Converting Desktop Computer to a Network Storage Device

Ijo07 · 08-27-2005, 07:57 PM

I'm doing a community service project at a local nature center, and it involves installing network storage into their computer network. I'm not sure of the details yet, but they have told me that they have an "old" desktop computer that I could use to convert to a network storage device. Their computer network consists of around 4 or 5 computers, and is a peer-to-peer network. If I had to guess I would say the desktop I would be converting is running Win 98 or ME. Does anyone know a way to convert a desktop into a network storage device? I would greatly appreciate any help.

P.S.- I'll have more details on this soon.

johnwill · 08-28-2005, 12:40 PM

A "network storage" device can be nothing more than that W98 machine with File/Print sharing installed and some shared disks.

Ijo07 · 10-23-2005, 11:49 AM

Hi, sorry for the long delay, I had to get my project approved first. I finally got the specifications of the network situation and computers at the center.

The network is composed of one DSL connection (1 Mb/Sec Bandwidth) connected to one router with five host computers (directly connected). The router has WLAN capabilities. The center's director had no idea what kind of cables or router he was using, evidently he had contracted a computer company to install it. I'm guessing they're your standard Cat5e cables. The host computers are relatively outdated- they're P III 500 MHz machines with 256 MB's of RAM and 6 GB Hard disks running Windows 98 SE.

The system I will be converting into a server also has these specifications. Obviously, I will need to upgrade the hard drive. I'm thinking two 80 GB Hard Disks (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16822135106?) should probably do the trick. Is 7200 RPM good for access speed? The data will be lots of small files (power point presentations, documents, membership access information). If I am to use the limited RAID on one hard drive and a backup on the other hard drive, will I need to buy a specialized hardware controller?

Should any other components of the server computer be upgraded too (Ram, OS)? I'm trying to compile a list of all needed equipment and its costs so I can see how much fund raising I'll need for the project.

Also, would it be possible to password-proect the folders on the server?

Thanks for your help.

johnwill · 10-23-2005, 05:15 PM

Almost any hard disk will have more bandwidth capability than your 100mbit Ethernet connection to the machine, so you don't have to get too concerned about the precise drive specs.

You might consider the fact that machines that old are likely to have a BIOS that will only support a 32gig drive directly. I'd check and see if there's a BIOS upgrade for the machine in question to support at least 127gig drives.

I'd forget the RAID and just do some sort of automated backup to the second drive, much greater data security.

If you want real security, don't use W98 for your server, use 2K or XP.

oldmn · 10-23-2005, 05:56 PM

My solution was An This Its not super fast. Was easy to setup and will use any ATA HDD up 250 gig.

08-27-2005, 07:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
Ijo07 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 2 OS: WinXP	Converting Desktop Computer to a Network Storage Device I'm doing a community service project at a local nature center, and it involves installing network storage into their computer network. I'm not sure of the details yet, but they have told me that they have an "old" desktop computer that I could use to convert to a network storage device. Their computer network consists of around 4 or 5 computers, and is a peer-to-peer network. If I had to guess I would say the desktop I would be converting is running Win 98 or ME. Does anyone know a way to convert a desktop into a network storage device? I would greatly appreciate any help. P.S.- I'll have more details on this soon.

08-28-2005, 12:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 31,468 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	A "network storage" device can be nothing more than that W98 machine with File/Print sharing installed and some shared disks. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

10-23-2005, 11:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
Ijo07 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 2 OS: WinXP	New Specs, New Questions Hi, sorry for the long delay, I had to get my project approved first. I finally got the specifications of the network situation and computers at the center. The network is composed of one DSL connection (1 Mb/Sec Bandwidth) connected to one router with five host computers (directly connected). The router has WLAN capabilities. The center's director had no idea what kind of cables or router he was using, evidently he had contracted a computer company to install it. I'm guessing they're your standard Cat5e cables. The host computers are relatively outdated- they're P III 500 MHz machines with 256 MB's of RAM and 6 GB Hard disks running Windows 98 SE. The system I will be converting into a server also has these specifications. Obviously, I will need to upgrade the hard drive. I'm thinking two 80 GB Hard Disks (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16822135106?) should probably do the trick. Is 7200 RPM good for access speed? The data will be lots of small files (power point presentations, documents, membership access information). If I am to use the limited RAID on one hard drive and a backup on the other hard drive, will I need to buy a specialized hardware controller? Should any other components of the server computer be upgraded too (Ram, OS)? I'm trying to compile a list of all needed equipment and its costs so I can see how much fund raising I'll need for the project. Also, would it be possible to password-proect the folders on the server? Thanks for your help.

10-23-2005, 05:15 PM	#4 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 31,468 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Almost any hard disk will have more bandwidth capability than your 100mbit Ethernet connection to the machine, so you don't have to get too concerned about the precise drive specs. You might consider the fact that machines that old are likely to have a BIOS that will only support a 32gig drive directly. I'd check and see if there's a BIOS upgrade for the machine in question to support at least 127gig drives. I'd forget the RAID and just do some sort of automated backup to the second drive, much greater data security. If you want real security, don't use W98 for your server, use 2K or XP. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

10-23-2005, 05:56 PM	#5 (permalink)
oldmn Hardware Tech Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Gig Harbor Wa Posts: 2,137 OS: XP Pro SP3 X 3 My System	My solution was An This Its not super fast. Was easy to setup and will use any ATA HDD up 250 gig. __________________ AVG \| MEMTEST86 \| Zone Alarm \| XXCLONE \| Adaware \| Beyond Compare \| Everest If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Sorry no PM's for problems.