Home Network (crazy setup)

Home Network (crazy setup)

ok im going to be fully honest, im good with computers but i have never had to setup a network before. My first one is going to be a home network but not a normal one, i think i have the equiptment to do it but i not sure if this will work. You may not understand me but i hope you do, this is going to be complicated.

Firstly i have 3 computers which will always be connected, but not always turned on, somtimes i will connect other computers if i need to.

Computer 1 - 80gb hdd, 512mbram/memory, 2.6ghz processer (single)
Comptuer 2 - 40 or 60gb hdd, 256mb ram/memory, 1.8ghz processer (single)
Computer 3 (main) 320gb hdd, 4gb ram/memory, 2.6ghz processer (quad/4 cores)

I own 1 wireless adapter, i can afford more but it i own the stuff to make it work without spending money i will, i dont care how long it will take me. My bt homehub 3 is down stairs, and these comuters are next to each other up stairs. here is my idea:

Put wireless adapter on computer 1, and put windows server 2000 or 2003, i dont know which one is better. Then i have a 5 port hub, i will plug my computer 1 into the 5 port hub (server slot) and plug computer 2 and 3 into the 1st and 2nd slot. I believe this will give them internet but im not sure, please tell me if it will or wont. Also would all the computers need to be turned on for it to work, or only the sevrer (computer 1) and the computer i am using.

Also i would like to know if i can plug speakers into the server and if i play music on any one can i make it play out of server speakers? its just a idea but i dont think it can be done.

Also all the computers 1, 2 and 3 will be turned of when not using, i can not leave the server on as i would not afford all the electric bill.

And if it does work can someone please give me a step by step guide how to setup on the sevrer, as i can install the sevrer os but i dont understand from there. A video would help, or mabie i can just leave as is? Thanks

Please help, i would be very greatfull if you do or try.

So the questions:
windows server 2000 or 2003?
will it work as a network and supplying internet?
do i need all computers on?
can i get the sound idea to work?
how do i setup the server?


THANKS!!!!

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oh also i have about 3 printers, can i plug them all into the server? one problem is the best one dont work with windows 7, and my main pc is windows 7 ultimate 64bit

will that work with windows 7 if fine with server?

Ive got 1 physically connected computer, and 3 laptops here and ive never had any trouble just using homegroup / workgroups.
All computers run Win7 and the printer is connected to my main computer. The printer can be access through my main computer aslong as its turned on.
Set up to share all folders within the network.

I understand that your propably looking to get a bit more professional network, but my setup is fine for what I want to do.
Factor8 and perhaps a few of the Mods are best to answer this question in detail.

Also how is the new homehub. Gonna try blag one from BT if its any good.

Ok well as i said only one is connected to internet but i need all to be

And the new home hub, well the 2 use to show full connection always, the 3 dont always say i got full connection (like wirless now) but always without a doubt is faster, bad thing they dong have plastic card with code, little pull out thing and stickers for code

Dred

Cool, will have to get one asap

yea good luck, they only replaced mine because it was broke, say to them this:

it keeps getting red light on router, they will test line say its fine and send you new one

Dont worry, they've sent me over 4 routers in the past to try improve my internet connection. Some reason the call centers seem to think that exchanging hardware for the same hardware wont improve a thing

lol, well good luck