[SigurdSuhm]

So a while ago I went to our basement and pulled out my old stationary computer. It's like 6 years old or something and not really worth a lot but I figured I could find some use for it. I started removing any unnecessary software and installing and configuring it to run as a server on our local network. It's all working out good now but I'm kinda out of ideas when it comes to the actual use of it. Soon I'll try running some of my own server programs on it but does anyone have any suggestions for some fun stuff I could try out in the meantime. I mean it seems kinda pointless to have a server standing around doing nothing.

Hit me with anything you got. I'm eager to learn more about servers and networking.
Thanks in advance
Sigurd

[baavgai]

Well, if it has any storage, use it. Share with any protocol you can think of, setup users, etc. You want to quick, easy way to grab stuff off a file server, point a web sever at the shares.

If you want to learn about networks, make it an authority of something. A DNS server is good, make is be your local DNS cache and point all the boxes on the network their. If windows or Samba inclined, make it domain controller. Or a web proxy / cache. Hell, setup quality of service and stop the kids from hogging the band width.

[no2pencil]

You could wire sensors (from a window or door) to the db9 serial, & monitor their activity with Nagios. You could even get as advanced with Nagios as to have specific times when they should not be opened. You can then have this server hooked up to a modem & ring your cell when the door is open.

[lockdown]

baavgai, on 12 Jan, 2009 - 11:46 AM, said:

Well, if it has any storage, use it. Share with any protocol you can think of, setup users, etc. You want to quick, easy way to grab stuff off a file server, point a web sever at the shares.

If you want to learn about networks, make it an authority of something. A DNS server is good, make is be your local DNS cache and point all the boxes on the network their. If windows or Samba inclined, make it domain controller. Or a web proxy / cache. Hell, setup quality of service and stop the kids from hogging the band width.

1+ for using it as local DNS.

Throw a extran NIC in their and turn it into a route or firewall. That said the firewall is not going to be Cisco ASA qaulity, but still fun to mess around with.

This post has been edited by lockdown: 25 January 2009 - 09:55 AM