Set up a macbook pro as a central file server

[CaptainDave]

I have a macbook pro that was water damaged and the display doesn't work anymore. The parts on the board cannot be replaced. It is actually the parts for the backlite. I have it in my office and have all my external disc drives connected to it
What is the best way to configure it so that I can watch the home video in my entertainment center, back up my Ipads and phones and back up my macbook pro every week. I have set up many servers before in the MS world, but am not that familiar with the Mac

 

[vansmith]

If this is truly just going to serve as a backup device, you might want to look into OS X Server (a $20 add-on). It's got some mixed reviews but it might be what you're looking for. Take a look and see if it fits your needs.