I want to turn an old PC into a server for storage - where do I start

J

Jamin43

banned
I just built my first PC - and have 2 older P4 PC's laying around. I would like to turn one into a storage server of sorts without adding any money - or at least keeping the cost down to a bare minimum. I could use it to backup my current PC - or maybe other things - as I learn about capabilities of home networking.

Where would you point me directionwise to start my learning curve? Should I be looking to learn the basics of Linux server software. I had come across it in the past. Or can I use my OEM version of XP home edition as a basic server O/S?

Any advice is appreciated - I need to know where I should be starting. Right now - I pretty much know nothing about home networking - besides hooking a wireless router and ethernet to a few PC's and a DSL line.
 
I think it depends on how "professional" you want to be about it.

If your into having a "real" server then you should go with either a Linux server of Microsft Small Business Server. Either of theses will give you the full on server experience but may require you to learn more then you want to.

In the intermediate range you have Windows Home Server and some Home Server like linux ditros as well linux distros that turn your PC into a NAS or even a firewall.

In the beginner range you could use one PC as print server (i.e. connect the printer to that PC and share it out) and then share out the hard drives (or just one) so the other comptuers can access them. You could even enable remote desktop on the PC so you can control it from other PCs in the house and you wouldn't even to have a monitor hooked up to it.

Whatever you want to do really depends on your level of expertise (or what your willing to learn) and how much work you want to put into it.
 
lawson_jl said:
I think it depends on how "professional" you want to be about it.

If your into having a "real" server then you should go with either a Linux server of Microsft Small Business Server. Either of theses will give you the full on server experience but may require you to learn more then you want to.
Click to expand...

I might be interested in this route. Is it something I can do without spending money for my current PC parts? If it's going to cost me a bunch of coin - I'd move to next option.

In the intermediate range you have Windows Home Server and some Home Server like linux ditros as well linux distros that turn your PC into a NAS or even a firewall.
Click to expand...

Interesting. Would I have to spend money on Windows HOme Server O/S or can I use my current O/S Windows XP home edition. Otherwise - I'd probably lean toward Linux - b/c it's free.

In the beginner range you could use one PC as print server (i.e. connect the printer to that PC and share it out) and then share out the hard drives (or just one) so the other comptuers can access them. You could even enable remote desktop on the PC so you can control it from other PCs in the house and you wouldn't even to have a monitor hooked up to it.
Click to expand...

Nope, I'm not looking for a print server. Maybe later - but that's not my main motivation. I'd like to have it for data storage. Maybe hook up 2 PC's to one server to access and store data. If I can add a print server to that - I might be interested.

Whatever you want to do really depends on your level of expertise (or what your willing to learn) and how much work you want to put into it.
Click to expand...

At this point - I need to learn more about servers in general - and what each route would need in terms of leaning curve - and financial outlay - and capability. When I get those questions satisfied - I'll better know which direction I should be going.

You got any suggested reading - book - or website to help bridge the gap in knowledge.
 
Looking around on the net - I think I want either

a File Server

or

NAS server

Any recommendations as to where I should be looking to get up to speed on either of these topics?
 
Thanks,

That's a good link. I found some introduction tutorials that are answering alot of initial questions I had. Looks like a good place to start

:good:
 
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