Comments on: How to Convert a Computer Into a File Server

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!