Holo Server 2: Electric Bungaloo

Holo Server 2

Or How I Learned To Hate My Desktop

So a while back, I purchased a bunch of parts to build a home media server. And after a couple months, decommissioned it and merged it into my current desktop PC. It's pretty cool. Here's a couple problems with it:

It's so difficult to move. 

With my old build, it was a simple task to move it form one room to the next. I enjoyed being able to move it around as needed, because sometimes I used my computer outside my room.  However, considering the current case is about twice the size and weight of the old one, that's no longer possible to do. And I hate it. Thus, I've ordered a new case that is less than half the size of my old server. It's small and portable. It even has handles for easier moving! Handles! Of all things!

The other problem is data management. I have about 5 terabytes of data on my computer as of writing this. And it's great. But managing all of this is a pain. It even slows down my computer at times. I also want to be able to do various things with the movies, music, pictures, and games stored. However, I can't due to my desktop limitations. Here's what I want it to do:

• Stream video/audio to anywhere in the house 
• I can do this with my current desktop, but streaming the stuff takes all my CPU power, so I can't do anything when that's happening. No good.
• Have back up/restore options.
• Not just for me, but everyone in the house.
• Establish a working media server providing games, music, tv, and movies to all allowed on the server

That last one is incredibly important, as I'm hoping to create a system that will provide all the media needs for my friends and family. That may sound simple, but it's an ambitious project. I wanted to do something similar with the server previously, but it just didn't pan out. Now that I've learned more about what I want out of my server, as well as learned more about networking from college, I think this is a project I can achieve.
But is the server really worth it? I think so. Here's how it's better than my desktop:

• More than twice the CPU power
• Four times to memory (RAM).
• Multiple gigabitethernnt slots for parallel streams (If I can figure that out).
• Request service for easy media aquirement/download.

My case should arrive tomorrow, and if I'm lucky my classes will be cancelled so I'll be able to start on the server right away. I hope to be able to write a post detailing the set up of the server. Until then, adios.