Other changes
There are a number of other changes other than the new foundation and the removal of Drive Extender. The Windows Home Server Console has been replaced by the Windows Home Server 2011 Dashboard, which has a clear menu that is accessible directly and from the Home Server, and from the connected PCs via the Windows Home Server Connector. This Control Panel grants access to all features and any add-ins that you've installed.
In addition to the Console all connected computers also get a launchpad, which you can see in the screenshots on the previous pages. It gives you quick access to the most frequently used features of the Home Server, and at a glance you can see the status and possible errors. Developers of add-ins are able to integrate features into the launchpad, giving users quick access to them.
Remote Access
The new version of Windows Homes Server also has an integrated website that allows you to remotely access your server via the internet. By using Remote Desktop you can gain access to the desktop of the Home Server and other Windows PCs that can share the desktop, such as Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate. The most consumer-oriented Windows 7 Home Premium and Starter do not have this feature.
This way you can also open folders that have been shared on the Home Server and view files in the media library. This is perhaps one of the more noticeable changes, because this feature lets you access photos, music and videos via the internet. For this Home Server uses a very appealing environment based on SIlverlight, which really gives you the feeling that you have an online jukebox or photo album. You can also play back videos, but the quality depends on the server's processor. In the dashboard you can adjust the playback quality.
You can even watch videos via Windows Home Server's website.
Mobile Access to the Windows Homes Server website is possible, and for Windows Phone 7 a special app is available. Andriod and iPhone users have a limited mobile version of the website.
