
 
Other things id like to use my server for is network booting via PXE and i have two network printers i use regularly. I'm debating whether to delve into domains as i have tried it before but admit was a little confusing on how domains work but am willing to give it another go at it and get some understanding.
 
I also read that 2012 can also be used to give out IP addresses as well. I have used HyperV before and it works very well, but not sure whether i need to do VM at this time.
 
I also bought an LSI 9211 8i SAS card (already flashed to IT mode, P19 firmware) with the cables. I'm looking forward to delving deeper into the world of servers!

Almost feels im talking to myself lol.
 
Anyway Chris wanted to ask you about how are you liking running WS2012R2? Besides using it as a domain controller what other things are you using with it?
 
In my case, i have briefly used R2 Essentials starting out but now have a license for Standard which some say is better anyway. Ive always been intrigued in working with server based gear and OS's.
 
I've built my server using the SM X9SCL+-F board with the Xeon 1230 v2 cpu with 16gb ram in the Antec 302 case.
 
In my case, I have 6 computers running Win7, two of them being workstations, 3 XP machines, and 3 laptops. I know with the Essentials role in Standard it doesn't support XP clients for backups but I can use Paragon Recovery to backup the XP boxes to a network share.
 
I plan to run Emby server, Drivepool and Scanner all on the same box, and possibly JRiver for all my music needs.
 
Other things id like to use my server for is network booting via PXE and i have two network printers i use regularly. I'm debating whether to delve into domains as i have tried it before but admit was a little confusing on how domains work but am willing to give it another go at it and get some understanding.
 
I also read that 2012 can also be used to give out IP addresses as well. I have used HyperV before and it works very well, but not sure whether i need to do VM at this time.
 
I also bought an LSI 9211 8i SAS card (already flashed to IT mode, P19 firmware) with the cables. I'm looking forward to delving deeper into the world of servers!

I'm trying to determine what would be a good backup solution to backup all of my Windows 7 machines to one server. Basically, I am trying to decide what server OS to install on my new smaller server build, that will also run DrivePool and Scanner. I've read that Windows Server 2012 R2 would be ideal, but I'm wondering to install the Essential version or the Standard and install 3rd party backup software, like Paragon Backup and Recovery, etc. The Essential version has the client backup feature but of course doesn't support XP clients (but WHS 2011 does). I have two XP machines that I use for analog video capture and the best hardware was made in the XP era, so necessitates backing those up too.
 
I may use the SM board I have along with the Xeon E31230 v2 for this setup.
 
The main thing with the WS2012 is that it forces itself as a domain controller, which I don't need at this time. However I would like the ability to be able to utilize a print server so any machine in the house can print to it. I'm sure there are other uses but haven't looked into them yet. With this server box I plan to run Emby, JRiver for music streaming and of course storage for all my media collection. 
 
What are you guys using for a backup scheme (for clients) on your servers?