Network Storage/Server
 

I need a clean, easy way to with my whole home network access to all our data. Any recommendations would be great. This is what I need:

• Fast local networked storage to work with Win XP/Vista/7
• Over 2TB of usable storage
• Raid 1 or another method of redundancy
• Ability to work with other networked devices (networked stereo tuner)
• Easy method of automatic backup
• Modern Hardware

I would have no problem using Windows Server (2k3 or 2k8) given that all the above would work without issues (A little worried about getting a RAID configured). If building a Windows Server, I already have a legal version of both 2k3 and 2k8 that I can use.

Here is one "how to" for configuring Raid1 on Win 2K8:

http://www.techotopia.com/index.php/...D_1%29_Volumes

As for recommendations/things to consider, here is an interesting blog:

http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=943

What have you heard about Windows Software RAID?
Also, I'm guessing I need windows on a seporate drive then the RAID'd Disks.

If you're feeling like stretching you might consider trying Linux. CentOS would be a nice choice with stability in mind. Building software raid with Samba making the shares available to Windows Clients would also be fairly easy for a closed and private network. There's plenty of HOWTO's out there to help you through the process.

Food for thought...

You can also do it with Windows but I tend to favor Open Source for little home projects like this.

I actually want to do this very thing.

/watching thread with interest.

Minimum specs I'm looking for in a server:
2.5GHz Dual Core
4GB Ram
1 ~500GB HDD for OS
3 1TB+ HDDs for Software RAID (probably RAID 5)

I'm also looking into software. The whole idea of the network is for easy sharing of media within the network. The idea is for all of our music and movies will all easily be accessible. I've heard that Windows 7 is very good with this, however most computers in the house are till on XP and too old for an upgrade.

The other eventual goal would be to have Media Hubs connected to the TVs and Stereos so that you can listen to music anywhere in the house.

Any recommendations?