Brasso
member
+1,549|6894

I want to use a computer that's about 4 years old to do this.  It has some S754 mobo, a Sempron 3400+, 768MB of RAM, no CD drive, and a 40GB HD.

What do I need to set this up?  Downstairs where the printers are, there's no router.  I just have my mom's computer connected to the internet via a powerline adapter.  Can I split this connection? (I have a spare router lying around if I need to use that)

What else do I need to know to do this?  The NAS part is pretty straightforward (just share folders, and join the same workgroup, right?) but the I'm having trouble finding info about the print part of it.

And finally, if I can, I'd like to use this computer as a website hosting computer, like I asked about in this thread.  Will I run into any compatibility issues with it being a NAS and a print server as well?

Thanks in advance bf2s tech section.
"people in ny have a general idea of how to drive. one of the pedals goes forward the other one prevents you from dying"
Freezer7Pro
I don't come here a lot anymore.
+1,447|6461|Winland

I'd use FreeNAS.
The idea of any hi-fi system is to reproduce the source material as faithfully as possible, and to deliberately add distortion to everything you hear (due to amplifier deficiencies) because it sounds 'nice' is simply not high fidelity. If that is what you want to hear then there is no problem with that, but by adding so much additional material (by way of harmonics and intermodulation) you have a tailored sound system, not a hi-fi. - Rod Elliot, ESP
JoshP
Banned
+176|5953|Notts, UK
Regarding the powerline thing- you should probably connect a router to that, and wire both PCs to the router.

You're right about the NAS- just set up shares.

The easiest way to make it a print server is to plug the printer in, add it, and then in printers and faxes (assuming it'll be running XP) right click on the printer and share it. Then go on all the other PCs and add the printer using the network location, eg \\yourserver\printer - post again if you have any complications with this

I don't think you will run into any compatibility issues with the webserver and the other two, but i'll leave that to the people who know more about webservers to answer
Brasso
member
+1,549|6894

Great, thanks you two.  Josh, one of my computers is using Vista.  But the print computer will be running XP.  Can I still add it without any issues?
"people in ny have a general idea of how to drive. one of the pedals goes forward the other one prevents you from dying"
JoshP
Banned
+176|5953|Notts, UK

haffeysucks wrote:

Great, thanks you two.  Josh, one of my computers is using Vista.  But the print computer will be running XP.  Can I still add it without any issues?
Certainly, it'll work fine.
Brasso
member
+1,549|6894

JoshP wrote:

haffeysucks wrote:

Great, thanks you two.  Josh, one of my computers is using Vista.  But the print computer will be running XP.  Can I still add it without any issues?
Certainly, it'll work fine.
very nice, commencing weekend tech project now...

edit: oh by the way, freezer, i'm going to work with XP right now for compatibility purposes.  if that doesn't work, i guess i'll use linux.

Last edited by haffeysucks (2009-01-16 10:55:07)

"people in ny have a general idea of how to drive. one of the pedals goes forward the other one prevents you from dying"
Freezer7Pro
I don't come here a lot anymore.
+1,447|6461|Winland

haffeysucks wrote:

JoshP wrote:

haffeysucks wrote:

Great, thanks you two.  Josh, one of my computers is using Vista.  But the print computer will be running XP.  Can I still add it without any issues?
Certainly, it'll work fine.
very nice, commencing weekend tech project now...

edit: oh by the way, freezer, i'm going to work with XP right now for compatibility purposes.  if that doesn't work, i guess i'll use linux.
XP is actually a pretty horrid system for NAS purposes. The best would be to run a fully customizable server Linux dist. Debian or something. But I guess that's a bit over your skill level, eh?
The idea of any hi-fi system is to reproduce the source material as faithfully as possible, and to deliberately add distortion to everything you hear (due to amplifier deficiencies) because it sounds 'nice' is simply not high fidelity. If that is what you want to hear then there is no problem with that, but by adding so much additional material (by way of harmonics and intermodulation) you have a tailored sound system, not a hi-fi. - Rod Elliot, ESP
Brasso
member
+1,549|6894

Freezer7Pro wrote:

haffeysucks wrote:

JoshP wrote:

Certainly, it'll work fine.
very nice, commencing weekend tech project now...

edit: oh by the way, freezer, i'm going to work with XP right now for compatibility purposes.  if that doesn't work, i guess i'll use linux.
XP is actually a pretty horrid system for NAS purposes. The best would be to run a fully customizable server Linux dist. Debian or something. But I guess that's a bit over your skill level, eh?
a little, my last use of ubuntu was pretty annoying.  as josh had problems with a wireless PCMCIA laptop card, so did i.  finding proper support for it was a nightmare.

edit: well i just remembered i installed XP on another computer, so unless i can find a legit key for it, debian it is.

