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Small Business Server Support

How to Build a File Server?

Step1: Determine the number of users who will access the server simultaneously. If the answer is 10 or fewer, the file server can be built with very modest hardware. If more than 10 users will need to access the server on a consistent, concurrent basis, consider using a faster computer with more RAM for greater performance.

Step 2: Choose an operating system for the server. This is often a matter of preference or comfort level. Linux or other free Unix-based operating systems will run on modest hardware with high performance if a graphical user interface is not installed.

Step 3: Select a hard disk with the capacity to share your files. The types of files shared will determine the size hard disk you need. If most of the files that will be served are text, word processing files or spreadsheets, a hard disk of 60 or 80 gigabytes will suffice, since these types of files are relatively small. However, if you plan on sharing music, videos, or large database files, choose a disk that has several hundred gigabytes of capacity.

Step 4: Purchase a new or used PC or build your own. Low cost, budget PCs from any of the major retailers will meet the hardware requirements for most small Linux or Windows-based file sharing applications. If using Linux or an older version of Windows for a smaller server, an older spare PC can be used, or you can get one secondhand pretty cheap. The only absolutely necessary requirement for a file server machine must meet is an Ethernet card to connect to your home or office network.

Step 5: Install extra RAM if needed. Smaller file servers will get by with 256 megabytes of RAM, while higher performance computers will need 512 megabytes or more. The more users, the more RAM you'll need.

Step 6: Install the operating system and turn the file sharing capabilities on. If using Linux for a server that will be sharing files with Windows computers, install the Samba server package on the server. If using Windows on the server, turn on file and print sharing via the administrative tools or control panel.

Source: Ehow

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