Hi, can I turn a computer into:
network switch
file server
router
hardware firewall
all runing Windows XP HE?
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Why not use a linux server distro, i.e. Ubuntu Server or freenas? Why would you want to use XP for this?
Unfortunately, I only have one computer atm, but 30 are coming into my possession. I don't know how to use linux at all. Then we have compatibility issues. I suppose I could go censornet?
NetCare Technician
NetCare Technician
http://ubuntulinuxhowto.blogspot.com/2006/06/setup-your-computer-to-be-r...
Try a tutorial like that one, Ubuntu has a dedicated server version - you might like to read a few tutorials about it.
It's pretty simple to get a computer set up as a network file server, and to be a router/switch etc there are plenty of tutorials. I am not even sure if you can do it using Windows.
XP can't be a server. The only Windows that can are the ones named Windows Server (year).
Then we have compatibility issues.
Not at all. There are standard protocols (like TCP, IP, HTTP, FTP, etc.) that ensure compatibility. Most servers out there run Unix. Windows PCs, Macs, and other Unices have no trouble communicating with them.
Vintage!
mm, it looks that I will have to use my old Compaq iPaq C500 to it then. Ill try Ubuntu OR Windows server 2000 Advanced (I have used this before)
NetCare Technician
NetCare Technician
Further to this, I have Windows, and Linux PCs at home, and a Mac too. I don't think I've ever had any issues with them communicating outside of the normal IP/Firewall settings issues. I also run a separate, dedicated network attached storage, and again none of the computers, regardless of OS have had any problems accessing it.
Having said that, if/when I do setup various servers I usually try to use Linux just because I can often find free software to do what I need, and never run the risk of having to part with my hard earned cash for a paid solution.
Sorry, Network Magic has been discontinued, as has Net2go.
Bad move, but Linksys took over and that's that.
Look into network magic. Ver 4.9 which can still be downloaded. I has a service called net2go. It is no longer supported on newer versions. Before you do check the supported routers list. It doesn't work with all routers.
YOu can use the computer for an internet server and for a home network server easily.
Bob Klahn