Last edited by haffeysucks (2009-01-16 11:03:20)

"people in ny have a general idea of how to drive. one of the pedals goes forward the other one prevents you from dying"
JoshP
Banned
+176|5953|Notts, UK

haffeysucks wrote:

Freezer7Pro wrote:

haffeysucks wrote:


very nice, commencing weekend tech project now...

edit: oh by the way, freezer, i'm going to work with XP right now for compatibility purposes.  if that doesn't work, i guess i'll use linux.
XP is actually a pretty horrid system for NAS purposes. The best would be to run a fully customizable server Linux dist. Debian or something. But I guess that's a bit over your skill level, eh?
a little, my last use of ubuntu was pretty annoying.  as josh had problems with a wireless PCMCIA laptop card, so did i.  finding proper support for it was a nightmare.

edit: well i just remembered i installed XP on another computer, so unless i can find a legit key for it, debian it is.
Personally for a home server how you described, I'd use XP. All you would gain from using linux is a) customisability and b) experience - but at the expense of simplicity

and yeah, wireless + linux = fail

Spoiler (highlight to read):
ps... keygen + activation hack thing?
Brasso
member
+1,549|6894

umm...it's not working.  i've got the server set up to share, under the workgroup name NOCOM.  a laptop is trying to find network-connected servers under the same workgroup name and i can't find them.  i've set up sharing on both computers.
"people in ny have a general idea of how to drive. one of the pedals goes forward the other one prevents you from dying"
TheDonkey
Eat my bearrrrrrrrrrr, Tonighttt
+163|5981|Vancouver, BC, Canada

haffeysucks wrote:

umm...it's not working.  i've got the server set up to share, under the workgroup name NOCOM.  a laptop is trying to find network-connected servers under the same workgroup name and i can't find them.  i've set up sharing on both computers.
Type in \\<ip>\ of the server into windows explorer on the laptop, windows is HORRID at browsing networks.

Alternatively, you can try typing in the server computer name.
Brasso
member
+1,549|6894

TheDonkey wrote:

haffeysucks wrote:

umm...it's not working.  i've got the server set up to share, under the workgroup name NOCOM.  a laptop is trying to find network-connected servers under the same workgroup name and i can't find them.  i've set up sharing on both computers.
Type in \\<ip>\ of the server into windows explorer on the laptop, windows is HORRID at browsing networks.

Alternatively, you can try typing in the server computer name.
where can i type that in?  i know there's supposed to be something like a browser address bar but it's not showing up.
"people in ny have a general idea of how to drive. one of the pedals goes forward the other one prevents you from dying"
JoshP
Banned
+176|5953|Notts, UK

haffeysucks wrote:

TheDonkey wrote:

haffeysucks wrote:

umm...it's not working.  i've got the server set up to share, under the workgroup name NOCOM.  a laptop is trying to find network-connected servers under the same workgroup name and i can't find them.  i've set up sharing on both computers.
Type in \\<ip>\ of the server into windows explorer on the laptop, windows is HORRID at browsing networks.

Alternatively, you can try typing in the server computer name.
where can i type that in?  i know there's supposed to be something like a browser address bar but it's not showing up.
just in windows explorer mate, like c:\windows\ but \\<name of your nas pc>\
TheDonkey
Eat my bearrrrrrrrrrr, Tonighttt
+163|5981|Vancouver, BC, Canada
View > Toolbars, and I think it's called the navigation bar.
Brasso
member
+1,549|6894

JoshP wrote:

haffeysucks wrote:

TheDonkey wrote:


Type in \\<ip>\ of the server into windows explorer on the laptop, windows is HORRID at browsing networks.

