Linux Home Server/media Center

I want to set up a Server on my home network that would act like a cross between the new Windows Home Server and Windows Media Center. The network will be a Linux/Windows hybrid on a 100/1000BaseT Network and i was wondering what servers to actually install to keep install size down to a minimum (would Gnome or KDE be better). I know I need a Samba server, I was thinking of using openSUSE 10.3 but if there is a better distro to use i would appreciate it if you let me know.

I want to set up a Server on my home network that would act like a cross between the new Windows Home Server and Windows Media Center. The network will be a Linux/Windows hybrid on a 100/1000BaseT Network and i was wondering what servers to actually install to keep install size down to a minimum (would Gnome or KDE be better). I know I need a Samba server, I was thinking of using openSUSE 10.3 but if there is a better distro to use i would appreciate it if you let me know.
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I think you simply install Samba.

I looked at windows home server on microsoft.com. There's quite some work required if your own IP address is used to link to home across the net but it's fairly straightforward. In windows it's probably been largely coded into wizards -- great marketing, very clever, right on the commercial ball they are -- but in Linux you would set it up without the benefit of wizards.

Regarding your question as to which Linux distro to use: are you serious :lol: :lol: ?

Swerdna