Using a laptop as a NAS/file server/media box?

Prophet · 2 Mar 2011 at 12:20

I have an old Dell laptop which I'd like to use as a NAS box.

Anyone else done with with a few USB drives connected?

blueacid · 2 Mar 2011 at 13:22

Should work, but you might find that being on 24/7 fills the heatsink with lots of dust, potentially causing later reliability issues.. It's one thing to consider but apart from that you should be fine for light duty residential work

Prophet · 2 Mar 2011 at 13:25

I've been thinking about the dust issue but don't think it will be a major problem.

What OS should I run though. Windows Home Server or something Linuxy?

blueacid · 2 Mar 2011 at 17:18

I'd say take the opportunity to learn some linux

a good starter with loads of guides would be Ubuntu Server.