Help with making a data server

96 Views 4 Posts PC Hardware

Kudos: 4,698

Here's the deal...
I recently acquired my friends old Dell computer after he had upgraded. I don't know what the parts are but it's fairly old. I know it had 1GB RAM (x2 512MB modules :S) and what I assume to be a single core Intel processor. He took his old harddrive and optical drive so I decided to grab a 1TB HDD and make this puppy into a data server for myself and a few friends to easily share files via the internet (with all these upload sites being shaken up as of late I think its a good idea).

My question to you; MMGN, is how the hell do I do this? As far as I can tell the computer should be working but I haven't bothered starting it up as it has no OS and I have no idea which OS to install. I want be able to just turn it on once its all setup and be able to handle everything remotely from my desktop so assume some version of Linux would be a good idea but having zero prior experience with Linux I thought it would be a good idea to ask here first (I know a lot of you are Linux experts!).

I'm planning on using this to allow myself and my friends to be able to upload and download files from it from any internet connection (provided they have authorisation). I also plan on upgrading all the parts down the line to possibly turn it into a personal gameserver but that will be a wee while away so i'm too fussed. I also understand that because the computer is so low-spec I may get slow upload and download speeds but i'm not awfully worried about that either.

05/02/2012

Auckland, New Zealand

Kudos: 1,868

SkItZo

As i only have experience with windows, you could install windows server 2008 r2 onto it, then install iis and ftp, to get a free dns address go to dyndns. So you can manage it remotely you can either use rdp or vpn.
If you decide to go via this route let me know and i can assist in configuration etc.
As it will only have a low amount of usage, the specs should be fine for running it.
One of the bonus' of using windows is you can confivure VSS (Which is windows Volume Shadow Copy Service that is used to back up volumes)

05/02/2012

Perth

Kudos: 4,698

Redean

Hmmm sounds alright? Anyone else have any suggestions?

05/02/2012

Auckland, New Zealand

Kudos: 39,804

iamtom

I'm a bit rushed for time, but if you want Linux and a server OS, download Ubuntu Server? I'm not a fan of GNOME but I've never heard anything bad about it, and I'm pretty sure you can find infinite guides on the internet to help.

05/02/2012

/no1