Server Operating Systems

Ph4lanx

Ph4lanx

Ph4lanx

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Joined
19 Apr 2010
Posts
474
Location
Surrey
Right, little dilemma for you guys (Because I know you LOVE dilemmas! ;)).

I have just rebuilt some old computer parts into a semi-decent server which I want to run in a RAID1 configuration (1 OS HDD, 2x160GB HDD in RAID1, 2x500GB HDD in RAID1).

Now, my dilemma is this. The old machine ran on Windows XP. I was about to reinstall this on to the server machine (bear in mind this server is simply for home use for keeping all files centrally), then I thought about perhaps installing some proper server software such as Windows 2003 or 2008. However looking over prices, it seems quite expensive (to me as a home user), so I then started looking into Linux and running something like Ubuntu or similar.

I was wondering how difficult it was to setup and run a linux server as a non-linux literate IT person.

Would I be better off perhaps getting a second-hand licence for Windows Server 2003 or something?

Thanks for any advice!
 
I want the server to house the file system basically. I want 3-4 machines in the house to connect to the server via a mapped network drive so they can access stuff whenever they want. Other than that, I want the server to be reliable enough so that I can still do admin work on it (maintenance stuff) while it is serving up. Nothing strenuous :)
 
Yamahahahahaha: Home Server looks quite good! I like the full system backup function. Does it still have the ability to share files normally like a normal OS with permissions and stuff, or has it been made 'user-friendly' for home use?

daz: Thanks for the recommendation. I'll have a look at it and see if I can handle it. I've only got very limited experience with Linux, having only installed the client version of Ubuntu on an old laptop and configuring that, but I'll see how I get on.
 
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Well, I tried Ubuntu Server, only to find it was command-line only, so I'm going to install normal Ubuntu tomorrow and use that instead :)
 
Will do trentlad, although bear in mind I'm a novice to Linux stuff, so this is a journey of exploration for me :)

Basically, my intention is to setup Ubuntu (GUI version) on the server, then install SAMBA and get it working on the network with the Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP machines I have here.

I'll let you know how it goes :)
 
Right, well after installing Ubuntu, my first port of call before starting to setup RAID1 was to make sure I could remote onto the server from Windows.

Turns out this isn't as easy as it seems. I've setup the right settings in Ubuntu to allow it, but every time I try and connect, it refuses the connection.

So you know what? I can't be bothered with the hassle of Linux. Despite advancements in the operating systems and how they are presented to people in a non-technical manner, you still need to fiddle WAY too much to do something simple.

I will be purchasing Home Server and running that instead. At least it works without problems.
 
MaxP779 said:
Just use windows server 2008 R2, its better than the current WHS version which is based off the old server 2003. Ive been running server 2008 R2 for a few months now and its been great, runs tversity and everything works fine, had to google a few issues but they were easy fix's.
Click to expand...

If I could afford a licence like that for home use, I would :)
 
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