Using a netbook as a home server

[The Shadow]

Has anyone done it? I have a gateway notebook less than a year old no longer being used. I was thinking about using it as a home media server, hooking it up to the three external drives that I have. I really haven't messed much with home server setups and was wanting to get a feel for what would be the best option to go with, operating system-wise on the netbook. Should I go linux (which I really haven't had any experience with) or some other option?

Thanks

[YeOldeStonecat]

Netbooks aren't made to be run 24x7....they're generally too lightweight, I wouldn't expect it to perform reliably over the long run.

I could see using a laptop for one, I've often used those for linux routers...small, low energy consumption, low power consumption, low noise, etc...but you'll want a good business grade laptop for this purpose..meant to be run more, longer lifetime.