Whether you buy (or build) a new computer
or repurpose an existing computer will color your choices for your server. Here are
notes on the key components for the server:
Operating system The server can run Windows Vista or Windows XP if
you have a copy that you can spare; if not, you might consider using a less
expensive (or even free) operating system, such as one of the many distributions
of Linux.
Another possibility is to use Windows Home Server. After installing Windows Home Server, you
can manage the server remotely through a management console, so the computer running
Windows Home Server doesn??™t even need a monitor or a keyboard.
Processor The server can run on a modest processor??”even an antiquated
one by today??™s standards, such as a 500-MHz or faster processor for a Windows
or Linux server.
RAM The server needs only enough RAM to run the operating system unless
you??™ll need to run applications on it. For example, 256MB of RAM is
adequate for a server running Windows XP. Windows Vista requires 512MB
or (preferably) 1GB.
Disk space The server must have enough disk space to store all the songs
and other files you want to have available. A desktop computer is likely to be
a better bet than a notebook computer, because you can add internal drives to
it. Alternatively, you might use one or more external USB or FireWire drives
to provide plenty of space.
Network connection The server must be connected to your network, either
via network cable or via wireless.
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