I would like to setup a box with Mandriva (just because I am most familiar with it) that I could use to store files on.

The idea is, I bring in a windows lappy and need a place to store the files. I don't want to connect it to my windows network because there could be bad things happening (virus kinds of things).

I want to connect it to the linux box and copy files to it so I can wipe out the windows machine and reinstall, etc as needed.

If there are threads that cover this, it is probably just that I didn't know how to search for it.

What I did read about crossover cables seemed a bit sketchy, but maybe it was just that thread.

What is the easiest way to do this?

PS

The linux box can be setup any way it needs to help facilitate this use of course.

I'd say the easiest thing would a ftp server. A bit more and maybe better thing would be some kind of synchronisation. Or go with a simple rsync pared with udev and hotplug. When you plug in the network cable hotplug would notice and start the rsync. Also you would rsync running on the windows machine which could be done through cgywin.

Let's see
1) Automatic or manual
2.) Use windows native command or get cgywin install and use the linux commands
3.) Get all and everything or just the delta of files (slow or fast)

Cheers Zhjim