File Servers

[caled]

Hi all

 

Ok, first things first, as far as servers are concerned I'm a total noob, but Im not new to PCs by a long shot.

 

So, I've decided that I need to set up a file server, and thanks to the previously linked microsoft dreamspark network, Im in the posession of a licenced version of windows server 2008, which is great. But the problem is, where do I go from there?

 

I've set up and installed the OS, can find it on the network and use it for file storage. But what maintenance do this server now need? Antivirus? Personal firewall?

 

Ive found a virus has creeped on to my system both here at work and at home, and it appears to be the same files infected by the same virus, and the only common link between the two PCs is the server, so I think that might have something unfortunate on it - for those wondering, I think that virus originally came in via hooking up a dying hard drive to clone it.

 

Are these servers susceptible to virii? Its plugged in to the network 24/7.

 

Appreciate any and all help

[Stu]

Sure, servers are subceptible to viruses in similar ways to your desktop. If you execute bad code on a machine with the right privileges then who knows what it'll do!

 

Installing real-time AV on a server will impede performance, but that may not be an issue for you.

[caled]

No, it wouldnt be an issue as far as performance is concerned, but I cant find any free real time AV software that is compatible with windows server 2008.

 

Im contemplating moving on to a linux file server, Im somewhat concerned about this one actually being infected. Just that samba is a PITA to set up

[Stu]

Don't be fooled into thinking Lunix is the answer.

[caled]

aha, we have a site licence for Sophos. Fantasmagorical.

 

Cheers for the help, Stu