Can I use Windows Home Server as a Normal PC?

Question

For example, if I installed Windows Home Server onto one of my old systems, would I still be able to install applications (outlook, office, bejeweled, firefox, frostwire, uTorrent etc) and use it as a normal PC or would it become a fileserver only which cannot be used as anything other than the server (like the HP Mediasmart).

Any info greatly appreciated (or any alternatives) :-) ta.

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My Systems are:

Desktop - Vista Home Prem
Laptop - Vista Home Prem
Desktop - Old - Currently used as a server - Vista Home Prem
Desktop - Old - Win XP Home - Upgrading to XP Pro.

Answer 1

WHS can be used as a desktop for many applications. Check the links below.



However - There is a problem -under certain conditions and with certain programs, WHS can destroy all your files you have stored on your server. This is also shown in the links below.

IMHO - using this program is like juggling nitroglycerin. You need to be VERY VERY careful



Your best best for a home server, if you are willing to get down and dirty, is to use Linux and SAMBA. It's solid, dependable and works well on older hardware. I started with a P1 and 64M of ram and have moved through 3 machines as they became available from my own or my neighbors upgrades. I wouldn't do it any other way

Answer 2

You can set the PC as a Worstation, that mean it work like any PC, but you has to go to sites like maximumpc or pcmagazine.com or somewhere to learn the details how to configured.

Answer 3

it will only function as a dang server besides.. have you seen the back of a server.. it has only usb and/or ethernet.. you might get a vga port but you gotta be running a giant company to have one of those!