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Trying to build a basic home network server

Jimmah

Jimmah

Golden Member
I'm building a simple home network using an old rig I've pieced together to do minor file, print, mail and filewall services. I need it to hold all my backups and do the job of my router (which recently died, 3rd one as of late), plus I'd like to configure it from my main machine. I intend to use Linux (I have a copy od Suse and Ubuntu, I might try both eventually) but if anyone thinks Server 2003 would be better suited please tell me.

What are my options in software that can do all or most of the required secifications? It's only for 3 machines, if that helps.

Thanks in advance.....please be nice to a networking newb
 
first thing:
it is not good practice to run your fileserver on the same box as the firewall/router.
It is much easier to configure the router box to do its job well, and leave the other apps to the fileserver.
 
Server2k3 is a big chunk of change for your house..

as far as fileservering and firewalling, it's not the best, but Samba can be bound to a single interface, so it's not so bad. Biggest risk: That box is the live IP, so if it gets hacked, then you could lose your files. I would figure out a backup solution if you do use that as a fileserver as well (I do, /shrug)
 
You know, for all of this work, you could just buy a 4port router for like $40 which has a hardware firewall and conenct that extra PC to the router, run like NT and share the files.
 
I second Xanis's recommendations. Unless you need extensive logging and filtering for a large number of clients running a dedicated PC as a router is not cost effective. As for file serving, any OS set up as a peer to peer network will do fine for 3 users. If you use netbuei as the only network protocol even Win98 is fine. I have been experimenting with various Linux distros for a archiving server, while installation of Fedora/Ubuntu/Xandros/Simply Mepis is very easy, connecting this seamlessly to a Windows only network has been troublesome - it connects fine to Win98/2k but not XP with passwords - I am sure its something quite simple tinkering with the Samba conf file - I just have'nt got it as yet.
 
Ok so since everyone is telling me no-go on the routing + fileserving, I thin kI'll just make it do backups and mild serving and buy 'another' router. One more question though, is it terribly difficult to have it do picture and file hosting? I might be changing my internet speed soon so I'd like to host some stuff for me and some friends, anyone know what I should do to make sure its secure and simple?
 
Originally posted by: Jimmah
Ok so since everyone is telling me no-go on the routing + fileserving, I thin kI'll just make it do backups and mild serving and buy 'another' router. One more question though, is it terribly difficult to have it do picture and file hosting? I might be changing my internet speed soon so I'd like to host some stuff for me and some friends, anyone know what I should do to make sure its secure and simple?
Click to expand...

Maybe try a Linksys router? Mine is two years old with no problems.

For hosting you can use apache for http or VSFTPD or ProFTPD for ftp and administering it through Webmin.
 
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