Network

[Turbocom]

Hey guys,

I've got a spare computer with Specs great enough to run a home server they are:

1TB HD
4GB Ram
Intel Pentium 4 at 3.0 GHZ

Anyways, I'm thinking of using Windows 2000 Server but I really would like to setup a lan so I can play games across my network, but at this time everyone is using Windows XP but me, I'm using Windows 7.

What I want to do is make 4 partitions on the hard drive so that everyone can have more space on their computer - an extra 250 each wouldn't be bad.

I'd map a network drive on each computer

\\server\share\file_path

Thanks for all help!

[Stephen!]

I'm not sure what you're asking... you seem to know what you're doing.

[Turbocom]

I'm not sure what you're asking... you seem to know what you're doing.

Just asking for your opinions, and want to see if you guys have any better way of doing it. Do you think it would be better if all the computers were on a domain?

[Stephen!]

Not for something so simple. The best way would be, as you put it, create a shared folder for each computer and then just map it on the client machine. If your into it, you may want to "aquire" a copy of Server 2008 as i'm sure it would be more user friendly/have more features.

[Recursion]

Server 2003 is less resource hungry than Server 2008 and has more resources around on the internet for newbies.

[Turbocom]

Server 2003 is less resource hungry than Server 2008 and has more resources around on the internet for newbies.

I think using 2000 would be better just because its more secure.

[Recursion]

Server 2003 is pretty rock solid too, or if your brave enough install Ubuntu Server 9.04, I love it as a little tech challenge.

[Tomm]

If you are wanting a semi-complex home network I would recommend you go looking into installing Windows Server 2003 or 2008 (To be honest, you might as well look into installing 2008 since it will be supported for much longer and should be faster when it comes to file sharing due to improvements shared with windows vista & 7 when it comes to networking). You could also setup a domain which would bring you a large number of advantages to end users as well as administration.

Also don't both with Windows 2000 Server Editions as they are extreamly outdated (Microsoft only provide security updates and only for another year before even those stop completly) and are a pain to manage. You'll be missing out on alot of features if you pick 2000 and, to a much lesser extent, 2003.

Additionally, if you plan to use the server for mainly file sharing I would look into getting gigabit ethernet to your computers if you are only using wireless or normal 100BASE-TX; remember that you will need gigabit switches on the network or the installation of gigabit cards and the appropiate infrastructure would be pointless.

[Turbocom]

If you are wanting a semi-complex home network I would recommend you go looking into installing Windows Server 2003 or 2008 (To be honest, you might as well look into installing 2008 since it will be supported for much longer and should be faster when it comes to file sharing due to improvements shared with windows vista & 7 when it comes to networking). You could also setup a domain which would bring you a large number of advantages to end users as well as administration.

Also don't both with Windows 2000 Server Editions as they are extreamly outdated (Microsoft only provide security updates and only for another year before even those stop completly) and are a pain to manage. You'll be missing out on alot of features if you pick 2000 and, to a much lesser extent, 2003.

Additionally, if you plan to use the server for mainly file sharing I would look into getting gigabit ethernet to your computers if you are only using wireless or normal 100BASE-TX; remember that you will need gigabit switches on the network or the installation of gigabit cards and the appropiate infrastructure would be pointless.

Hey thanks for the reply,

All the computers in my home are custom made by me, except for the laptops. So they all have gigabit ethernet - adding to that I've got an 18 port VPN router with built in Wireless N and Firewall. I've decided to go with Windows Server 2003 just because I can become more knowledgeable with it.

Adding to that, I've taken a spare room in my basement and I'm thinking of purchasing some cheap servers off of Kijiji and buying some server shelving where I can store all the servers.

- Media Servers
- File Storage Servers

I've also been thinking about purchasing a phone network so that I can call other phones in my home with certain extensions (for example I can call 100 that will call my kitchen etc..)

Not sure if I'm going to go through with buying more servers I'll see how I feel.

[N!ck]

Hey thanks for the reply,

All the computers in my home are custom made by me, except for the laptops. So they all have gigabit ethernet - adding to that I've got an 18 port VPN router with built in Wireless N and Firewall. I've decided to go with Windows Server 2003 just because I can become more knowledgeable with it.

Adding to that, I've taken a spare room in my basement and I'm thinking of purchasing some cheap servers off of Kijiji and buying some server shelving where I can store all the servers.

- Media Servers
- File Storage Servers

I've also been thinking about purchasing a phone network so that I can call other phones in my home with certain extensions (for example I can call 100 that will call my kitchen etc..)

Not sure if I'm going to go through with buying more servers I'll see how I feel.

Why do you need multiple servers. Just get one that is capable of everything. Simples.