Home Server

[siravarice]

Just finished setting up a home server Never done it before and it was pretty easy really. I used some old crummy computer I had in a closet and whacked my two storage HDD's in it. Tried to install Windows Server 2003 but my Product key wouldn't work, then I couldn't find a replacement, short of phoning up Microsoft, which I wasn't about to do.

So I installed my copy of Windows Ultimate (32bit as the computer is rubbish) the Release Candidate, that keeps saying it is out of date, so I just set the date back to sort that problem and turned off the internet clock function.

Once it was up I had to connect remotely, first tried Windows Remote Desktop, which im my honest opinion is a pile of ****. So then I found gotomypc.com and used that for a day (lol) but then realised after 30 days I would have to start paying, which I did not want to do.

Thinking there must be something for free on the internet, as there usually is, I found teamviewer.com. This is the same sort of thing, but the interface was nicer, and for non-commercial use it's totally free!

So using that now, gonna buy some massive ethernet cable so I can stick it downstairs and not hear the old fan whirring away. Then it's saving up for some HUGE HDD's. Then the gigabit router and ports....

Once it's all set up though it will be really useful, as my girlfriend does Media at uni so can backup her files on it, and our housemate does music so he can do the same. For me, it means I can store all my files on it (music and videos) and possibly upgrade to an SSD in the future.

peace out!

 

[tinytomlogan]

Windows 7 remote desktop is awesome, cos its so simple. Right click/connect done simple.

Best thing to do is set a user account and use a password, thats also the best way for sharing folders aswell dude.

Ive got some plans to do a Server review series, and Ill try to cover the main points like remote desktop and accessing folders ect in that.

 

[AMDFTW]

yer do ttl as that would be awsome

 

[siravarice]

I tried using Remote Desktop and it really isn't that simple. Especially when it started getting into forwarding the right ports, it was hassle, all i use now is the teamviewer thing, it's like MSN almost, it can sign you in automatically and you can click to connect to any computer you have running the program as long as you know the password. Its so much simpler than Remote Desktop.

 

[tinytomlogan]

with remote desktop once set up its as simple as double clicking an icon. I use it daily and once you know how really is a doddle matey. No port faffing needed for just pc control its yet another great feature of win7.

Basically you did it wrong before ;p

 

[siravarice]

Lol you need to tell me how to use it properly! Or maybe, in this server review you might be doing, have a small section on it?

 

[tinytomlogan]

You just need user accounts set up matey, once you have that its really easy.

 

[AMDFTW]

this might help sira

http://forums.techarena.in/guides-tutorials/1187281.htm

 

[siravarice]

Nice AMD, but I looked at that, the way I do it is still a lot simpler. It involved installing an exe, and putting in a password. And that has access from anywhere in the world on any computer with an internet connection!

 

[tinytomlogan]

Windows way means it stays IN your network not via the net. Your file transfer speeds will rocket if kept local.

 

[Diablo]

I found the windows 7/ Server 08R2 remote desktop to be an absolute doddle. That said, my server is the cooling solution to project LifeSupport, so it made sense to connect a screen. I look forward to TTLs server review section.

I find the DHCP server the most useful bit of software I've had in a long time, thanks to avoiding too much attention being drawn to my rigs at uni.

Keep things local, higher data rates and the added security of not having a connection through the web that someone could jump onto. Makes life a bit happier.

 

[siravarice]

That's what I use homegroups for. This was setting up for internet and other locations really. But I would like to get Remote Desktop set up, but there is so much stuff to do. It's way too much hassle.

 

[Spence]

It is really easy in Windows 7 especially if you have already created your Homegroup