I don't know if this is the right forum to ask (Please direct me to the right one if this one isn't) but I am interested in creating a Network storage server, I have an old PC and a 30GB HDD that I'd like to put to use, and make it so all of my PC's can access it and store information on it, I do have a router (Which I assume I will need for this.) and network cable, and network cards, I've just never attempted to do anything like this, what OS should I run on the box that is going to become a storage server? Linux? Windows? I'd be accessing this server through a Windows XP system and a Linux system, I've heard about NASlite (http://www.serverelements.com/naslite.php) would this be suitable enough or no?

Storage servers have their own file systems. They don't run windows or linux. The floppies and CDs they provide install everything you need and has nothing to do w/ other operating systems. Look at a real one. http://www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&Item=GNS1000120

Yes, I know that, but I also know you can get the same general thing by using an old PC, can't you?

Probably any OS that can share resources can be used. I don't use XP, but I use Win 98SE on a machine as a print server, and a file server, as long as it is up first, other machines can attach and share the resources.

As wizard-fred stated, you should be able to use just about any OS. The main thing to be concerened with is the file system of the share. If you use a file system that one of the client computers can't read, then they will not be able to access the content on that drive. Considering that you are already using Windows XP and Linux, and that you only have two clients - I would suggest you use whichever OS you are comfortable with. You shouldn't need a full blown file server for your environment. In XP, for example, just share whichever folders you want. Then, you can connect to those shares by UNC path (\\COMPUTERNAME\SHARENAME). Or, to make it even easier, map the shares as drives on your client computer. Michael J

MichaelJ this information "If you use a file system that one of the client computers can't read, then they will not be able to access the content on that drive." is INCORRECT. This is ONLY true with LOCAL access ie in the same system like multiboot. It is NOT true for network access which is what is being discussed here. That is the BEAUTY of networking the file system on the remote is TRANSPARENT to the local machine. Give a person a fish, they eat for a day. Suggest they internet search and they learn a skill for a lifetime.

and if you use an NTFS Client OS like WIn Xp, it will only allow 12 simultaneous connections, anything above that and you need a Windows server Rob B MCSE CWNA