Server PC

[emul8]

Hi, a bit of advice needed here.

I want to use a server type PC that I can leave running whilst on the net which will reduce ware and tare on my good PC.
I have an old PC ready for the job in hand It is a basic /P4 2.2/ 80gig HD/512mb RAM/onboard LAN/PCI ADSL modem.

When I have setup this PC on the net, I would like to use it as a host for browsing and email on my other PC.
I would also like to be able to access transfer files and admin the server PC from my other PC as I only have one monitor and one keyboard.
Therefore, what I need to know is what would be the best way to achieve the above.

I have thought about using a parallel port or fire wire but I am unsure of the limits to this sort of connection.

I know Belkin do a cable that can split one monitor and key board between two PCs, which could be a possibility.

Finally, what firewall antivirus and spy ware would I need on both PCs.

Thanks in advance emul8

[killie99]

Can't quite understand why you want to do this unless you're letting people download from your server over the net.
Anyway, there are a couple of ways to remotely access the server -
you could use a KVM switch which lets you use one keyboard/mouse/Monitor to run both PC's but you can only control one of them at a time.
have XP Pro on both machines and you could use the remote access function.
Use something like PCAnywhere to let you remotely log in.

The KVM switch is the easiest solution but both boxes need to be within a few feet of each other as you are limitd by teh length of the cable.

Personally I use Spybot/AdAware/AVG/Zonealarm for protecting me and I've never had any problems with viruses. Also helps to have your router configured sensibly (assuming you are using one).

[Dougal]

U don't need to spend any money on it!

Set it up to begin with using your keyboard and monitor, set up VNC on it, then setup VNC on your main machine and you have a KVM but better, you can copy and paste text between comps.

Same for the net,m but use a SSH shell.

[emul8]

Personally I use Spybot/AdAware/AVG/Zonealarm for protecting me and I've never had any problems with viruses. Also helps to have your router configured sensibly (assuming you are using one).

Thanks for the reply
I have Nod32 AV, CounterSpy,and Sygate Pro FW
I was asking do i need them on both PCs

U don't need to spend any money on it!

Set it up to begin with using your keyboard and monitor, set up VNC on it, then setup VNC on your main machine and you have a KVM but better, you can copy and paste text between comps.

Same for the net,m but use a SSH shell.

Do i need a program for VNC

[Moby-Dick]

yes , you need VNC. It IS a program

http://sourceforge.net/projects/vnc-tight/ is a good version of it.

I'd recommend havign the same suit of av etc on both machines if you are in doubt.

[emul8]

yes , you need VNC. It IS a program

http://sourceforge.net/projects/vnc-tight/ is a good version of it.

I'd recommend havign the same suit of av etc on both machines if you are in doubt.

Thank you
Same suit of AV etc on both machines. this is turning out to be costly.
Could you point me to a good version of SSH shell also?

[Dougal]

AVG is free.

Best SSH is www.openssh.com

[emul8]

Thanks for the replies.
I will post back with progress