For home networks, it is very useful to have a file server. It allows you to easily backup the other computers on the network and to store files that are easily accessible to others.
While it's easy to buy a Network Attached Storage (NAS) file server, it isn't necessarily cheap. Since I have several older computers, I decided to use one as a file server after my Netgear SC101 failed.
The specifications of my computer are:
| Component | Details |
| Operating System | Windows XP Pro |
| Motherboard | ASUS P3B-F |
| CPU | PIII – 500 MHz (Slot 1) |
| RAM | 384MB (2 x 128MB, 2 x 64MB) SDRAM, PC100, 168 pin, 3.3V, ECC Maximum 1024MB – 4 x 256MB |
| Video Card | 3DFX 9920 Interactive 94V-0 GX-B V0A 210-0364-003 07610088N |
| Ethernet Card | DFE-538TX |
| Sound Card | Sound Blaster Live! Model CT4670 |
| Modem | US Robotics Sportster Model 0484 |
| Floppy Drives | 1 x 3½” 1 x 5¼” |
Hard Drives |
20 GB 1 TB Seagate Barracuda (2 x RAID 1, Vantec UGT-ST220R, 150 MB/s – 2 Port SATA) |
| Optical Drives | CD-ROM |
More to follow!