I’m not a coder, so I haven’t really looked at the SDK. Though, there is a new, updated SDK that has been recently released that is for PP1. And it has been stated that it is much more detailed, and includes much more explanation of the different functions and values. So that “issue” may be resolved now.

As for the torrent thing, I have to agree. The biggest problem is finding a client that natively supports running as a service. I’ve posted on the utorrent forums a few times for such a feature and basically got the finger. I’ve also have yet to see one that does. I’m almost willing to learn coding just to make one myself.

I understand your desire for “offical add-ins” from microsoft, but I understand their lack of doing so. They’ve made the platform and the SDK, and certain things like the download manager could and probably would open up legal can’s of worms they want to avoid. Instead, they have the framework there, and *anyone* can write an add-in for it.

Other than a few certian add-ins, the setup is easy, and the platform wonderful. There is definitely room for improvement.

Yes of course this is a personal rant, based from personal experience.

I take your point about it ‘not being an add-in’ as it is also the setup and configuration of utorrent web gui etc too. But still there are many ‘workarounds’ to be done that are beyond the capability of the average home user.

Here is the thing, for MS to have ‘seen this through’ I would expect one of two things (but preferably both!)

1. Provided some official add-ins for the most requested features, a central download manager, torrent client, power saving etc etc.

2. Made it incredibly simple for the community to fill in the gaps instead. I don’t mean simple for developers, I mean simple for the community. A framework as simple to work with as Mozilla/Firefox extensions or google gadgets for example which are both supremely successful because people with only the very basics of coding knowledge can cobble something together without having to worry about working around some of the interesting ‘quirks’ of SBS.

But going back to my personal perspective, the SDK comments come from using it myself, and from the constant complaints from the 3 or 4 others that I know working with it too. Not the largest sample in the world I admit

The 90% of users looking for a torrent add-in is well justified. It is by far and away the most requested feature. Go and look at the post/view count for it compared to all other add-ins in the WHS forums!

And even if it was power saving…. don’t get me started on the install process for ‘Lights Out’ as an example!

But as I said in the post, I love WHS, but right now I would compare it to a Linux Distro. Great at doing the core things right, but completely without regard for the actual skill level of the mainstream user if they want anything else.

The SDK is well established and well documented. Not to mention, a lot of authors have been chatting over at We Got Served, and Brendon Grant has written a number of tutorials for how to use the API for WHS.

And as for Using Small Business Server for the base of Windows Home Server, it suited the WHS’ teams need the best. And as for add-ins being disabled/broken by the fact that it is based off of SBS, WTF did you get that information?!?! I’ve spoke with a number of developers and have *never* heard of this!

Oh and as for 90% of users looking for torrent addin…. I don’t what you are talking about. Most have been looking for methods of conserving power.

One thing I hate is wildly inaccurate rants. I understand this is your personal rant, but try to be more informed about what you spout. Innocent people may actually believe you.