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I have Windows XP Pro? Can it be made to run as file server or do I need to install another server operating system?

FIDELIS
2011-11-12 23:44:00
Hello, you could try running FreeNAS.  The following link will explain how.  It will also show you other servers you could use.  The advantage of FreeNAS is that you can use it from USB drives and memory card.  http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/set-freenas-server-access-files/Also Amahi.  You need a dedicated computer to use it:http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/set-home-server-amahi/For window you could use windows home server.  You need a dedicated computer though.....I guess you could instal it in a dual boot configuration but that would mean the server would be only available when computer is boot up to windows home server installation:http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-home-server-reliable-backup-file-server/Installing WAMP:http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-set-up-your-own-wampserver/XAMMP:http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/install-windows-web-server-pc-xampp/media center with windows:http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/cool-windows-media-center-alternatives/If it is a media server, you can use linux with media center software:http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/using-your-linux-computer-as-a-media-center-part-1/http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/using-your-linux-computer-as-a-media-server-part-2/I guess there is enough stuff to read and research for a while.  Let us know what you decided to use and if there is any problems.
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Jeff Fabish
2011-11-12 18:08:00
Hi Ritz,Yes, you can run Windows XP as your file server's operating system, but I do not advise so. You will find that most file server's run Linux, it's more stable and secure than its Windows alternative. I recommend either Debian , Fedora (sponsored by Red Hat) or CentOS . - Jeff