Cloud Computer At Home

Computer Forum New Build / Upgrade Advice
1

I am aware that “cloud computing” is probably not the best descriptor for what I am about to outline here as an idea, but please bear with my ignorance of the terminology…

I was considering how quickly technology changes, and pretty much every computer in my house is due for an upgrade or a complete replacement (a total of three desktops and a laptop)… and cloud computing came to mind. I was considering that instead of buying several new computers that would be obsoleted in an average period of time, perhaps the best way to prolong the life of new machines would be by doing all processing on one, central server and distributing it over the LAN.

In other words, there would be one powerful server doing the processing for all four of the family computers (which would be incredibly basic, with just the software necessary for the network access to the server). My biggest concern is whether or not any software is available that would allow the server to behave in this way, allowing for all four computers to be simultaneously accessing it. Obviously these four computers would not be running Crysis on highest settings at the same time, but for general usage I would imagine a decently built server would be sufficient (correct me if I am wrong here, as I am unfamiliar with server technology).

In the past I have built several desktops computers, all of which have been quite successful and cost effective. Software, however, is really my weak point. Is there any way to do this?

Thank you for your time,

  • Arlo
2

What you’re talking about is terminal services, which is pricey and not user-friendly technology. It is also cost-prohibitive when run using Microsoft solutions. While you can do this for only the cost of hardware running Linux, you will also either need some experience with the OS or else be very willing to learn and read a lot of guides. In either case, things like gaming and multimedia are more or less out of the question.

Still, I don’t think this is the right path for you. It would cost you at least $1,000, and probably a lot more, for a decent server you could comfortably run many simultaneous terminal sessions against. In your position, I would buy three ~$200 budget workstations and either a middle/lower-end laptop or a netbook. For at or around the same $1,000 total, you’d be able to replace all of your obsolete PCs.

If you didn’t plan to spend $1,000, there is still an option. Convert your systems to Linux. I’m willing to bet they’re each modern enough to run Linux quite comfortably, depending of course on your needs.

3

Thank you very much Anti-Trend. I am fairly familiar with Linux, however I am fairly certain that not everyone would be so comfortable using it. Still, I will not go the route of using the server after all. Many thanks.

  • Arlo