Gaming Server Opinions

[mchutch]

Just built a PC out of spare parts and want to use it at a server. Which software is best for a gaming server? Possibly WAN family friendly file sharing in the future.

What has anybody used/liked? Ubuntu, Windows Server 2008 R2 ect. I'm lost on which software to start playing with. Specs just in case it matters.

Core 2 Quad Q6600
Gigabyte P45 Chipset
4GB DDR2-800
Corsair 550W
8600GT 512MB Passive Cooling
HDD: 2x 500GB + 2x 1TB SATA2

We hope to get a dedicated line with some upstream speed later on, but will used for 4-8 local gamers only so should be ok for now. I used to run dedicated servers on the same machine as I was gaming on and bandwidth was playable at it's worst, until someone joined from the other side of the world lol.

[headsh0t]

It depends what kind of gaming servers you're running... What games are you planning on setting up servers for.

[mchutch]

It actually matters what game? Oooff..

I was hoping anytinng from COD and Battlefield to Portal 2 and Counter Strike, UT3 ect Hopefully one day Skyrim lol

[supaflyx3]

You won't be running a battlefield server, COD server, or a skyrim server, as those all require a GSP, and skyrim doesn't even have multiplayer...

[mchutch]

That's why i said hopefully Skyrim, I have used Skyrim Online and it does work although not very functional at this time but it does work.

Also this is for 4-8 players LOCALLY so I must have a GSP?

C'mon this is for fun, not a business.

I just asked for an OS to start playing with someone and once again I get no answers to my questions just more questions.

[mchutch]

I use to run servers on the machine I was playing the game on for years, Crysis, FEAR Combat, UT3 ect

Now that I have a machine dedicated for this it's going to be harder/worse?

Just asking would you use Ubuntu (or some other Linux) Windows Server 2008 R2 or something else altogether?

[supaflyx3]

Sorry to burst your bubble, but most game developers don't release their server software aside from valve, you'll need to rent a game server from an authorized GSP.

[mchutch]

So all these newer games are all like that now.

Not even tungle or Hamachi can be used?

Oh well will run some old games I guess, I used em before can use em again.

[headsh0t]

Well if you've set up server before, why don't you use you head and look at what OS the server software supports and run it.

[ZZLEE]

need DSL ( dry is better ) and stattic IP.