Smart Computing

January, 2007

Original article at Smart Computing web site (This site requires registration to access articles)

Set up a File Server

Hold on-don't recycle that old PC just yet. Sure, it's not nearly as powerful as the shiny, new computer that replaced it, but that doesn't mean it can't be useful-especially if you have multiple computers and other devices connected to a home network. With a little hardware tweaking and the right software, that old computer would make a fine server, which is the next logical step any PC owner with a home network should take.

File servers act as repositories for files that can be easily shared across a network. They are terrific for making backups because anyone in the house that is connected to the network can store his files there. They are also perfect for storing digital video, audio, and pictures in a central location so those multimedia files can be accessed by anyone or streamed to a media player such as the Xbox 360.

PCs left over after an upgrade often do an admirable job as file servers. You just need to know what components are important, what parts you can do without, and how to adjust Windows so other computers on the network can access the file server. The following steps will tell you how to create a file server using an old computer with Windows XP installed, although with a little tweaking most of the following tips apply to a computer using any version of Windows...

Take Control of Your Data

You've just created a simple file server, but there are plenty of other options to explore. For example, you can add more storage space by using a program such as Acronis True Image or Norton Ghost to copy everything from the original drive-Windows and all-to a larger drive, all without having to reinstall Windows. If the file server uses WinXP Professional, you can also consider implementing RAID (redundant array of independent disks) mirroring. This automatically copies data between pairs of hard drives so that if one drive fails, all of your data remains intact on the other drive, and you can simply replace the bad drive without losing any files. RAID typically requires expensive hardware, but WinXP Pro's Dynamic Disk technology lets you implement RAID using only software. When it comes to servers, the possibilities are nearly endless, so always look for new uses for your new toy. A recommendation to stick to is doing your best to ensure your security: don't forget to implement file server backup to be sure that data stored on your PC can't be lost for ever due to a hard disk failure.