ubuntu server how to setup networking with windows xp and windows 7

You can use samba to setup a windows-like share which you can then stream the data from. I also recommend you install openssh-server. You can then SSH to the server using puuty (in Windows) or ssh in terminal from Linux and run:

sudo shutdown -h now

And it will turn off.

Cheers for that is there any links that u can give showing step by step guide for the server and how i do what you suggest.plus setting up the drives in raid etc setup the sharing and streaming .a guide with screen shots would be good

If you install the samba package you can run:

sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf

and add lines like the ones below:

[Downloads]
path = /home/andy/Downloads
comment = Andy's stuff
browsable = yes
read only = no
writable = yes
valid users = leanne andy
invalid users = root bin daemon nobody

If you then save the new file and run:

sudo service smbd stop; sudo service smbd start

The share will be accessible. you can run:

sudo smbpasswd -a andy

(using my code as an example) you can then control which users have access to what shares. Adding a new share is as simple as adding a new block like the one above but with different paths and share name and restarting the samba service. Very simple.

The RAIDetc is part of the installation process in the server install process. I believe there is also an option to enable the install ation of samba and openssh at install time so there will be no need to manually instal the services.

tried what you sugguestted but unable to save the changes .well the system will not retain the changes to edited script

didyou run the editor with sudo? You cannot save the changes as your commands run as user, that's when sudo helps and makes it run as root.