Most home computer users think of servers as the complex machines that form the backbone of corporate computer networks. But the functional definition of a server is far more flexible than that. Essentially, any computer that "serves" data to other machines on a network is a server.
And as American households become populated with multiple PCs, the idea of a central hub that can be used for backup, storage and even remote access becomes reasonable, even essential. Anticipating a household server market, HP recently launched its HP MediaSmart Home Server ($599), using Windows Home Server software as the operating system. The HP server comes with a single 500 GB hard drive (plus three empty drive bays for expansion), and can automatically back up computers on the network, as well as store and stream media.
The HP device works well, but you don't need to buy specialized equipment to have a home server. You can build one yourself using cheap or salvaged PC parts. It turns out servers aren't really that complicated, at least when it comes to hardware. Unless you're planning to run a high-traffic Web site or a business with centralized e-mail, there's no need for a high-powered CPU or graphics card, or even a lot of RAM. And since you're probably going to stick your server in a closet somewhere, a stylish and expensive case is pointless. Plus, once a server is set up, it can operate without a screen or keyboard. We put together a server using a mother board and dual-core chip we had lying around in our lab. But, frankly, the fancy parts we worked with are overkill. A machine with an older Pentium 4 chip would do the trick.
The process of building your server can be as simple as adding a few parts to an existing PC, or as complex as building from scratch (see photographs below), but it's important to make sure any new components you purchase match the standard connections on your server's motherboard. (Does it take SATA or IDE hard drives ? DDR or DDR2 RAM?) Since the main function of a media server is centralized storage, we would suggest spending the largest part of your budget on hard drives. (We were able to find two 500 GB drives for $99 each at newegg.com.)
Once we put our machine to-gether, we tried two software options: the easy and expensive route (Windows Home Server; $150 to $200), and the free and labor-intensive one (Ubuntu). Windows Home Server is the same operating system that runs on the HP Media Smart box, but it can be installed on any semi modern computer. Installation is a guided three-step process. The install software configures the server, as well as client software on each PC on the network, then sets up accounts for all users. Functions such as auto mated backup, file sharing and remote access over the Internet are built in, so once you've installed the software, you can shove the server in a closet and be done with it.
With Ubuntu, setup was a bit more involved. Ubuntu is a Linux-based graphical user interface (GUI) operating system that can be tweaked to unleash server functionality. But to do so, you'll want to study up on the text-based command language that is required to unpack and install many of its networking features. After loading Ubuntu, we installed a variety of secondary programs such as Samba for file and printer sharing; VLC media player for playing and streaming movies and videos; SBackup for automated backup; and secure shell (SSH) for remote Web access .
The OS you choose depends on what type of computer user you are. Windows Home Server had a set-it-and-forget-it appeal that required minimum management time. But we found the Ubuntu server more rewarding for the geeky hobbyist who is willing to spend time experimenting with the software creations of the open-source community. Either way, we got a powerful machine for minimal investment.
The Steps
1. Look under the hood
You don't need a high-power PC or specialized equipment to build a server; you can make one out of that old PC in your closet. Any computer with a Pentium 4 or later processor will do.
2. Make a few upgrades
Blow out any dust with canned air. For best performance, upgrade RAM to at least 512 MB. Be sure that your memory matches the specs of your motherboard.
3. Maximize your storage
Your server will provide backup and storage for all the computers on your network, so spend the majority of your upgrade budget on hard drives.
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