I just got A+, will be looking for work soon. But started network+. I have a small peer to peer network, 1 XP, 1 Mac tiger, 1 Mac Snow Leopard, 3 Old Macs OS 8.1, 2 9.22 OSs. Want to learn domain and other mainstream stuff. should I purchase an old server, get Windows Server 2003, don’t have a lot of money. Or what Network OS and hardware do you recommend? Linux? Since I have old Macs that can access newer Macs, but not the other way around, any suggestions of ubuntu or free server software that can handle Windows and Mac. I know I need windows experience, but only have one XP machine running XP home, Pro and have Mac mini snow leopard that could get Other OS or NOS via boot camp?
I need hands on network learning. I also have HP printer that is both USB and ethernet (network printer), but I think besides all the above reasons for server, I also would like to have a server for NAS for backups and retrieval of data and for storage of stuff I don’t want on my other computers (clear out more space).
I also thought about HP who have a nice home network server for under $500, that would be nice, but less learning and problem solving. Could purchase used computer and use it for storage and networking practice, load up with extra drives. Many choices? I don’t know a lot about servers and NOS choices.
