Good point Saab Dastard - I've been wondering about that myself!
I asked her more about her intentions and it appears she just needs to have her files centrally located so that she can access them from whichever computer suits her.
Plan B is to use a file server instead, such as the 250gb from Snap Appliances:
It cost around £700, same as a server, but has the advantage of not requiring additional OS software, keyboard, mouse and monitor (it's remotely managed via a browser).
Should make the install easier too. [famous last words!]
Cheers
Charles