HELP - Spec me a machine to use as a NAS \ Print Server \ Music Server

[slaterss]

I want to build a server for NAS \ Print Server (USB Printer - Canon) \ Music Server for my home network (100Mbit);

My constraints are

• £450 budget or thereabouts, since it will just be a NAS \ Print Server
• 500GB of useuable storage
• quiet'ish operation
• not massive power consumption as it will be left on all the time
• No keyboard \ Mouse \ monitor required
• Onboard graphics is fine
• Small'ish form factor; but not critical

What is the best OS to go for; is it Unbunto; or should I stick with MS XP Pro?

the streaming will be used to stream to my 360 & PS3;

Or is it best to by an off the shelf NAS such as the synology 107e and wack in a 500GB Segate SataII drive ?

your valued help and support and guidance is muchly appreciated.

many thanks

 

[slaterss]

many thanks; Windows Home Server sounds ideal for what I want the PC for.

I am thinking about going for Shuttle SX38P2 Pro Barebones System.
would this be too much of an overkill; I realise it will throw me over budget but its very tempting and I can use the PC for a few extra things; What Processor \ Memory would I want to add to this ?
thanks
Stu

 

[slaterss]

thanks for the suggestion; great cheap spec; the asus item is currently out of stock unfortunately;