Alternatively, you can try typing in the server computer name.
where can i type that in?  i know there's supposed to be something like a browser address bar but it's not showing up.
just in windows explorer mate, like c:\windows\ but \\<name of your nas pc>\
but there's no bar to type it into...i feel stupid
"people in ny have a general idea of how to drive. one of the pedals goes forward the other one prevents you from dying"
TheDonkey
Eat my bearrrrrrrrrrr, Tonighttt
+163|5981|Vancouver, BC, Canada

haffeysucks wrote:

JoshP wrote:

haffeysucks wrote:

where can i type that in?  i know there's supposed to be something like a browser address bar but it's not showing up.
just in windows explorer mate, like c:\windows\ but \\<name of your nas pc>\
but there's no bar to type it into...i feel stupid
View > Toolbars, and enable all of em.

Or try typing it into Firefox/IE, it may possibly open it in an explorer window.

Edit: Or in network places, "Map Network Drive" and follow the guide.

Last edited by TheDonkey (2009-01-19 09:17:54)

Brasso
member
+1,549|6894

alright, it says it cannot find \\SERVER\.
"people in ny have a general idea of how to drive. one of the pedals goes forward the other one prevents you from dying"
TheDonkey
Eat my bearrrrrrrrrrr, Tonighttt
+163|5981|Vancouver, BC, Canada
The the IP of the server, instead of the hostname.
Brasso
member
+1,549|6894

what the fuck, the router i've been trying to use to set up the whole thing just conked out or something.  everything that's connected to it can't access the internet.
"people in ny have a general idea of how to drive. one of the pedals goes forward the other one prevents you from dying"
TheDonkey
Eat my bearrrrrrrrrrr, Tonighttt
+163|5981|Vancouver, BC, Canada

haffeysucks wrote:

what the fuck, the router i've been trying to use to set up the whole thing just conked out or something.  everything that's connected to it can't access the internet.
What model? How long's it been plugged in? Is it in an open area?

In favor of size, many routers don't exactly have proper ooling, this is fine if it's out in the open, but put it in any form of enclosed space and it overheats, unplug it for like 10 seconds(Or until the Netowrk icon on a connected computer disconnects) and plug it back in.
Brasso
member
+1,549|6894

TheDonkey wrote:

haffeysucks wrote:

what the fuck, the router i've been trying to use to set up the whole thing just conked out or something.  everything that's connected to it can't access the internet.
What model? How long's it been plugged in? Is it in an open area?

In favor of size, many routers don't exactly have proper ooling, this is fine if it's out in the open, but put it in any form of enclosed space and it overheats, unplug it for like 10 seconds(Or until the Netowrk icon on a connected computer disconnects) and plug it back in.
note to self: don't use the shitty ethernet cable with no securing clip.  the wire is bound to fall out.
"people in ny have a general idea of how to drive. one of the pedals goes forward the other one prevents you from dying"
TheDonkey
Eat my bearrrrrrrrrrr, Tonighttt
+163|5981|Vancouver, BC, Canada
Bahh, it's ok, my live server with a semi-popular site is on a very loose ethernet connection with no retaining clip that pops out the moment you even breath near the cable
Brasso
member
+1,549|6894

so the server (hardwired to the router) can connect to it via 192.168.0.1, but the laptop (via wireless connection) cannot.  i'd assume this is the main cause of my problem?  it can use the router to get to the internet but doesn't seem to be able to connect to the router itself.

edit: never mind, it's not even allowing access to the internet via a wireless connection.

Last edited by haffeysucks (2009-01-19 09:35:44)

"people in ny have a general idea of how to drive. one of the pedals goes forward the other one prevents you from dying"
TheDonkey
Eat my bearrrrrrrrrrr, Tonighttt
+163|5981|Vancouver, BC, Canada

haffeysucks wrote:

so the server (hardwired to the router) can connect to it via 192.168.0.1, but the laptop (via wireless connection) cannot.  i'd assume this is the main cause of my problem?  it can use the router to get to the internet but doesn't seem to be able to connect to the router itself.

edit: never mind, it's not even allowing access to the internet via a wireless connection.
Yeah, that would be the router doing funkyfinny things.
jsnipy
...
+3,277|6786|...

Freezer7Pro wrote:

haffeysucks wrote:

JoshP wrote:


Certainly, it'll work fine.
very nice, commencing weekend tech project now...

edit: oh by the way, freezer, i'm going to work with XP right now for compatibility purposes.  if that doesn't work, i guess i'll use linux.
XP is actually a pretty horrid system for NAS purposes. The best would be to run a fully customizable server Linux dist. Debian or something. But I guess that's a bit over your skill level, eh?
overkill seriously, but it sounds cool when you type it

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