File Server Sharing

[Sil3ntSnip3a]

I was just thinking today that when I get my new rig, I could convert my current rig into a file server. Here is where my thoughts are....

I would like to be able to browse the web on the older pc but would still like the computer to be dedicated to a file server. I guess in a detailed way of putting it I would like this.

Main host machine where I can access all my files I would need on the file server anywhere in the world. I would still like the ability to do pretty common procedures on the computer in case my new rig was down and I needed to research the topic on the older rig. I would also like to host a counter-strike source server on this machine every-now-and-then.

What OS would be the best for this? Like a server OS or just a regular OS. Maybe I would want to consider investing a few bucks for a RAID format for the file server, idk? I don't want to spend any money on it really, seeing as I am saving up for my new rig. But a few extra bucks to set-up RAID for a huge performance would be worth it!

[Darrelj]

Was going to mention Windows Home server for you. I don't know if you would want to be using it for basic web browsing though. It is based off of Win 2003. Download a free eval copy of it and you can use it for 120 days. I think I have heard of some folk using it for hosting a game server. Just can't recall where or what game.

[Easybeat]

Run Windows XP and simply get a program like Filezilla or equivalent FTP to run in the background, use the DYNDNS service if you haven't got a static IP. I used this setup for a while until I relaised I could carry my files on a flash drive rather than rely on a slow upload speed. Also there are plenty of free utilities to back up your main pc to the server if required.

[ottoyu34]

FTP is not secure enough for internet transmission if you have important data.
you might want to setup VLAN for that.

I use winXP for my home server connecting using 1Gbps ethernet to router.
Im running both Filezilla for large files transfers and windows file sharing for normal partical usage.

windows file sharing function is very nice. I 'm able to view(play) my picture, movies and music on demand via windows browser.
They acts like they were on my local drive. In contrast, FTP way would need to downloading it first. Plus, Im able
to mount the network drive at "my computers" for easy access.

also, in my understanding, 1Gbps LAN will max out the server, in other words, the server's HDD would be the bottleneck.
RAID would help. Raid 0 is ok.. Raid 5 is the best if possible.

If you guys have better solutions , please share cause I love to hear it and improve my setup too.

[Etihtsarom]

Hm, thinking about doing something similar here. Use my HTPC as server? I like Win 7 on HTPC, but running FTP on it would be kindda unsecure. How about 7 with a VM running Server 2008R2?