January 4, 2013
A few weeks ago I went through the process of setting up a home server using an old computer, a copy of Ubuntu and Amahi, a free home server that comes with its own repository of extras. Loosely referred to as an "app store" by some, once you’ve set up Amahi, it’s easy to add additional services to your server in just a couple of clicks. If you’ve just installed your home server or are looking for Ubuntu-specific additions then this article is for you.
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December 13, 2012
You’d have thought the world was coming to an end when James discovered that Windows Home Server – Microsoft’s $50 set-and-forget network storage solution – was being axed in favour of a far more expensive successor. Thankfully he soon discovered that all hope was not lost thanks to Amahi, a free Linux-based home server. If you’ve been thinking about doing a spot of home improvement recently then why not start with your very own home server?
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April 15, 2012
If you've jailbroken your iPad, there are many ways to transfer files to and fro between your trusty tablet and your computer. However, most of them require you to open some kind of application on the iPad-side. If you're willing to invest some little time in initial preparations, SFTP is one hard to beat candidate for iOS file transfers.
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March 21, 2012
In my entire life, I think I can honestly say that the single most annoying task (and the one I am worst at), is maintaining an updated list of the addresses, phone numbers and birthdays of all of my friends, family and colleagues. Lately I've been looking for an alternative to using a computer application or a mobile app to maintain a contact database. I believe I found the perfect solution.
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March 14, 2012
Consider what it would be like if anyone in your family could log into any computer in the house, and access the same central computer system - each person with their own file storage space and desktop setup. Well, by using a cloud desktop solution called eyeOS, you can actually set up such a central "cloud" desktop server right in your home.
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March 1, 2012
Set up your own personal music server, with a web-based interface that lets you listen to your collection everywhere. Sockso does this, and runs great on Windows, Mac and Linux alike. Google Music and services like it are great. All of your music is moved to the cloud, giving you the ability to listen to it anywhere. There's a tradeoff, though - you're trusting a third party with your music collection.
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February 29, 2012
With an obsession with all web-based "things", it should come as no surprise that I am obsessed with lightweight, yet highly-functional web servers. Not long ago, I covered XAMPP mostly because I was searching for a portable web server that I could use to develop and test changes for the design of my blog. For the most part, XAMPP has served me well, but I'm always on the lookout for a competitor service.
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January 21, 2012
You've probably heard at some point that servers aren't only for those that have a lot of money. In fact, anyone who has a spare box sitting around somewhere in their house can have their very own server, slaving away at whatever whims you may have. Although it sounds very cool, it does take some effort and a little know-how to get it all set up.
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October 19, 2011
If there is one thing that really annoys me about working with a remote web server is the fact that it is still a bit inconvenient to explore and edit those files remotely. Commercial servers offer a much more user-friendly, graphical interface to remotely access your web files. So, it's high time you start upgrading those servers with a few bells and whistles.
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October 6, 2011
Have you ever thought about what it might be like to have a "portal page" for your family, just like many companies offer to employees? Wouldn't it be convenient to have a central web-based repository of important documents, files and schedules for your family? Luckily, there is an open source Portal that you can install on your own home web server.
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September 14, 2011
Windows Home Server is one of those obscure Microsoft products that you never knew you needed. It’s rock solid reliable, simple to manage with a familiar Windows interface, and my personal choice for a home file server and backup solution. Let me explain what it is and what it can do for you.
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August 5, 2011
We’ve talked a lot in the past about running local web servers for development purposes or to try out software such as Wordpress without having to pay for hosting, but how do you take it live once you’re ready to launch? The principles remain the same for any CMS or web software.
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June 1, 2011
Taking a break from our regular awesome software reviews and tutorials, I thought it’d be interesting if myself and some of the other staff writers here at MakeUseOf show you our own home setups - whether that be in the form of fantastic custom desks, complicated home media-streaming networks, or just the apps and services we make use of on a regular basis and our favourite software tools.
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May 12, 2011
For some time now, I've been trying to develop a very fast and easy way to create a virtual web server (basically a local web server), on my portable hard drive. Not just one though. I wanted to have the ability to set up multiple web servers that I could just configure as my localhost web server with the click of a button.
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March 23, 2011
Whether you’re a blogger or a web designer, upgrading and improving the website is a never-ending job. Whether you want to tweak the template or test some changes before activating them live, it’s nice to have a local system set up where you can view “live changes” before they ever go live on the Internet. [...]
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