General Question

For a home network, you don't need to get fancy.

The construction of your server will depend on the desired function:

File storage

Broadband gateway

Network security

You can use Software 602's Lan Suite free for a 5 node network.

http://www.software602.com/products/ls/

If you have the inclination, you might give Linux a try.

There are a number of articles here on the TR site that detail server construction, software, and security issues.

Chas

One of the things most neglected, is to build the server with a good power supply.
The server will run a lot, and may be unattended.
I have seen several fires in cheap power supplies because the safety circuits did not work properly.
If you search the questions on this website you will find people who have had similar experiences.
For a home server software, Win98SE or higher, or Linux, are the two best options.
Regards, Chris

A full blown server, with a server OS installed, may be overkill and a huge expense for you. Not to mention configuration and management. What will be the function of this "server"? Security, centralized applications, services, and a centralized user login are the advantages of a server OS. For simple file sharing and resource sharing, such as printers, a desktop OS will suit your needs very well and without the overhead of a server OS. A desktop OS will eliminate the need for CALs ( Client Access Licenses ) that a server requires. Windows comes with 5 CALs, but new CALs ( packs of 5 ) are required for each additional access device. A single server environment will have best use of a "per seat" license and a multi server environment might best be served by a "per server" license. A desktop OS eliminates the need for these licenses. A good peer to peer network will have ten or fewer computers on the network. Above this, a true server OS may better suit your needs. A desktop OS will also be happy with a moderate hardware system while a server OS will require more up to date hardware.
A peer to peer network requires that all computers be in the same workgroup for shared resources. A server/client network requires that all computers be in the same domain as the domain controller ( PDC ) for shared resources along with the same IP range. All computers must also be using the same subnet mask and IP range of the workgroup or the server. Virtual IP addresses can be configured for remote access in either case, however, this is another topic.

I hope this helps.

Just about any computer could be used for your application.

Software will be your decision. But you can get deals on ebay.
Linux, NT, Windows 2000, SBS,

That is how I got started into servers. A cheap box and Small Business Server 4.0.

There are lots of user groups out there. A google search will usually find you lots to explore.

Good Luck Lee