I'm in need of some assistance working out a solution to my situation. I currently run a IcyBox IB-NAS4220, which works primarily as a file server which is capable of streaming media and the odd torrent download. However, I'm finding myself a little frustrated at it's limitations and am therefore exploring the possibility of converting an old media center PC into a home server. My problem is, I don't know an awful lot about about what these server editions entail in terms of maintenance, hardware requirements etc.. This is where I need your help 
Hardware:
Requirements:
As I hold a MSDN subscription license through work, I have access to Server 2003 + 2008 without cost, whilst I'd have to buy a license for Home Server should that be considered a more appropriate route to go down. I don't mind getting my hands dirty with 2003/2008, but would be slightly worried about performance on my limited system.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Hardware:
- Processor: P4 3Ghz
- Ram: 1GB
- Hard Drives: 2x 500GB
Requirements:
- Media Streaming to PS3/360/PCs
- Some form of file mirroring across the 500GB hard drives. Currently run Raid1 on my NAS device and would ideally like the same protection from hard drive failure. As the media center doesn't have a Raid Controller, is there a possibility for Software Raid. Sorry, that probably sounds really stupid!
- Torrent downloading (hopefully with uTorrent)
- File Sync with Vista PC
As I hold a MSDN subscription license through work, I have access to Server 2003 + 2008 without cost, whilst I'd have to buy a license for Home Server should that be considered a more appropriate route to go down. I don't mind getting my hands dirty with 2003/2008, but would be slightly worried about performance on my limited system.
Any advice would be much appreciated.