New server

[lfcvfddvredline]

Hi,

 

Bit of a newbie when it comes to servers etc etc.

 

Have been wanting to setup a storage/plex server for a while now and have a question that I can't seem to find the answer for.

 

I already have 2 pc's fully setup and being used and want to set a proper network up using Server 2016 (seen as I can get it for free from college) and my question is, once I have set the server up, how would I go ahead on the existing PC's attaching them to the new network/server without having to set them all back up again? 

 

 

 

 

[NoRomanBatmansAllowed]

Not too sure what you're asking, so maybe plugging the server and the other computers into a switch (?)

[lfcvfddvredline]

Probably not explaining it right.

 

Esentially, the 2 already setup pc's I have, I want to make sure I don't have to install all the programs again when I add them to the domain with the new user details

Edited September 26, 2017 by lfcvfddvredline
added more info

[Pixel5]

since all you said you wanna do with it is a storage server and plex there is no need for the whole adding stuff to the domain and all the fuss.

just create a network share mount it on the PC´s and thats it.

 

Probably would even be better to use something else than windows server because its way overkill for what you want to do.

 

do you already have the parts you want to use for the new server?

[lfcvfddvredline]

Yeah got all the parts, just waiting for a cpu cooler to be delivered and then I can build it. 

 

Was wanting to go full server to keep what I am learning at college fresh and also to have a play around. 

[scottyseng]

19 minutes ago, lfcvfddvredline said:

Yeah got all the parts, just waiting for a cpu cooler to be delivered and then I can build it. 

 

Was wanting to go full server to keep what I am learning at college fresh and also to have a play around. 

Yeah, I abused the Windows Server 2016 thing as well. I have Windows Server 2016 on my PC / server. I like it more than Windows 10. haha.

 

The easy route would be to install the Windows Server Essentials role on the server. Then use the Windows Server Connector software on the PCs you want to attach to the server to have them connect to the server. This will keep the programs on the PCs, but it will make you change user accounts on the PCs (To the accounts you set up on the server).

 

The harder route would be to manually set up an AD and domain controller and connect to the domain. I don't know much about the more advanced stuff sadly.

[lfcvfddvredline]

Cheers scottyseng. Will give that a shot once I build it.