Converting Computer to Server?

[Sir Yuck]

How would I turn an IBM with a 35gb Hdd, P4, and 512mb of ram into a server using only the xp install disk that came with it?

I plan to run SMF (Simple Machines Forum) on it, would the computer be to slow?

[Tortanick]

Don't use Windows for a server, UNIX/Linux is more reliable and more secure, and you get all the free software you could want!

Dudeking has his own forum, you could ask him how he did it. Or Smokey who administers this site. If not there should be plenty of guides around the internet.

[Sir Yuck]

I've talked to Dk and thats why I joined this forum, he recomended I post it here.

Its a shared computer so I could not do such a radical change as switching to linux. The computer I have that I own is to unreliable and slow.

[Tortanick]

If that computer is being used as a desktop I wouldn't use it as a server as well. Its beyond dumb.

Anyway you may be able to just install the server software, security, and create a path from the internet to it. I don't think that violates Microsoft EULA, (you'll be amazed at some of the stuff that's in that) but I can't be sure.

Really though I strongly recommend not doing this. Even a Linux server is highly risky unless you know what you're doing, a windows one unless you're skilled is madness.

[Sir Yuck]

I can get it to where I would be the only one using the computer, so that could take out a chance of other people messing it up.

and I fit the position of unskilled in web master

[dbarrow]

What.. perzactly... are you intending to do with it?
File storage?
Programs?
How many users and what will they be using?

[Sir Yuck]

It currently has 3 people who use it, but I can cut it down to just me using it.

and it will be used as the server for SMF (simple machines forum).

and I will be doing word processor, surfing the web, mp3 editing, and video watching on it.

[Dan18960]

OK what we need here is a level of communication.

First - a server can be a file server, print server, web server, ftp server, exchange server, and a few more designations.

Second - not all operating systems are developed or suitable for every server designations.

Third - hardware is the LAST consideration. You have to know your mission before you can determine what your going to have to bring along.

That said - your hardware should be no problem in developing a web server. More memory would be required - but remember speed on the internet isn't the same as a local connection (even wifi is fast on a LAN).

You also have to KNOW if your isp internet provider will allow a server behind their domain. You will need a static ip address for the ns record to resolve to your domain. Which means you will have to apply for a domain. Case in point is that Verizon will not allow port 80 (which is needed for webui) to be open on their DSL lines. I know that from a client last week.

Are you going to be able to manage the server on a full time basis? (remotely or on-site).

[Sir Yuck]

this is xp professional that I'm running, and it is going to be used for running a forum (web server?).

I'm not sure if my internet allows a server, but I think it does.

and I will be able to maintain the server every day.

[Dan18960]

this is xp professional that I'm running, and it is going to be used for running a forum (web server?).

I'm not sure if my internet allows a server, but I think it does.
ASSUME NOTHING

and I will be able to maintain the server every day.

XP Professional is a desktop operating system - it will allow remote access desktop, it will allow some LOW level ftp access, and it will allow LAN in a peer to peer "server" functions. But it is not a web service operating system.

You are ambitious BUT do your due diligence and start off on the right foot. Using the right tool will give you more pleasure, more opportunity for success, and have more support.

Do you see any of us here referring to desktop operating systems as server setups? There is a cost of doing anything - doing it right has that cost ONE time.

[Sir Yuck]

ok then I can't do what I want to. becuase on this computer I could not change operating systems.

[dbarrow]

XP Pro has Internet Information Service , just add it to Windows Components in Add/Remove programs.
That will run a Web and FTP server.

I had it on my old P3 machine and it ran quite fast enough with cable for fast FTP transfer and a web page with streaming audio. The machine was replaced with a newer one but I still keep IIS set up for the FTP server which I often find quite useful.

As Dan said, you will need a static IP and domain registration for a public site.
For private use, providing your IP does not change often
(I had the same Comcast IP for several years that only recently changed when they updated parts of their system)
For intermittent use, like turning on the FTP, you just give out your current IP to the user on the other end.
Check with your service provider. The costs of a static IP and bandwidth to go with it usually require a business account which is considerably higher.

http://support.microsoft.com/search/?adv=1
Search the MSKB for IIS for many articles on setting up IIS web and FTP servers.
It isn't overly complicated

As far as sharing files among several networked machines, simply set up your network shares and permissions.
You can run an .exe (program) that lives on the 'server' machine from one of the other network machines.
All my music and video lives on my 'storage' machine as well as well as a backup drive that receives network backups from all the other machines.
I have a toolbox of utilities shared from it that I run from the other machines now and then.
This is not a full fledged "file server" but approaches the same functionality.
You can REMOTELY administer it using REMOTE DESKTOP but, when it's in the same house, easier to just go to it. Remote Desktop can be handy to START ISS from a remote location if you need to turn on the FTP server. Been there... done that.

[dbarrow]

Also... check with your ISP to see if you have any kind of "My Page" storage that allows you to put up a simple web page ... on their servers...

Comcast cable has "My Page" personal web pages feature:
"The Personal Web Page feature allows any Comcast High-Speed Internet Service member to create and publish a 25MB Web page per E-mail account, accessible via the Internet."

That is a fairly substantial size for web hosting that may fill your needs!

http://www.comcast.net/help/faq/index.jsp?faq=Comcast_net_SitePersonal_Web_Pages17 679
full rules on creating your web page.

This is included as part of your service at no additional charge. The URL does not change as the IP is tied to your account and re-directs if your (modem) IP changes.

I set it up once for S&G and it works fine but for my needs, IIS worked equally well. I had a web page with a streamer for music that I could access remotely from work that gave me complete access to my music library from any remote machine. (work machines block the port for Remote Desktop and I used the web page as a work around to get to my files)

REMOTE DESKTOP is another very handy and little known XP function. Search the forums here for several REMOTE DESKTOP posts.
It allows you to work on the machine from anywhere as if you were sitting at it. Remote Desktop was a real asset when my daughter was living in Philadelphia and I needed to do something on her machine from home. I used it to run updates, install programs, move and copy files. It was as if I was right there at the machine. It also came in handy when I was there and needed to get something off my home network as I could simply connect to my 'server' machine which was set up to receive Remote Desktop and that gave me full access to the rest of my home network.

This is VERY EASY to setup and operate!