htpc server software

[Shingi]

Hi Guys,

not really into server so I need some help. I got a spare computer that I would like to use as a htpc server at my work place. I need to be able to stream videos inlcuding the new format .h24 or 26. Also will be using it for torrents, ftp, web server etc. Can someone recomment a nice piece of os software that can do all of this. I was thinking about creating a domain at work too so that is something I like to consider at his point. A friend recommend windows server 03 or 08 but I've no idea which features what. Could someone please point me in the right direction. Oh, any unix base os is outta the question because I simply don't them and don't know how to unless it works like windows and is as simple to use as windows. *i didn't say reliable, i said simple"....

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Shingi

 

[mc866]

WHS, about as simple as it gets. Automatically sets up share folders for Videos, Pictures, etc. Can be accessed by any Windows PC using XP and up and also other devices such as the 360, XBMC center devices, and others.

 

[CptCrunch]

I'd use ORB to stream the movies/videos/music, run server 2003 (very stable) and xmbc live for any computers that you want to use to play the videos (locally).

 

[Shingi]

can WHS really be convert to domain controller like some posts said. I like that feature.

 

[mc866]

No it appears that it isn't supported, though by searching it looks like people have gotten it working. If you don't mind me asking why the need for the domain controller?

 

[Shingi]

keep in mind this is at work MC866, that is why I am now almost sure having a domain control environment is better than my windows login. unless someone says otherwise with a good explaination.

 

[dclive]

Originally posted by: Shingi
keep in mind this is at work MC866, that is why I am now almost sure having a domain control environment is better than my windows login. unless someone says otherwise with a good explaination.

So your boss and IT org have sanctioned this, including spending hundreds of dollars on this?

 

[Shingi]

I am the boss. Not looking to spend hundreds of dollars that is why I'm here.

 

[RebateMonger]

How many users (and computers) are we talking about?

 

[dclive]

Originally posted by: Shingi
I am the boss. Not looking to spend hundreds of dollars that is why I'm here.

What would you use the torrent software for, in a work environment?

 

[Shingi]

because I can live it on 24/7 and not have to worry bout electricity.


how many users (and computers) are we talking about?

4-8 users

 

[dclive]

Originally posted by: Shingi
because I can live it on 24/7 and not have to worry bout electricity.

Right but what would you do with torrent software at work?

 

[Shingi]

downloads? what else is torrent use for? download and upload. then i can transfer them home from portable usb drive. I have bout 2-4 terabyte of space available that i can use for movies so i will be leaving it on for 24/7 at work and transfer them to home when need it.

 

[dclive]

Originally posted by: Shingi
downloads? what else is torrent use for? download and upload. then i can transfer them home from portable usb drive. I have bout 2-4 terabyte of space available that i can use for movies so i will be leaving it on for 24/7 at work and transfer them to home when need it.

Well, off the top of my head:

1. That's illegal, and we don't discuss illegal things here. In fact, that can get you banned.
2. Doing something illegal at work is shockingly stupid.
3. Torrets can easily be traced, and so see #2 above.
4. That's a good way to lose your job.

If I had someone (whether a manager or not) downloading torrents at work, on a work machine, I'd fire him on the spot, and then I'd forward the case to our legal department for them to review further actions.

Honestly, DON'T DO IT.

 

[Boonesmi]

Originally posted by: dclive

Originally posted by: Shingi
downloads? what else is torrent use for? download and upload. then i can transfer them home from portable usb drive. I have bout 2-4 terabyte of space available that i can use for movies so i will be leaving it on for 24/7 at work and transfer them to home when need it.

Well, off the top of my head:

1. That's illegal, and we don't discuss illegal things here. In fact, that can get you banned.
2. Doing something illegal at work is shockingly stupid.
3. Torrets can easily be traced, and so see #2 above.
4. That's a good way to lose your job.

If I had someone (whether a manager or not) downloading torrents at work, on a work machine, I'd fire him on the spot, and then I'd forward the case to our legal department for them to review further actions.

Honestly, DON'T DO IT.

get off your high horse.

how do you know he isnt a small biz owner (he did say he was the "boss")

and incase your not aware torrents can be used for truly legitimate purposes. plenty of freeware tools that i personally use i downloaded through bittorrent. this was by going to the authors site and following his/her link to dl

so of your list of 4 things "off the top of my head" that pretty much scratches out 1, 2 and 4 (making #3 kind of a moot point)

 

[dclive]

If he was the owner, he'd not say electricity would be saved by moving a server from home to office; he'd have to pay for it either way.

I'm not on a high horse - it's illegal, and he said he wanted to download movies, which is illegal. C'mon - TBs for freeware? Please.

 

[Modelworks]

Server 2003 on the server and tversity for the streaming. Use remote desktop to admin the server.
http://tversity.com/

 

[Shingi]

thanx guys,

 

[KeypoX]

you know torrents are terribly inefficient and will slow your network to a crawl. Even though plenty of bandwidth may still be available. I doubt you have state of the art networking at your 4-8pc work place. If you wanna download 'stuff' there are much better ways. Might have to pay monthly fee, but hey charge to your work account right.

Though I agree its stupid to use your job for illegal purposes or anything non work related. Including torrenting LEGAL crap.

 

[dclive]

Originally posted by: KeypoX
Though I agree its stupid to use your job for illegal purposes or anything non work related. Including torrenting LEGAL crap.

<chuckle>

 

[Czar]

Windows 7 with Home Groups
xbmc
utorrent with web access


works wonders for me

 

[Binky]

Have you considered a NAS for this? I've seen several that can do all or most of what you're asking. They are also relatively small and easily transported. You could also leave it at home and control it from work, if desired.

 

[Shingi]

Binky,

I have consider a nas for this. I looked at the sinology ds209II+ and it's up there. The reason i didn't ask for NAS is becase I would have to shell out money, whereas currently I have a spare box running an ahtlon 3200+ and 512mb ram that would do great as a standalone small server.

Thanks for all that contributed. I will take all into consideration and pick one out. leaning towards server 03 but you never things can change.

Thanks.