I've been thinking along the same lines. I'm considering setting up a second PC to act as a file repository and central music source, get two or three external drives and maintain two backup generations with the current and oldest in my desk at work and the other current at home just in case. Hardwired to the router with MAC filtering so that it's not readily visible to anyone sniffing me.

Media server-type stuff doesn't interest me currently as right now I don't have a tv and don't really have the time to enjoy it. Maybe in a few years. I'm a serious movie junkie, heck, I have both DVD and LaserDisc, but for the most part we just watch the occasional DVD on my 15" laptop. Convenient excuse for snuggling, not that we need one. 🙂