How to make Home server

giraf · 06-08-2009, 10:20 AM

I have one Linux (Ubuntu) machine and 4 other XP machines in my home. I'd like to make the Linux machine a printer and file (music and video)server , for the other Windows machine.

Is it possible ? Is there some kind of guide for this ?
Can I still maintain the server to function also as a desktop (internet and office) ?

Thanks.

monsm · 06-08-2009, 10:25 AM

Yes, all of that is possible.

What you need to install and read about is "samba". That should cover all of what you are asking.
If you are going to run the linux box as a file server for XP, you might want to install anti-virus on it (maybe the only scenario where anti-virus can be needed on Linux).

Mons

headrift · 06-08-2009, 10:25 AM

You want Samba (Windows file and print serving) and CUPS (printer interface), and then set up Samba to use CUPS. No shortage of help and how-tos out there on it.

...and no, there's nothing keeping you from using the "server" as a desktop too.

giraf · 06-09-2009, 12:18 PM

I intend to reinstall Ubuntu , should I use the Server installation ? what kind?
Don't mind doing that as long as learn something new ... and having fun...
Thanks.

harsshal · 06-09-2009, 12:43 PM

You can go for server installation(text only interface by default). but if you are going to use it as a desktop too, you can go for desktop edition.
If you decide to go for server edition,

Code:

sudo aptitude install x-window-system-core gnome-core

might help you.

schneidz · 06-09-2009, 12:44 PM

^ why re-install if already working ?

not sure about ubuntu, but if you want to install something like apache you can even if you didnt install the 'server' cd.

for debian it would be something like apt-get install apache.

monsm · 06-10-2009, 05:28 AM

If you want to move from debian to Ubuntu anyway, thats fine, but its not needed for this. Just use the desktop version and install CUPS and Samba. There are plenty of documents online about how to set up those to do what you want. Start

Mons