What Os and software for server

[bahama llama]

I have recently fixed a computer and want to use it for a file server on my home network. I have the following os's xp home and pro, me, 95, 98, and 2000 pro. I was wondering if any of these would be good for running my server or if I should try a different route. I don't want to use linux(yet) since I am not familar with it yet.

I will be using this to host my mp3 collection, for backup on my other computers, I wouldn't mind being able to run IIs on it, and it will used to store files that will be accessed from several computers.

The total number of computers currently on the network(not including the server) is 4, and is expected to swell to around 7 without the server and as many as ten on Sundays in the fall. My fantasy football buddies will be over with the laptops.

Any suggestions or tips is appreciated as well as any useful links. If you need more clarification please let me know.

Oh yeah, the specs are Athlon xp 1700 with 512 ddr, an 80 gig hd, an k7s5a mobo with onboard lan, and sound.

Would wake on lan be useful on a server since it soul

[BipolarBill]

You'll need Windows 2000 Server to host more than 5 simultaneous connections.

[Midknyte]

win2k and winxp pro can support up to 10 connections, but xp home is limited to 5 simultaneous connections.
http://support.microsoft.com/search/preview.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q314882

If you don't want to run linux, then win2k or 2k3 server would be your next best bet. kinda pricey, though.

This is a good site to get you started:
http://www.labmice.net/

[omendata]

Or even dare I say it - NTV4.0 SERVER can be picked up quite cheaply now £50 as opposed the the inflationary prices of 2k-2k3.

With a pc spec like you have itll also run like mérdé off a shovel!
if you pardon mon francais!!!

[bahama llama]

Thanks for the info guys.

It looks as if I will probably use an existing copy of xp pro for the server. I would like to use linux but I have no expirience on it. After I build the server my next project will be turning an old pentium 2 300 into a linux box, then I'll probably switch to linux.

If I use xp pro and install IIs how would I go about setting up the permission for sharing? Is it any different than what I do now to share folders across my network, ie. right click and go to sharing and allow permission. Is it the same or should I set up all my folders with mp3's, etc, in the IIs subfolders?

Thanks again guys, Don.:t

[BipolarBill]

Allow Everyone access to the folder in question, but establish a password.

[AllGamer]

Bill is right A PASSWORD is very and Extremely important

if you don't want your files to be infected by Unwated viruses, not to mention to keep away people that should have no access to those files

:t

[cubadew]

guys, I dont mean to jump in on the topic, but you said to set up a password. How is that done in xp pro, I am not familiar with that part. Ive set up many shares and such using the ntfs permissions and securities, but how does the password get created?

thanks

[BipolarBill]

The password is built into the logon. The users must be added to the user database in Pro in order to access files. Once they are entered, you can and should limit access with Permissions.

[cubadew]

ok, thats what I was doing... I didnt know if there was a per file setting that could be activated... thanks bill

[Bigjakkstaffa]

Windows 2000 Server (which ive not used) or Windows 2003 Server (which ive dabbled with a little and was mightliy impressed with

--Jakk:t