Microsoft: Try Windows Home Server PP3 for Free

Microsoft is making it easier for customers to decide whether Windows Home Server is the product for them by offering a free, trial-based version of the OS as a standalone download. Not only this, but the Redmond company is actually inviting customers to take the latest iteration of Windows Home Server for a spin. At the end of November 2009, the third Power Pack for WHS became available through Windows Update to users running older versions of the operating system.  However, at the same time, Microsoft is offering an ISO image with Windows Home Server PP3 designed for do-it-your-selvers that want to build a WHS trial machine and test the home server OS from Microsoft.

“So you have been hearing all of these great things about Windows Home Server, but still aren’t sure if you are ready to buy one (even though there are some great holiday discounts that you don’t want to miss!). If this is the case, I would recommend using the Windows Home Server free trial,” revealed Microsoft’s Nicole Berett.

Windows Home Server PP3 is not available as a standalone commercial product. Instead, the OS is bundled with various servers put together by Microsoft partners, such as the Acer EasyStore Home Server, the ASUS TS Mini Server and the HP LX195 640GB Home Server. Windows Home Server is a product designed to provide backup, extra storage space and remote connectivity, among others, for home users with multiple computers.

“Our newly updated trial now includes Power Pack 3! You can simply download the trial and try out all of Windows Home Server’s features. These enhancements will be especially helpful if you have just transitioned your PCs to Windows 7. Once the trail period of 30 days is over, I am convinced you won’t want to go back to life without Windows Home Server,” Berett added.

Windows Home Server Power Pack 3 (PP3) is available for download here.