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I need to build a file server

D

DigitalMP

Gawd
Joined
Jun 27, 2004
Messages
861
Is this the right sub-forum for this thread? My apologies if it is, just let me know and I'll move it.

I just went from a desktop to a laptop after deciding I need the mobiliy more than the upgradability. I'm very happy with my i9300, but 100GB is nowhere near enough and I'd like better access to my files when I'm at home, rather than an external HD, so I've decided I'd like to build a file server, but I'm a bit unclear as to what I really need. Here's what I assume will work well:

Not as much processing power as an everyday monster - i.e. 2GHz will be more than enough, and 512, maybe 1GB of RAM if I feel like burning money.

RAID 0 would be seemingly pointless, so I might RAID 1 two 400 GB drives to start out.

Which OS should I go with? XP Pro, or 2003 Server? Does it matter?

Do I need a console since I'll primarily be accessing it from my notebook, and eventually another box that I'll build? If so, I would be alright with an onboard display adapter for the infrequency of its usage, correct?
 
DigitalMP said:
....
Which OS should I go with? XP Pro, or 2003 Server? Does it matter?
....
Click to expand...

Linux with Samba, if not then Windows 2003 will be fine too.
 
If you use Linux the extra ram will be used, although not necessary. Linux does its best to use every bit of memory for caching files that are in use, so most of the time memory usage is near 100%. The cache can be removed with short notice, though, so if another program needs memory, the amount cached drops quickly so that your program can have all it needs. This is a Good Thing. Windows (in my limited experience) goes the other way - swap everything out ASAP so that if something needs memory it gets it.

I assume you'll be accessing things over a ethernet network, correct? Look into a jumbo-packet-capable switch; it makes all the difference for GBe.

Fedora 4 or Debian Sarge (stable) would be my Linux distribution of choice. If you decide to go with linux, stop by the subforum under OSes if you need help.

 
unhappy_mage said:
If you decide to go with linux, stop by the subforum under OSes if you need help.
Click to expand...


Thanks...I'm a bit wet behind the ears in Linux, so now may be the time to dive in.
 
Honestly, if you're going to drop $450 on two 400 gigabyte drives for RAID 1, you'd be better off spending that money on 4 250 gigabyte drives and going RAID 5. It costs the same, but gives you 750gigs of space instead of 400.

-Nate
 
On the other hand, buying 250s now means you have to buy 250s in the future, at least until you switch the whole array over. 400s are expensive now, but in a year or so when this is full, it won't be unreasonable to buy a few more.

 
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