Linux Home File-Server Notes

Summary

These are a collection of links to pages of notes on my site having to do with setting up a linux home fileserver. All of these pages are listed on the Computers index page. I have separated out just those you might need to set up your own fileserver to serve up files to Windows, Mac, and linux computers on your HOME NETWORK.

Note: I assume you have a trusted LAN and include no notes on security. I also list additional links that can be used to familiarize yourself with linux programs for daily use, how to set up a webserver using public_html folders and virtual directories, and setting up a MySQL database server.

Linux Fileserver

Linux Programs (Apps) for Common Computer Tasks

Linux Partitions + 2nd Hard Drive with Backup Script

Samba Basic Setup - Home Fileserver with Nightly Backups

NFS Setup: Basic Home File-server Linux to Linux Sharing

Linux Webserver & Database Server

Apache2: Activating User Directories & Virtual Hosts

MySQL Quick Setup Guide: Ubuntu Development Computer

My Notes on an Upgrade Path

  1. On the backup drives, give each directory an extension, like "OLD" and copy over the latest versions of Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, etc. May need to do one at a time depending on space (see #2).
  2. If you are happy with current state of directories, delete the "OLD" copies containing extra files because rsync backups don't delete, only update.
  3. Copy files to backup folders that are not normally backed up. Examples are entire "/etc" directory and "/var/lib/mysql".
  4. Unplug the backup drive's power cord for added safety.
  5. On new install, use "Other" custom option for partitioning tool to KEEP separate /home directory without formatting it. I left 15GB for the operating system, but 10GB probably would have been enough.
  6. Install operating system. For major change in desktop (Gnome - Unity), choose "Show Hidden Files" in Nautilus file browser and delete all the folders starting with a period (config files) in the user's Home directory. They will be rewritten.
  7. When system is stable, plug in the backup drives per 1st link above.
  8. Add favorite software for daily tasks. Add server software in stages.
  9. Add a decent desktop pic; Stop screen from locking; add date to clock; get system monitor visible; show owner group permissions, include Delete, always show photo thumbs and counts in Nautilus; reduce launcher size to 36, manage locked launchers, and only highlight active; configure Thunderbird for mailboxes checked; increase system font where needed.
  10. Add network printer.
  11. Setup Samba server per link above.
  12. Setup NFS server per link above.
  13. Install and configure Apache server.
  14. Install and configure MySQL server.
  15. Update these web pages with recursive irony.