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Tuesday, July 17, 2007
The future of home computing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Home computers are pretty much like appliances these days - with two ugly differences.
(1) Computers are not intuitive, appliances are. No one needs the read an instruction manual to make popcorn in a microwave.
(2) You don’t need to perform a long list of maintenance chores to successfully operate a refrigerator (although it sure helps to remove the old stuff before it gets moldy). But with a computer you should make back-up copies of your data, keep anti-virus and anti-spyware software updated, and set up a fire wall to keep intruders out.
There’s a way to make some of the routine tasks easier and to automate many of the maintenance chores. The notion is to install a separate computer on a home network with only one job - serving you. It takes care of the back-up, makes sure that your music and video is available to the computers you use and act as a sort of boss for the network.
That would be a home server. And that’s why servers will be the next big thing in home computing. Microsoft has recognized that future with its new home server software - you can read about it using this link.
The software is just part of the equation - you’ll need computers that are designed from the ground up to act as servers, not general purpose machines. (Any home computer could do the job but hardware designed with that purpose can be less expensive and offer more built-in storage).
That’s happening too, with several manufacturers - including HP - preparing relatively inexpensive machines for the server market.
By using a more complex system for a home network, life will be simpler. Whatever you think of Microsoft’s technology, it would be hard to second guess its marketing skill. There will be other entrants in this category - and I have no idea what system will prevail. But I do think home servers represent the future of home computing.
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