[ozziesironman]

So I pieced together a franken computer, with a e8200 C2D as the heart, with a 320GB and a 2TB.

I'd like to set it up as my home server so I can stream files, audio and video to every computer in my house. I'd also like to set up my own VPN, so I can access my files on the go. However, heres where my frustrations begin

I go to school at Coleman University, so I have access to Dreamspark, and so price of operating systems is a null point with me. I also will be taking server class soon, so I guess I'm looking at a bit of a head start.

So, obviously, I tried out Server 2012 R2. Wouldn't even install. the infamous stuck at a certain percentage while remaining fully responsive (my case was 92%). I then got server 2008 R2. that installed fine. however...it seems to be a very big PITA to set anything up. buddies are saying to just use 8.1.

would I want to use Windows server, to create the domain and all, or would 8.1 be a less headache?

 

[lfcgeorge]

You need to use Windows Server to create a domain. Besides, since you are taking a server class soon it would be wise to start playing around with Windows Server.

 

[LMiller7]

A domain is very useful on larger networks but there is much to learn. Server 2012 is a large and complex piece of software, as it must be to meet the needs of of a corporate network. It was not designed for a home user. For practical use as a home server a domain is overkill. Unless you have very special needs the simpler Windows 8 will be much easier to use.

Of course if you wish to learn about a modern server OS there is no substitute for practical experience. Is this worth the time and effort that will be required? Only you can answer that question.

 

[djaburg]

Server 2012 Essentials is a good place to start for creating a "home server" scenario and for testing. It lacks some of the higher end features, but will certainly work. I've never had a 2012 installation fail, so the issue you're seeing isn't what I'd call infamous. That being said, perhaps if you have access to 2012 versus R2 you may want to give that a try. Even server 2008 would be a pretty good route since there are still many in production use. As has been said, there's no way to create a domain on a workstation OS. You could venture to Linux and create a domain with SaMBa, but the reality is you'd learn nothing that way as it relates to your classes.

 

[ozziesironman]

using 2008 at the moment, just as an intro to the server environment. better than nothing, i figure... and yeah, I get all the server OS's (and non-server, plus others) free through dreamspark. Will be taking server classes probably next mod, haven't checked the schedule. i typically like being ahead of the game a little bit, so thats why I like checking stuff out early.

I couldn't get 2012 to install. it stopped at 92% and remained responsive. looked it up on tech net, and found quite a few issues with that, which the main fix being to burn it onto usb. which didn't work either.

server seems VERY stable. however.... having to rely on passive virus scanning, since i won't pay for active, in a home environment, sucks.

having fun playing with remote user logins though. now to figure out how to set up the VPN and forward the port through the two routers in here, then to the web.

 

[djaburg]

2012 essential server makes many of those things quite easy, although there's no substitute for learning how to do it "manually"

 

[ozziesironman]

2012 essential server makes many of those things quite easy, although there's no substitute for learning how to do it "manually"

exactly