How to Convert a Computer Into a File Server

File servers, or computers that store documents and applications for everyone on a network, are normally fast, heavy-duty computers. However, in a small network, a desktop computer can act as a server. Connecting computers in a network is a complex process, with a variety of options, each dictating use of specific hardware, cabling and software. Be sure to perform extensive research and know what you're doing before you attempt constructing a network. The following instructions are for Windows computers.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 10/100 Or 100 Mbps PCI Ethernet Cards
• Crossover Cables

1. Do your homework on the Internet for a basic understanding of the technology.

2. Choose the type of network to be used: peer-to-peer or client/server.

3. Install the network hardware and software. See "How to Connect Computers to a Network" for general advice and sources of more detailed information.

4. Install File and Printer Sharing service for Microsoft Networks on the computer you want to use as a file server (the appropriate Windows files may already be on the hard disk).

5. Reboot the computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Peer-to-peer networking allows computers to share hard drives, CD drives, printers and Internet connections. All the computers in the network are directly connected together with cables. (In a client/server network, computers are connected to a central network hub.)

on 11/22/2005 If youre network is just a home nework then an old computer that can't run the latest applacations it may make a good file server. Note: If that computer is being used regulery then you may notice a slow down, so I recoment desenating that computer as just a file server. If you don't have a old computer laying aroundyou can atatch a stand alone disk to the network using devices avaible from compneys like D-Link. If you are file sharing for both Mac and Windows then it is best that the computer is runnign Mac OS X.

on 11/22/2005 It's very important not to forget security. You want to let people download files but keep them from altering and/or destroying your shared or even other files on your computer, or even accessing other directories you wouldn't want them to. Look up a good firewall or even better, get two that are compatible with each other and cover areas the other doesn't. Other good ideas would be system and network loggers (they monitor what's going on at all times) and active screening to protect your files. One final note: Keep ALL security software updated at all times! It's for your own good!

on 11/22/2005 The pins crossed are:

1 ---- 3
2 ---- 6

3 ---- 1
6 ---- 2

Do not buy a cable. Just cut in the middle and reconnect like above.

on 11/22/2005 While using a Unix flavor might be more difficult, it will yield better results in the long run, due to its inherent flexibility. Scripting will make your life that much easier. Also, Linux has the added advantage of storing files that it cannot read (such as Mac, Windows and other Operating Systems) with no problem. In fact, you could even run a database from it with little trouble. Little things like these make Unix flavors (Linux, OpenBSD, Unix and others) the operating system of choice for serious administrators!