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I need a server at home to store all of our various files, photos, etc. and to make back-up more consistent. It would also be great to have all files in one location, instead of scattered over four different machines! (It won't be hosting any websites! ) I probably will use Microsoft Home Server since the major big has been fixed and because it's cheap; nothing like the price tag for our Small Business Server.

However, after reading all of the posts about Linux, I wonder if I should consider that instead. Would there be any advantage? I know that running a version of Linux on a desktop means you have to use software written for Linux, but what about servers? Could I run a Linux server but connect windows machines to it, store files created with windows-base software, etc? I know, this is a very elementary question, probably somewhat like "which end does the bullet come out of," but hey, don't pick on an old man.

Thanks,
Chas.

P.S. You guys have me thinking about trying to resurrect an old (I mean really old) computer using Ubuntu and making it an Internet machine in a guest room, just to see if I can do it.

Charles - unless you are really tech savvy, or have reliable help. I would not put Linux on a server. Windows may have its issues, but at least they are familiar issues. Linux is a whole nother ballgame.

You know, kinda like you 1911 guys who refuse to move into the 21st century and acknowledge that Glocks are, indeed, better.

Oh, hmmm, that would be you too... I think you have your answer there.

I would agree with Crossfire. Unless you have a lot of time and aren't looking at getting this server up quickly, I'd go with what is familiar. And this is coming from a Linux / Mac guy!

Of course, I'd be more than happy to talk to you about Rackspace!

To answer your question though:

Could I run a Linux server but connect windows machines to it, store files created with windows-base software, etc?

Absolutely! Really easy to do!

Home Server has some features that make it really neat, that Linux cannot offer you.

For example: there is a backup client so that it will take care of all the (Windows) computers in your house. Hard drive failure? No problem! Replace the drive, restore the backup, and everything is back how it was (and I mean everything--programs, settings, documents, etc...)

It also uses a single instance store so that you only have to backup one copy of a file on a computer, and all the other computers will "point" to that backup. For example, if you have two computers with large MP3 collections, the server will only back those files up once for both computers saving you on space. It also does this for Windows system files, which all computers have in common.

Even easier, you can get cheap nas (network attached storage) devices.
These are basically big disks with a small server operating system on them, and are usually very easy to set up.

http://www.buffalotech.com/products/net ... nkstation/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellit ... torWrapper" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You can get 'em in all shapes and sizes.

If you're a tinkerer, go the linux route, but this will be easy and painless.

Well, someone has to stand up for Linux.

Ya, I believe MS Home Server will do the job for you. but if you are just looking for a file repository, then why not Linux it will give you an oportunity to learn something new. If you just want something that is gonna work with a minimal of fuss though Linux might be a bit of detour that you might not want to take. Linux isn't all that hard to learn, but if if you just want to get it done. Do it the way you know best.

Charles I use windows home server at my house and it its the best thing since ice cream. I will also give you a website at xxxx.homserver.com that you can access all your files from. Remote desktop to. I have built my own homeserver with 4TB of space for about 500 bucks if you need help setting this up or want some question answered PM also http://www.wegotserved.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; is a good resource on homeserver.

ubuntu has a server guide on its webpage https://help.ubuntu.com/8.04/serverguide/C/index.html step by step, faster and more reliable than windows. NO GUI for the server version.

nitrogen wrote:Even easier, you can get cheap nas (network attached storage) devices.

Exactly!

I'm also a Linux/Mac guy and I like to tinker, but a network drive is the easiest, most transparent way to back up and share files on your home network.

Thanks for all of the great input folks! With the Texas Legislative Session right around the corner, I guess I'd better not take on another project that requires me to learn something new.

Chas.

I use and love linux - it is the way to go if you have the time to do it right... but not the way to go if you just want it done. Get a NAS or even just a USB attached HD enclosure and attach it to a computer you already have set up. Handles everything you want without the added trouble of a true server, and get it in RAID 5 setup and you have double insurance (2 copies on the NAS/HD enclosure).

There is a distro called ClarkConnect that can be not only a firewall but a server...its pre-configured and has a web-interface to setup files and other services to host whatever you need
Its based off RedHat Enterprise (actually it is RedHat Enterprise with all the proprietary stuff just stripped out) its called CentOS very powerful, very rugged, very stable!

I agree though if you aren't up to snuff on Linux you will be having a nightmare of a time...but if you know Linux gurus..thats even better, but all in all ClarkConnect is very easy to use and implement.

I have had up to 7 home computers networked behind a Linux firewall, both Windows and Linux servers, and at least 5 client PC's

The absolute SIMPLEST way is to get one of those stand alone self contained NAS servers and just plug and play up to like 5TB of data...very simple...but can get pricey really quick! (or again with linux..build an old beater of a computer with alot of HD's and FreeNAS and viola!)

Here is a super cheap 1TB w/o raid-5 capability home NAS server
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... CVRqCjCVRq" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Best NAS have 4 drives and RAID-5 striping available like this..but alot more expensive (but 1000x more redundant!)
http://www.fadfusion.com/selection.php? ... 0064200923" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If multiple machine access is needed and it's just for data storage, NAS is the way to go. You can get virtually plug and play setups from various manufacturer's. Just Google NAS (I've seen the Buffalo Tech systems and they work fine).

You should be able to have it up and running within an hour.

Charles,
I have a Windows 2003 Server running in my home. I use it to store all our music files.. I have a domain running which helps secure the network too. I also use this to backup all my companies backups at night for two locations. I would recomend it to anyone these days... Its not hard really to set it up and you can PM me with any questions. I live here in Houston so I could help you set it up too... Either way I would go to it.. backing up your files from one location (Server) is better then 2 or more computers. Users can have there own share drive, and their computers can replicate to the server that means computer goes down get a new one and all your data is still there when they log back in on the new computer. Thanks D