Microsoft holding open house on Home Server

Microsoft is opening up the second beta release of its Windows Home Server software to the public, the company announced Monday.

Windows Home Server is a developing piece of software that would allow budding home system administrators to set up a server for managing digital content and other files. The idea, however, is that you won't have to absorb the knowledge required of a real system adminstrator in order to do so. Bill Gates unveiled the software during his keynote address at the Consumer Electronics Show.

Anyone interested in participating in the beta needs to have a broadband Internet connection, two or more PCs and another PC that can be designated as the server. Those who qualify can sign up here. Devices from companies like Hewlett-Packard based on the final version of the software are expected later this year.