[Peter.Cort]

ok what do i need to set up a server, other then the obvious (to me anyway)
what i have,

the server itself.

thats about it for now. i have all the ethernet/cat5e/other cabling that i need. so in addition to that what do i need to set it up? im just looking for a central place to store files on and setup a webpage (maybe) and experiment with doing server work as it will most likely be the main focus of my work over the summer.

also should i use windows small server as on os or can i get away with using xp, cause i have xp atm handy and small server would be a bit harder to get a hold of...

[Osiris]

Use Windows 2003 Server R2 SP2

Set it up as a FPS (File Print Server)
Setup FTP

Server OS can be obtained thru torrents. If you want to learn a server OS, you need a server OS.

[Peter.Cort]

awesome, thanks.

so if there anything else i need as far as connecting my pc's to the server? (i have 3 maybe 4 atm. also can i connect wirelessly to the server or is it only a direct connection) as in do i need a seperate router or box routing thingy or what.

also can you point me in the direction of a thorough guide to setting up a server for noobs cause thats about where i am at the moment.