How to Configure an $80 File Server in 45 Minutes

How to Configure an $80 File Server in 45 Minutes.

I use a modded Xbox and Xbox
Media Center
for playing media files across the network on
my television and sound system. I also download large files,
such as Linux ISOs, via BitTorrent. However, leaving my
primary computer on all the time seemed
like a waste of energy. I wanted a cheap, small
headless machine that I could
use as a Samba server and BitTorrent client so I could leave
my workstation off when I wasn't using it. . . .

Overall, the installation and configuration took me
about 45 minutes to go from zero to a fully functional system.
The Xbox can see the share, and I've got a new playground for
web development. I would suggest cleaning up and securing
that home page a bit; research
.htaccess files to lock it down.

I put my file server in my media
center underneath my router, and it takes up about
the same space
as a VCR. For $80, I feel that I've made an excellent
investment.  [dissension]

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