Question : NFS and Windows

This is from an old post... PLEASE dont be scared by it.

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 We have a network of three main computers which need to share files between each other.
We currently have one computer which has a FTP server on it. This currently means if a file is to get from either of the other computers to the other, they must upload to the FTP server, and move it across.

What we ideally want is to be able to split the filedump into 3 sections but for them to look like one. Sort of how I imagine a windows DFS working. As I say we dont have a proper central server, let alone a domain controller, so what are our options for doing something like this?

All the machines are XP Pro.
All have gigabit connections to a gigabit switch.

Points to take into account:
 - Its a closed off network with locked down MAC addresses and a secure switch, so security is not really an issue.
 - Each computer should have equal rights over files on the DFS even if the phsical file is on another computer
 - Files should be accessible by a unified name anywhere on the network
 - Compatability with windows explorer is a huge boon
 - Disk access and file-transfer is also a key factor in this. If something's going to take minutes to load its not practical is it?

In order of how much things count: Compatability; Unification; Speed; Rights; Security.
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So anyway. Yes. I've half decided on going with a NFS system. It seems to hold the most practicality once its in place... but that's it... its a Unix medium, and we're still on windows here.

So yes, we need a free/cheap NFS server and client for explorer (so shares can be mounted as drives transparently) or an alternative. SMB shares are not an option because they vex me with their lax permissions and general bad-ness...

Answer : NFS and Windows

>This essentially is a p2p project but name one p2p application that allows itself to be mapped and listed through explorer.

You are correct - I can't think of one offhand...

I was think that you might be able to use a p2p engine that automated via some scripting so that some integration with explorer is possible (ie have transfer directories that are examined by the p2p scripts which trigger p2p file transfers).

Consider the scenerio in which machine A has just captured a large video file - the video file is automatically saved to a directory whose contents are polled by the p2p script - if the p2p script notices an addition to said directory, it genertates a torrent file and publishes it to the central LAN webserver, which all the LAN machines are polling (via their local p2p scripts), and all LAN machines proceed to download the new file (this works for a file generated on any arbitrary workstation).

Cheers,
-Jon