How to Set Up a Windows Server
A server can be configured to perform a number of tasks. File servers allow documents, media and programs to be stored at a central location that each computer on a local network can access. FTP servers provide storage space for remote computers, and Web servers host entire websites that can be viewed from anywhere in the world.
Though many enterprise-level servers run on more complicated operating systems such as Linux, Windows is also a popular choice, especially for smaller applications such as a home or small office server.
Setting up your own server may sound complicated, but in reality it is quite a simple task. You can configure most Windows-based PCs to function as a server in as little as 1 hour.
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Instructions
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Select the computer that will be used as a server. While Microsoft does make operating systems specifically designed for a server environment, such as Windows Server 2008, a more basic operating system such as Windows XP or Vista will work fine for this task. Remember that the server will likely run for long periods of time, so selecting a quiet computer is often a good decision.
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Install a server application that accomplishes the specific function you are seeking. There are hundreds of different types of servers, so the server application you download should be specific to the task you are seeking to accomplish. Open-source software websites such as SourceForge.net have a large variety of free server applications to choose from (see Resources below). If you're configuring a simple local-network file server, then no third-party applications are required. The built-in networking functions of Windows are all that is needed.
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Configure the computer's firewall, if one is installed, to allow the server application to both upload and download. Since all firewalls are different, consult your firewall's documentation for details on how to do this. Configuration will only be required if a third-party firewall has been installed. The firewall integrated into Windows will either automatically allow it full access to the network, or it will ask you for permission the first time the server application is run.
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Tips & Warnings
Laptops should never be used as a server. They were not built to be run for long periods of time or under high work-loads.
