The second Power Pack for Microsoft's home server operating system was released via Windows Updates, today, March 24, 2009, the Redmond company informed. The software giant revealed that the PP2 bits would be served to all Windows Home Server users provided that they have already deployed Power Pack 1, released in 2008. At the same time, WHS customers will need to make sure that Automatic updates are enabled, if they want to receive Power Pack 2 through WU. March 24 essentially marks the availability of Wave 0 of PP2, namely the English version, with the Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Spanish variants of PP2 scheduled to hit by the end of April.

“We are pleased to announce Windows Home Server Power Pack 2. Power Pack 2 fixes known issues and adds new features to improve the Windows Home Server experience. Enhancements include: Improvements to remote access configuration, enhanced functionality for computers running Windows Media Center, and content streaming support for Windows Media Center Extenders. Power Pack 2 adds Italian language support on new home servers,” a member of the WHS team noted.

When it comes down to Remote Access, the PP2 enhancements delivered to Windows Home Server involve a redesigned settings page, with a focus on improved usability. Windows Home Server users now have available a web-hosted service designed to permit the testing and diagnosing of remote connectivity from a location different than the household. Users will additionally be able to leverage improvements for the configuration, troubleshooting and repair wizards.

“Windows Media Center computers will automatically have access to content stored in shared folders on the home server. Music, Photos, Videos, and Recorded TV folders are enabled by default,” the WHS team representative added. “Windows Media Center Extenders can access and stream multimedia content stored on the home server. Access permission can be granted on an individual folder basis. Windows Home Server now supports streaming MP4 files, a popular format for high quality multimedia, to Xbox 360 and other devices that support the MP4 format.”