Server stuff

1. I do use a server, one is running Windows 7 Professional and it is used to backup data for every computer in the house and to stream movies and music to different devices. it also runs a minecraft server for my friends. Its an P4 @3.2 GHz with 1.5 GB of ram. There is a another old computer that runs Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise and that is just a experimental setup of active directory, not sure the specs on that one at the moment comparable to the one above.
2. I do use old computers as a server.
3. Server grade parts are better quailty and normally preform better
4. I do have multiple servers and they are old Dell desktops so yes they are computer shaped and have their own space, under all the networks swtiches.
5. I use Microsoft software only because its easier.
6. I own mine since their just old computers, however renting for my purposes would be dumb because I don't really need them I just use them because and I could connect a network drive to my network for do the backups so they are not a need. These don't cost any money to run.

1. At home, no, but I manage servers all around the world for different purposes. Most machines are Intel E3-1240 with 12+ gb ram.
2. Personally? No.
3. Server Grade parts are made for longevity, stability in mind. They are more rigorously tested and again, less prone to crashing.
4. If I had servers at home? Well it's hard to picture atm, but they'd probably be rackmounts.
5. It really depends on your needs and knowledge. If you know linux, you'd probably go that path because of the costs of licensing for Windows.
6. Again, really depends on your need. But right now, renting servers is so cheap.... so I'd probably go for rental.

1> I use older pc's over here and use them to work with Windows 2000 or 2003 server for learning purposes. But it will depends on the age of the machine itself being used as a server.Anywhere from a Pentium II 350 to a typical think centre pc with a 3ghz and several gigs of ram.

2> Like learning how to get a joomla CMS set up on a IIS. I do own an old Netserver LPR 2U unit which I got at a recycling center. any old computer can be used as a server depending on the age and if it can handle learge enough hard drives.

3> Definitely server grade parts or Military grade servers are the best. since they were meant to take the workload. I do not mind even if they are used servers paying that little extra more for them since I know they will handle the stress levels of the demand.

4> They can be either desktop.tower for the home use. Or rack mount it will all depend where I bought it. Perferred is usually a tower or desktop. But the exception of a 1U or a 2U rackmounts are okay.

5> That will depends on what is going to be needed to do with it. And the learning curve of myself or the client. Normally windows servers are fine Or linux like clear OS.

6> If I can get them from my local suplier and I need one for myself or for a client. Then I would usually prefer to buy them so they can be used directly there onsite or at home like what I have here.

1) Yes im using one right now as im typing this, who does not use a server every day?

2) I have before

3) Because the parts are made better, faster, higher reliability, overall better parts

4) I think what you are getting at is are they towers or racks? Racks are expensive... and unless i needed a bunch of then together, i would go with towers

5) Depends on the application

6) Depends on the need and if i have time to fool with it.

Depends what your webhosting service runs off of. But depending how big you are aiming to get, you'd need a big CPU with decently big drives.

Software-wise, you'd need a webserver setup. Depending on how your file sharing app is coded, you'd need a database engine (MySQL/Microsoft SQL/PostgreSQL) and a coding framework (PHP/ASP.NET/CGI).

But I think that if you are really serious about this you'd need professional help.