OS for a home server

[C3mods]

Newbie at working on a server solution. Looking for some help and/or advice if I was building a home server that is for the family and maybe ftp server later when I learn more about it. But first off what OS should I go with?

Going to start off with an i5 processor, mb, 4 gb ram, adaptec raid card, ssd/fast hdd for os and 6 2tb drives hooked up in raid 6.

I know Windows Server 2008 r2 but if I can't afford the $650+ for it what are some other alternatives that would be good for file storage, music and video streaming to other computers in the house. And also I would like to have it as my firewall for my computers connecting to the net.

So basically OS that is cheaper than expensive Win Ser r2. For files, multimedia and internet firewall.

What would it take to make the server a internet firewall/access point for the other 5 computers in my house?

 

[hmmblah]

Linux, freenas or something similar.

I wouldn't go the firewall route though. Get a separate router/wireless router to use as your firewall and for NAT, preferably something that can use custom firmware like the Linksys WRT54GL. If you want to use your server as a firewall/router, you'd need two nics in the server and a little know-how. It's not worth it IMO.

Don't bother with an SSD in your server, complete waste of money.

The only reason to go server 2008 would be if you wanted a domain. If you don't want a domain and have to go the Windows route, just use Windows 7 home premium or better and do file sharing. Also, if you did go the 2008 route with a domain, your clients have to be Windows 7 pro, ultimate, or enterprise. Home premium cannot connect to a domain (legally).

 

[ionicle]

vista home premium i find works well to host files.