how to setup a server?

[erichui]

guys, i've got some spare parts at home that i can put together a computer ( a p2 400 ) , now that i am thinking of creating a server, like maybe file server and prinitng server..
i've been thinking of using linux( i never used linux before) or win2k (dont worry about paying for it). ok, now which 1 do u guys recommend to use for a server?? since i am a newbie i dunno how to set it up.
anyway..
say i use win2k for the server (win2k pro) and i want to make a file server and print server , what excatly do i do?? and is win2k pro good enough for this kind of purpose??
thanks for any help . and say if u create a file server, does that mean u will be able to run files or programs from that computer's harddrive instead of ur own 1? and hows the performance? is it as fast as runnning it as ur own or close to??

 

[GigaCluster]

Even though a Linux server would be more stable, flexible, and scalable, I suggest going with Windows because of your newbie-ness.
All you have to do is install Windows 2000, set up File and Printer sharing in Network properties of your LAN NIC, create a special folder for sharing stuff, share it, and make it read-only or full access, depending on your needs.
To make it a print server, you must install printer drivers on it, make sure that the Windows machine can print, then share your printer.

As simple as that.
If you need any help, feel free to PM me. Follow-ups to this thread most likely won't be read.

 

[PlatinumGold]

i haven't tried it yet myself, will do it when i get into the office tomorrow, but i'm gonna try using freebsd. www.freebsd.org.

you can download files to make 2 floppies, boot from floppies, they will load freebsd, then you set up your network config and download the rest of freebsd from their site. it will do an entire install.

i saw this in the most recent PC Magazine. check out www.pcmag.com.