How do I set up a home server

what actually you are wanting to do. home server could server various different purposes. are you wanting to create a network of computer (LAN) or you want to create a Web server. Give more details before anyone could give you appropriate answer.

Setting up a web server is not a very good idea, until you try it just for learning purposes! It is very prone to numerous threats. I would suggest you to go for it on some old computer so that even if it crashes, you don't get affected badly. Some of the major steps are: 1. You need to have a Computer with a Good speed Internet Connection. A DSL connection will be ideal. 2. Ask your ISP for a dynamic IP address. Then pick a domain name. 3. Use a server software. The most popular ones are Apache and IIS. Apache is a good pick as it allowas multiple websites as against IIS. Try the following links. These will do something for you: 1. http://www.redhat.com/magazine/022aug06/features/webserver/ 2. http://www.iceteks.com/articles.php/server/1

If you are really serious in getting home server plus entertainment for your home, then linux operating system is more preferable then windows. you getting the total solution of home server and the lots of music at one place without any cost as linux software is not costing anything or not costing much as compare to windows.