For a while now I've been interested in adding a Linux based server into my home network but my limited knowledge in the area is a problem. Google searches seem to bring me to guides dated from years ago, so I would like to find the more current state of things. They usually don't answer all my questions either.
I know it's generally not a good idea to have a multi-purpose machine at least without VMs, but I don't want to have two servers in my small apartment and I don't think whatever I get on my budget would be sufficient for VMs. I'm looking to accomplish these tasks:
1. Back up data from my Windows 7 based PC
2. Host files(media) to share on my home network.
3. Serve as a hardware firewall.
4. Potentially host files on the internet so I can access certain files from anywhere.
5. Act as a print server.
6. Host a Minecraft server for my friends and I.
From what info I've gathered I'm thinking about using Ubuntu Server. As for hardware I was thinking of using:
Intel i3-530 (or Athlon 240e)
2x2GB DDR3 1333 RAM
Intel BOXDH55TC Motherboard
2-4x WD Caviar Green WD10EARS 1TB
2x Intel Gigabit CT PCI-e Ethernet cards
Antec Mini P180 (must be small & quiet!)
My main questions are:
1. Is it feasible to do all of these tasks?
2. To use it as a firewall/router/fileserver how should I connect it to my network?
ex: Modem->Server->D-Link router-> PCs?
3. How should I arrange the HDDs? I was thinking one small one for the OS, a 2x1TB RAID1 array for the backup/home fileserver, and possibly another small one for the ftp.
I know it's generally not a good idea to have a multi-purpose machine at least without VMs, but I don't want to have two servers in my small apartment and I don't think whatever I get on my budget would be sufficient for VMs. I'm looking to accomplish these tasks:
1. Back up data from my Windows 7 based PC
2. Host files(media) to share on my home network.
3. Serve as a hardware firewall.
4. Potentially host files on the internet so I can access certain files from anywhere.
5. Act as a print server.
6. Host a Minecraft server for my friends and I.
From what info I've gathered I'm thinking about using Ubuntu Server. As for hardware I was thinking of using:
Intel i3-530 (or Athlon 240e)
2x2GB DDR3 1333 RAM
Intel BOXDH55TC Motherboard
2-4x WD Caviar Green WD10EARS 1TB
2x Intel Gigabit CT PCI-e Ethernet cards
Antec Mini P180 (must be small & quiet!)
My main questions are:
1. Is it feasible to do all of these tasks?
2. To use it as a firewall/router/fileserver how should I connect it to my network?
ex: Modem->Server->D-Link router-> PCs?
3. How should I arrange the HDDs? I was thinking one small one for the OS, a 2x1TB RAID1 array for the backup/home fileserver, and possibly another small one for the ftp.
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