Spare computer

[NotAGolf]

Hey all.

First off, sorry if this is in the wrong section. It covers a few different aspects so I plonked it in here, feel free to move.

My brother has given me his old PC as he doesn't need it anymore. Don't know the exact specs yet but its an old AMD 4000+ with 2 gb ram and 250gb hard drive.

I have a couple of ideas/goals in mind. Overall objectives:
- Learn more about linux
- Learn more about networking

And I have a couple of specific goals I want to achieve:
- Make a public drive so all computers in the house can access it
- I don't have linux installed on any other machine, so I will want to some how 'login' to this linux machine through my current desktop (running XP) so I can play with linux. Like a remote connection essentially so I can work on that machine, but using my keyboard/screen etc from in my room)

Sorry if this is a bit vague, I don't really know what I'm asking here . Basically just want to know if this is feasible, and any software/guides/sites I should take a look at that might help me along.

Thanks all!

 

[NotAGolf]

Thanks for all the help guys.

I would like to do most of the stuff via CLI as like already mentioned I'll learn more. I'm going to go with something with a GUI just in case though. I've got a copy of Fedora 11 laying about so think I'll stick that on.

I'll also get hold of samba and putty and get cracking

Thanks for the link as well, will look into it shortly