Networks Multipurpose laptop Ubuntu Linux server

OK,

So I read the guide and Im inspired!

So I think Im going to turn my girlfriends 5 year old laptop over to Ubuntu to use as a multi-pupose server but mainly for overnight downloading and for sharing files throughout the house without needing my power hungry gaming rig on.

Do you forsee any problems doing this on a laptop (resources should be OK, think CPU is just under a gig and RAM circa 256) as it will occasionaly but not often need to be used as a laptop i.e. will need to be shutdown and taken places and then come back. It wont need dual boot as XP kills it a bit and its only ever used for browsing so she can do that on Ubuntu fine.

Also it will probably be connected wirelessly. I assume this is no different to it being hard wired?

Basically just looking for the OK to go!

Dean.

 

That looks alright, I'd bump up the ram a bit if you can afford it. While linux usually doesn't really need that much ram, having more never really hurts.

 

If I remember correct the standart version of Ubuntu requires 365 MB of Ram or something like that. You should look at Xubuntu. From what you say I see no problem in using it as a server. And because of the battery, if the power fails in your house, you will not risk having data corruptions and stuff like that, kind of like having a UPS.

 

if your intending to use it as a fileserver i would recommend going with a wired nic

 

Is there any particular reason. Myself I thought it might be odd to do it wireless but thinking about it I dont know if I am just being old fashioned as I couldnt see any problems with it. Its a G class network, hows that going to be with file transfers?

Dean.

 

Speed

Still slow as hell compared to a wired network (I get 2MB/s wireless, and 10-12MB/s wired on my network)

 

pretty much exactly what glider said, it will be bloody painful to if you have multiple people trying to access files at the same time

 

I set up a pc with nearly the same hardware as a fileserver and it works great. I used ubuntu to do it. If your hardware is a little iffy you may want to consider using Xubuntu (as someone mentioned before) or Slackware, they're a lot less demanding. Ubuntu is great though in its simplicity to use. Currently I run torrentflux and proftpd on it 24/7, I transfer upwards 6gbs a day with the FTP server and I have yet to run into problems. You want to be wired, no question about it. Wireless is SLOW... and the speed always fluctuates. I'd say go with a wired NIC card, you won't regret it.

 

Or Ubuntu Server with no gui.

 

i really dont see the point of ubuntu server, if you need the gui for comfort go with ubuntu desktop else go with debian minimal

 

Man I thought you might all say that. Ahwell looks like its time to build *another* shelf under my desk to hold it! Theres me thinking I could neatly tuck it away somewhere else!

Damn. Thanks for all the info guys, Im doing it mainly to save electricity but Im also scheming a scheme involving my Archos 605 wifi |

Dean.