I'd like to set up a server in my house.

I have thre computers, one desktop and two laptops. I'd like to turn the desktop into a server so Incan learn more about networking for IT training. My computers are connected wirelessly via home group.

I have server 2008 that I bought and I'd like to install this but I have a couple questions.

1. Do I have to run cat 5 to hook up the computers or can I connect them via wifi ?

2. Once I turn my desktop into a server what differences will I see in performance? It's currently my gaming pc but I'm willing to stop that.

3. I want to learn remote installs and so forth so what steps I have to do to get that down?

You would have to at lest have the sever set up with a cable. The laptops it depends on how you set it the server. If you want to set it up with wireless certificates or when you add the computer to the domain/server.

Don't understand what your saying, I need to set up server to laptop one with cable and set up wireless certificates to work with laptop two?

Start with your nose buried in every textbook your wallet can stand and every article on the web you can find.

You'll probably install Server more than once before you get it to suit you, but don't sweat that. You're in a lab environment and that's what it's for.

I'd connect the desktop to your router (I'm guessing you have one since you have 3 computers using the Internet) with a cable and continue to use wireless on your laptops.

Don't worry about certificates for now. That's more of an advance topic you'll get into well after you have your server set up and running.

You didn't mention; Is it Server 2008 Initial Release or Server 2008r2 ?? There are quite a few differences. First and foremost, r2 is 64 bit only so if your desktop is an old machine it may not run it.

Good luck with it and have a blast. Client / Server networking can be a fun and exciting experience.

Server r2 thanks I'm doing it this weekend. Ill let everyone know how this goes.