Building a low-end server

[HonorGamer]

Alright,

I do not use desktops anymore, i have primarily switched to laptops(makes it harder to game, but easer to code XD). So i am turning my old desktop into a low-end server for basic storage and ect. Well I am in high school, and i go to a technical school for half the day for Computer Maintenance & Networking. So I am in one school for half the day, and I am in the other school for the other half. Since I am taking this class, I have free access so all versions of windows, and most Microsoft program. I am debating on whether I should put Windows Server 2008, or Windows 7 onto the server.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Gamer

 

[FullyLoadedMan]

Have you had much experience with Ubuntu?

Server | Ubuntu

 

[Kari]

I would most definetely go for Microsoft Home Server. Check the public preview of the latest version, codename "Vail" here: https://connect.microsoft.com/WindowsHomeServer

Kari

 

[HonorGamer]

Have you had much experience with Ubuntu?

I have had tons of experience with Ubuntu, but this is just gonna be a server that isn't even gonna be on all the time.

And i will take a look at windows Home Server, never heard of it till now.

 

[ken9122]

I would most definetely go for Microsoft Home Server. Check the public preview of the latest version, codename "Vail" here: https://connect.microsoft.com/WindowsHomeServer

Kari

I agree. Windows Home Server is a great product. Don't let the name "home" fool you.
WHS is based on Windows 2003 and 'Vail' on Windows 2008 R2 (which is in beta and requires 64bit).
There a lot of guides on the net on how to build a simple server from a older computer, and it makes a great learning project.
Ken

 

[HonorGamer]

It does make a good side project. I have even though about taking to tech school with me one day, and seeing if anyone else wants to help me there. I think I am gonna try and work on it some more today. I will post if i need help.

Thanks,
Gamer

 

[pparks1]

What are you trying to accomplish? Do you want a server to store files and hold backups...or are you thinking of doing a server to learn more about server based technology.

If it's the former...then Windows Home Server would be a very good fit. If it's the latter, I would opt instead for Server 2008. You probably cannot do 2008 R2 on that older machine as it's 64-bit only.

 

[Kari]

What are you trying to accomplish? Do you want a server to store files and hold backups...or are you thinking of doing a server to learn more about server based technology.

If it's the former...then Windows Home Server would be a very good fit. If it's the latter, I would opt instead for Server 2008. You probably cannot do 2008 R2 on that older machine as it's 64-bit only.

It looks I forgot this from my earlier recommendation. Windows Home Server Codename Vail is based on Server 2008R2, thus also needing an x64-system.

I'm sorry I forgot this very important piece of information.

Kari

 

[HonorGamer]

I am just gonna be using it for extra file storage since i only run on a laptop, and it is only 250 GB HDD in this laptop. It is an older machine so I might just have to use Windows Server 2003. Either that or Ubuntu.

I will simply be mapping it as a network drive, and going from there.

Thanks,
Gamer

 

[ken9122]

Well good luck and if you have questions were always here.

Ken