Recently HP launched its MediaSmart Home Server for those homes where there are more than 2 or 3 computers and for those who want to setup a central hub for backup, common storage, remote access and monitoring system in their home network. This system retails for $599 and comes with Windows Home Server Software and single 500 GB Hard Drive. Well, if you are planning to buy it then give it a second thought. No, there’s no problem with HP’s Home Server but it’s about saving some money and building a home server yourself using your old single core PC that no one wants to use anymore. Anything with Pentium 4 or equivalent processor will work fine for the Server.
It can be quite easy to build your own Home Server; it just involves three easy steps. Firstly, open your old cabinet and make sure what kind of components you’ll need for the upgrade, like if HDD will be IDE or SATA and RAM is DDR or DDR2.
After assembling your Server you’ll need an OS for it and there are two options available for it, one is Windows Home Server and another is Ubuntu. Windows will cost you $150-$200 whereas Ubuntu is free. Once you are done installing then you’ll have a fully working Home Server for the minimum cost.
If this interests you then check out the full DYI here.
