[jack-o-bytes]

I am planning on building a computer to be used as a server.

CPU: AMD Sempron 2.2GHz
RAM: 4GB OCZ 800MHz
HD: 2 x 1TB Western Digital Caviar Green
Graphics: 256mb 8400GT
DVD: LG DVD-RW
Network Card: Linksys 1gbps

I have a few questions.

1) Is the setup above good for a server?
2) What software will I need to run a server?
3) I am going to have ethernet plugs all around the house can I run the internet though the server and into the computers I have plugged in around the house?

Thanking in advanced

Jack-O-Bytes

[rpierce]

If you are wanting internet to run all around the house you don't need a server you need a router and a switch. Make sure the switch has enough plug in ports for all the wire that you'll be running. The OS you need for the server is Windows Server 2000/2003/2008, but that's if you want to stick with Micrsoft. Most of the setup up top looks ok for just having a server OS on it, but I don't know what kind of server you want to build.

[jack-o-bytes]

I am trying to build on that will be able to have all of my films and songs on it for instant access wherever I am in my house. I want to try and feed the internet into the splitter along with the connection to the server and then split it around the house. Is this possible?

[rpierce]

If you have the server plugged into the switch it will be much easier for everyone to access the server. The file server should be fine to use. I would also purchase a small 80 HDD to install the OS and Raid the two 1 TB drives for faster speed.

[jack-o-bytes]

thanks

[Curly]

So what you want is a file server and to turn that machine into a gateway. Personally, I would recommend using a router, and let the router act as your gateway rather than using a physical computer.

And a server operating system is not necessary for basic file sharing. Simple client operating systems can share files, and offer them through a network. It all depends on how complex you wish this to be and how much money you want to spend!

[jack-o-bytes]

I have roughly £1000. I want to get the internet and file sharing into every room in the house though ethernet ports. Any ideas about that?

[rpierce]

If you know how to run wire in your attic and make Ethernet ports and wire you shouldn't have a problem. That would be the best way. Another way would be to staple the wire along the bottom of the wall, but that would be...yea you better not go with that.

[jack-o-bytes]

I think what I am going to do is run all the cables through the walls and have sockets in all the walls because it is a new house that is being built soon. Also what programs will I need to make the computer a server and also be able to feed the internet into the computer out along the same cable as the file sharing and into a switch box.

[JohnWill]

If it's a new house, it should be pretty reasonable to wire every room for one or more Ethernet jacks. This will allow you maximum flexibility when it's completed. Any wireless AP's can be easily added after the fact.

[jack-o-bytes]

Is it possible to set it up how I showed in the picture attached to post #9?

[JohnWill]

Of course, you just run all the Ethernet cables to a common location where your router and switch will be located. That's really all the planning you need to do in advance, I'm assuming it'll be some time before you have to finish the network, since you are building the house!

[jack-o-bytes]

So this setup will work

1) Internet comes into the house
2) Through broadband router (BT Home Hub)
3) Into the computer through one Ethernet port or into the Switch
4) Computer into switch
5) Out of switch into 8 rooms

Is that ok. Is it possible to have the broadband ethernet going straight into the switch as well as the computer storage or just through the server and into the switch?

[JohnWill]

No, actually, BT Home Hub would be connected directly to the switch, and so would all the workstations and your "server".

[jack-o-bytes]

So if I used this

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/8-Port-Gigabit...3%3A1|294%3A50

then I could have the bt home hub and the server pluged into 2 of the sockets and then the other six I could wire up to sockets around the house?