using an old PC as storage and access only via network.

[Gaz86]

I'm fairly new to the whole "server" world so what I've asked will probably be glaringly obvious.

I'm looking to utilise some old hardware I've had lying around mainly a stack of IDE drives and an old desktop PC, what I want to do is set up a tower on my network that will serve as storage and access to a bunch of security cams, what I'm asking is.... is it as simple as that? or will I need special software or even hardware to be able to do what I need?

it all looks far too simple to work and so far I've had nothing but success sending stuff over my network but I want to be able to utilise a lot of HDD space I have without having to USB into my docking device.

any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[Jack]

I actually did an article on this very subject for a magazine. It's not difficult.

Make a folder and share it so you can use it over the network. Install a VNC server so you can still get to the desktop if you need to. That's pretty much it.

[Gaz86]

Will I need to run that along side an OS

[Dom]

Ubuntu + Zoneminder

If you're feeling flush, bang out £30 for a secondhand Hauppauge Nova-T 500 DVB card and run MythTV (or Mythbuntu) and you'll have a full media server with TV recording as well lmao

[Gaz86]

I have a V+ box for recording TV although I wouldn't mind an affordable HDMI PVR but that just isn't going to happen lol

Zoneminder is looking very attractive, it's amazing how Windows programs are mega bucks and commercial yet Linux based stuff is all just as good easier to get at and cheaper.

can you tell I'm a n00b to Linux? lmao