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
- 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).
- If you are happy with current state of directories, delete the "OLD" copies containing extra files because rsync backups don't delete, only update.
- Copy files to backup folders that are not normally backed up. Examples are entire "/etc" directory and "/var/lib/mysql".
- Unplug the backup drive's power cord for added safety.
- 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.
- 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.
- When system is stable, plug in the backup drives per 1st link above.
- Add favorite software for daily tasks. Add server software in stages.
- 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.
- Add network printer.
- Setup Samba server per link above.
- Setup NFS server per link above.
- Install and configure Apache server.
- Install and configure MySQL server.
- Update these web pages with recursive irony.