From home, I am trying to minimize the number of PCs I run on a concurrent basis. Obviously the web server needs to be running all the time. I also run eMule most of the time so that would probably run on the same PC. I sometimes access my PC remotely at home. At this point, I think it would be to access the web server on the rare occasion that I need to make a change or to access various documents or pictures. For instance, if I need my taxes from last year or a specific picture.
I have an X-Box 360, as well as pretty much every version of Windows from XP to 7 and Server 2003 , 2008 & 2008 R2. I'd prefer to avoid Linux since I'm not as familiar with it. Hardware wise, I have plenty of "PCs", each about a year older than the next. The newest one being about two years old, but a rather decent PC. I use quotes because they are all systems I made from Intel boards from when I worked at CompUSA that can be changed around if need be.
Some prerequisites: The movies and TV I tend to watch are in Divx format, and I usually delete them when I am done, so I'd rather not convert them to take up more room then to delete them. If there is an option that will allow me to watch these on the X-Box, then I would consider that. Backup is very important. I am really bad at doing that, so Windows Home Server would be a really great fit. If I can run eMule, host my home page on there, stream divx to my Xbox and maybe even host virtual PCs, that might just be the ideal option, but I haven't found much info on these things.
I do have 8 250GB hard drives that I would likely use in a RAID for WHS or whatever backup option I have. I also have a 1TB Buffalo NAS & a 1TB Seagate USB drive to maybe back these up?
So, I am asking for suggestions. Should I run WHS on a Hypervisor such as the free GSX so I can also run another OS on there, like one of the Media Center ones? I know with GSX I would still need another PC to remote into the PCs. What about 3D support for games? I don't play a lot, but I do want that option available.
