Thread: Home Networking (Griffins')

Originally Posted by Griffin

It seems to me, I would be looking at close to $1000 for a windows server license and a desktop to run it on. Does that sound right? I could use a keyboard port selector to save on the monitor/peripherals.

Alternatively, I could go with a peer to peer (P2P) system with windows XP. I would loose security going that route, but by using the administrator/user accounts available on XP, wouldn't I be able to set my internet security levels to max for a non-password protected general purpose account. From what I have gathered, you can share printers and scanners on a P2P network.

This is probably a ridiculous question but I guess it doesn't hurt to ask (I hope) What do I really gain by using a client/server network over a P2P system?

The biggest gain is centralized security management and flexibility. It pays off when you start adding on to the newtork with more PCs, HTPC, network printers, etc... P2P is fine with 2-3 PCs. A good example is when you want to play DVD files that are stored on the other computer. That other computer might experience a slow down while the files are being accessed.

If you want to really save money or just don't feel like giving it to Bill Gates, then I would suggest you start with a Linux server. A linux server can do just about any thing A windows server can do, but it will do it for much cheaper or free. Most Linux programs are open source and are free. A linux server can run DHCP, File server, Proxy Server, Firewall, and many more. You can buy or build a 2GHZ machine for $300-400. Net install a server version of Linux such as Debian. Then download and install what ever you want to run, for free.

I should warn you that building a Linux server is not going to be easy. Actually, none of this is easy. But hey, that's part of the fun, right? I chose to run Domain and File Server on the Windows server because at the time I had no knowledge of Linux. It was just much easier to run those on the Windows server and it might still be. In fact, I had planned on building another Linux server that will run everything, but this setup has been working great for me for over two years now, so I'm not too crazy about changing it.

I would suggest that you start with a Linux server running DHCP and Proxy server. This will get you up and running quickly with the ability to block web sites. You can add firewall later. To save on cause, just use a dedicated Windows XP machine for a centralized file storage.

Btw, the Linux server will need two lan ports.