How Do I Host Web Pages On My LAN?

I am going to setup a LAN, soon.

I want to convert my PC into a server, so that when other LAN users type my IP Address in their browser address bar, they'll be able to view the web pages I have made available in my server. Also, my users should be able to download files that I link to on the Web Pages.

I've no idea on how to go about doing this. I know I've to setup a server, but how? Will this slow down my PC, I will be having 8 to 13 users(max.).

Will my entire hard disk be available to the users?

As you can see, I am a newbie, I need a bit detailed guideline on this.

I've searched throughout the web, haven't received any results after searching during all those sleepless nights. Any sort of help would be appreciated.

You need setup your pc with server applications:

Apache Web Server
MySQL Server
PHP Server
...
Continouse to edit config file and start up services and you have a Web server.

Or just use the built in IIS (Internet Information Service) that comes with XP Pro, Win2K pro and Server OS's. Place the web page in c:\Inetpub\wwwroot which is the built in Windows default website folder. The files that you want them to be able to download need to be placed in a folder in wwwroot.

Users on the lan can then access your site by typing in their browser:
http://{your computer ip here}/ or
http://{your computer name here}/

And you don't need php or MySQL server unless you plan to program your web pages using it. Simple HTML will work fine on IIS without them.

Alternatively, any major linux distribution should provide you with the ability to install Apache, PHP, MySQL etc during installation.