Which OS for my server??

[2ndDawn]

I have been thinking about making a file server to be used by the computers my family has. Anyways, I was wondering what would be the best OS to put on the server for better efficiency? Aside from it being used as a backup system, it's main purpose is to store all the games that we all play. I have to admit, I'm pretty much a begginner in the networking knowledge, so I don't know much about it. Any help would be great. Thank you again.

 

[ALstonLoong]

well dawn i always used win2k as my server because it is easier to configure a LAN and use ICS function for network. Win9x would be alittle bit troublesome. Win2k also provide great security function i feel more secure ...well thats only my opinion..


alston

 

[Jator]

I'm still partial to NT4 as I use it most. I also realize that 2000 is here to stay, so I'd better start getting familiar with it. I'd say go with the one you feel most comortable with.

Jay

 

[TonDef]

I don't have mad Linux skilz, so I also use Win2K Server. Works great, but a bit pricey for home use.

 

[2ndDawn]

I was thinking about having a UNIX/Linux server, but I don't know the OS that well, plus, I wouldn't know if and how I could set it up with Windows clients. As for Win2K, I've talked to a couple of people and they have both good and bad opinions about it. I just want to hear what more people have to say about it. I thank everyone for their input.

 

[blstriker]

W2k is great. For server you want to be able to leave that computer on 24/7. win85 and 98 automatically fails this criteria. W2k pro or server both would be fine. My win2k webserver box has been up for 60 days straight with no problems. This may seem like nothing to people using Linux, but it's pretty good for a windows machine.

 

[rootaxs]

Not so sure about *win85* heheh.. but i once had a Win98 machine running web/mail/ftp/dns (for 40 small sites) for a good 8 months straight without reboots - and i was also using it as my workstation.

Eventually i had to reboot it coz my power supply failed on me <g>

 

[mgpaulus]

Linux would also work (I'm currently swapping out a FIC VA-503+ / K6-3+/450 for a T-Bird 1GHz, and I'm thinking about making the VA-503 into a linux type file server). For inter connectivity, you would want to read up about SAMBA.