You can do a lot with a home server. Some things may you may find more interesting depending what stuff you’re into, but here is a broad list:

• Backups – This is by far the biggest benefit. If you’re not using automated backup software on your computers, you run the risk of a catostrophic failure (usually in the form of a dead or dying hard disk) and losing all your files. With a server, you run scheduled backups one or more times per day to grab those files off your PC or laptop and save them to your server.
• Media storage – Have a lot of music, videos, or photos? Have a spouse or kids who want access to that content? Instead of sharing one computer, store all your media on a drive connected to the server and allow for anyone to access that content any time from their own computer.
• FTP server – If you’re on the road a lot or just want access to your files, you can set up an FTP (file transfer protocol) server, allowing you to grab and/or save files to or from your server from anywhere you can steal an internet connection.
• Remote desktop – If you need to connect to the desktop of your server while you’re away, you can connect to it and view any documents or backups.
• Web server – While the first two are pretty common, running your own web server involes a bit of skill, including setup of your web application software (e.g., IIS, Apache), configuring your router and firewall, installing databases, etc. This can be a daunting task to someone new, but you can host your own websites, even your WordPress blog, from your server for free! With free DNS services out there, such as Afraid.org, as long as your ISP lets you hang onto your IP, all you have to pay for is the domain name.
• Host your own email – This one can be tricky, especially when dealing with blacklists. With free email tools out there for Windows, such as hMailServer, you can setup POP or IMAP email for your domain. You can even run backups of your email.
• Gaming server – Yes, you can have a wicked LAN party and have your server host all the games. Ask your wife about having the party first.
• Streaming webcam – I used this idea when we got our new dog and I wanted to keep an eye on her while at work. By hooking a webcam, and using some streaming software, I was able to connect to and stream video from the camera.

The concept of having a home server is pretty simple. You have a computer running 24/7 on your home network. It’s connected to your router and can talk to other machines on your network. By “talking” to other computers on your network, it simply mean that it can view their folder contents as well as allow its contents to be viewed by other computers on your network.

For this intro, I just wanted to cover the basics and give an overview of what a home server can do for you. For next time, I’ll discuss how to pick a computer, connect it to your network, and set up shared folders.