How to Build a Local Server

Level of difficulty: Intermediate

A lot of homes these days make use of a router to connect computers together. However, setting up a lot of computers within a network can get laborious and complicated. Also, as the network grows, the network’s security may be compromised. Having a centralized server can avoid complications that a router may eventually cause. In the contrary to what users believe, building a home server does not have to be expensive and complex.

Materials Needed:
- At least two computers
- DVD burners
- Server OS
Step 1
If there is no spare computer available in the house for the server, consider assembling one. The computer server does not have to be an expensive high powered one. Some cheap packages or kits that include the case, the motherboard, the power supply, and a multi-card reader can be bought in local computer stores. A dual core processor and a minimum of 512Mb of memory should suffice as well.
Step 2
When choosing a hard drive, consider one with a lot of space in order to ensure that there is enough for all the files of the computers within the network. Additional hard drives may be bought at a later time as well. Supply the computer server with DVD burner in order to have a way to back-up files.
Step 3
Once the computer parts have been bought, assemble the CPU at home.
Step 4
Choose a home server Operating System. Windows has a home server OS but it comes with a price. Linux, Ubuntu, and other open source Operating Systems also offer a home server OS for free.
Step 5
Buy or download the chosen Operating System from a computer apart from the server. If the Operating System has been downloaded, burn it to a CD.
Step 6
A computer monitor and a keyboard may be needed for this step. Use the ones from the other computers. Plug in the CD to the computer server and turn on the computer. Follow the installation prompts. Different Operating Systems have different methods of installation.
Step 7
Drop all desired files to the server’s hard drive. After which, the keyboard and monitor may no longer be necessary.
Step 8
The server Operating System installer should have a client program available as well. Install the client program to the desired computers. This allows the computers to access the Web server remotely.
Step 9
Install and configure the client program to all the other computers in the home network. This allows the computers to access the server computer remotely.