How do I turn my computer into a server? It's already physically setup?

Question

I have 4 computers. I would like to use one as the server (windows xp pro installed). I would like for anyone to be able to log onto any computer and have internet access, their personal settings, and store their files on the server. Other forums and question tell me how to setup networks. I already have all the computers connected, but they are still seperate computers on a network. Please help me with a step by step process or guid me to a resourse to find the information I need. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Looks like you want:



A File server.



File servers aren't really supported by Windows XP Pro per se, however it does support File Sharing... and I believe you can add permissions for only certain people, but you need to add them to your own computer.



If you just want everyone to be able to store files, just set up a Shared Folder and everyone can get to it to put files into it.



To do that, go to My Computer, go to the drive you want to use, make a new folder. Right-click the folder and select "Sharing and Security."



Click "Share This Folder."



Then, you're done for now... that will allow everyone to access that folder.



I think it's possible but it's a royal pain to do. Personally, I'd just set up an FTP site on your computer and use that instead. If you want it to be private for each user, that is.



http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_filesharing/index.htm



Try that article and see if you can do it.



Windows XP Pro comes with Internet Information Services and that can be used to create an FTP site.

Answer 2

You can turn on Internet Connection Sharing to make that computer the Internet computer. All other computers will connect to the Internet using that system. As far as making it an actual server is oncerned you may have to buy Server Software like Windows 2003 or Novell or Linux or something like that.



With Windows XP pro you can turn on File and Printer Sharing which will allow you to share folders and files and set up a workgroup.

Answer 3

you have a network, all computers are connected and working and see eachother on the network. Someone outside your network wants to access that computer. Look up VPN, not easily explained in a few sentances. Or if someone INSIDE your network wants to use teh computer remotely? REALVNC is your answer.

Answer 4

you have remote destop sharing that you can setup

there are also terminal server software that you can install to do.

you can setup an ftp site so that they can move there files. or just setup plain shares for internal or external users

if you want an ftp server

you can get filezill server from www.sourceforge.net its open source and free