Linux: Need help designing home file server

omega113 · 07-04-2008, 05:31 AM

I would like to build a home file server that could also handle print server duties

and I have some minor exposure to Unix from a previous job and would like to try

my hand at Linux.
I would like some help, please, with determining some minimum specs for the

machine.

omega

Mr. C. · 07-04-2008, 05:44 AM

Hmmm.... I think you'll have to explain more of how you intend to use the system. Movie server? Music Server, General file server only, heavy duty, light dutuy? What other systems do you have in the house, how many, what type of users, what type of systems?

jlinkels · 07-05-2008, 08:00 AM

If it is a simple file and print server: any post 1998 hardware that you can lay your hands on.

I run my home file server on a PII-300 with 192 MB RAM. Be prepared to install a headless station (without X GUI) on such a system but since you have Unix experience that should be no problem.

However, given the increasing energy prices you might want to look into an ultra-low power system since a file server is on-line 24/7. Check mini-ITX systems www.logicsupply.com. Purchase price might be higher but it pays back.

jlinkels