Setting up a home server

[thermophilis]

Ok this is kind of a long request so I hope someone can help me out.

I have a home file server right now and it's running windows server. The problem is that it's the free version so it's going to expire before too long. What I'd really like to do is set up a linux server but I really have no idea how.

Right now I use it mainly for storage but it also hosts a few source dedicated servers for my friends and I to play on so those will obviously have to be able to run as well.

Currently I connect to it using remote desktop, if that isn't feasible I can use an FTP client, but I know almost nothing about that as well.

I realize this is a lot to ask so even a starting point (ie. what distro to use) would be great.

Thanks guys

 

[PabloTeK]

I myself prefer Ubuntu Server, partially because it's one of the smallest (700MB), and partially because it has all the common tools included

There are plenty of guides on how to setup Samba and the Ubuntu Forum is truly excellent for help! For source servers go to www.srcds.com

One more thing, Ubuntu server has no GUI at all, you use SSH to connect into it. You can install one if you wish however.

 

[Damorian]

I myself prefer Ubuntu Server, partially because it's one of the smallest (700MB), and partially because it has all the common tools included

There are plenty of guides on how to setup Samba and the Ubuntu Forum is truly excellent for help! For source servers go to www.srcds.com

One more thing, Ubuntu server has no GUI at all, you use SSH to connect into it. You can install one if you wish however.

What he said. You can also install the ubuntu desktop on the server, although there's no reason to.