I've currently got an extra PC at home that I'm using as a file and media server. It's running Windows 7 RC4 right now, but I need to upgrade that before it expires, and I've got access to licenses for a bunch of options, but I'm not sure what to go with.
The three main options are:
- Windows 7 Pro
- Windows Server 2k8
- Windows Home Server
The machine needs to share files/media and a printer, but any of the above options should cover that off. I may end up wanting to run a web and database server on the machine as well, but it'd be primarily for hobby use. The machines that will be connecting to it are a mix of Windows 7 and XP (as well as streaming media devices).
I'm not necessarily looking for a definitive answer of one version over another, but what sort of things should I be thinking about when I make my choice? Are there certain things that you'd likely want to do with a home server that would be significantly easier (or conversely, downright impossible) with one version or another?