How do I make a server?

[iftiq]

I have a Dell Dimension (p4 3 Ghz, 512 mb ram) running XP Pro which is about 3-4 years old and I'm on the way to replacing it. We also have three latops of various configurations and a wireless HP Printer/Scanner. It's all connected up through a Netgear DG834GT Wireless Super G ADSL Modem/Router.

Given that I'm planning to replace the Dell with a computer I'm in the process of building (first self built computer), I was wondering if there's some way I can convert my old Dell into a server, and if so, how to do that.

I want to use it for downloading, music streaming, and file storage/sharing. If possible video streaming would be great.

Any and all advice is welcome. Thanks in advance.

[atrull]

stop using it for desktop tasks ?

install some server software ?

leave it running all the time ?

[atrull]

stop using it for desktop tasks ?

install some server software ?

leave it running all the time ?

[mrbanana]

I've just installed Ubuntu server (LAMP) and Jinzora as the streaming server on an old pc. You can stream most audio formats, transcode on the fly to save bandwidth, set user permissions, stream or download music files, or transcode and download music. You can run it locally or if you open a port in your router you can use it in the office over the internet. Very simple to setup.

If you're not familiar with Linux simply install WAMP on windows, install Jinzora in c:/wamp/www/jinzora2, point your browser to http:/127.0.0.1/jinzora2 and follow the simple instructions to build your music server.

[Bluecube]

A server doesn't need any specialist software/ hardware. You might want a big fast HDD but that's about it. Leave the thing on and stream and share files as you wish. You might need to set up permissions on the server to allow you to access the files but it's not difficult.

Does this and the replies above help or are you after more?