How to set up a home file server?

Question

Nginx

Given:
— Linksys WRT54GL access point;
- a computer with a large disk (in the project)
- a system on a dedicated computer - Linux. It is desirable, because it is also needed for other purposes
- all home computers under Windows (XP & 7)

Required - to organize a shared file server on a dedicated computer that can be connected as a network drive from any computer in the apartment (but not outside :)

How can this be organize? What software to put on the file server? How to set up an access point and is it possible to set up this device for such purposes? Trying to get through from one computer to another inside the home grid is not working right now. Perhaps something is not configured (kettle) at the access point, or perhaps it does not allow such work.
I don’t want to connect the network cable brought into the apartment first to the computer, and after it I don’t want to set up a Wi-Fi point (or distribute it directly from this computer). The computer can turn off offline for tests and just turn off, and my point is turned on around the clock.

Good Santa Claus, teach me how to be? :)

Answer 1

I organized something similar at my place, I installed ubuntu server on the server (I installed the system on the cf card through the cf-sata adapter + 2 hard drives of 1TB each in the trash and torrents with shutdown if there is no access to the disks for 30 minutes) + samba (there when setting up everything is prescribed, directories and a range of ip addresses, rights, etc. are set so that if everything is configured correctly, no one else will climb) + delug with a web face. I set up LVM on Ubuntu and when the space runs out, I just buy more hard.
We connect everything to the network through your router, small settings and everything should work.

Answer 2

This access point is also a router, so there should be no problems with Internet distribution.
Communication between hosts connected to the access point must be. How are you trying to get through?
On a Linux server and Samba, there will be no problems.

Answer 3

Here a friend wrote about the assembly. True, there is more for those parts and costs (in UAH). It can be useful.
Fire up the home file server