Small business network

[Guest]

I have six computers and a server hooked up to a router. The server is run
Windows NT and I would like to upgrade to a better operating system. All the
other computers are running Windows XP. The server is used just for file
storing and to make file sharing easier. The server is going on five years
old. Top of the line back then. I have been told by different people that I
should get Windows Server 2003, Windows 2000 or Wndows XP Pro. I am siding
with Windows XP Pro. Would this be a good choice or what should I do?

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

I have six computers and a server hooked up to a router. The server
is run Windows NT and I would like to upgrade to a better operating
system. All the other computers are running Windows XP. The server
is used just for file storing and to make file sharing easier. The
server is going on five years old. Top of the line back then. I
have been told by different people that I should get Windows Server
2003, Windows 2000 or Wndows XP Pro. I am siding with Windows XP
Pro. Would this be a good choice or what should I do?

For the workstations, WinXP Pro.

For the server, check out Small Business Server 2003. Affordable, and
includes Exchange....the Standard edition doesn't include ISA, so I'd get a
decent firewall appliance.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/default.mspx

 

[Chuck]

I have six computers and a server hooked up to a router. The server is run
Windows NT and I would like to upgrade to a better operating system. All the
other computers are running Windows XP. The server is used just for file
storing and to make file sharing easier. The server is going on five years
old. Top of the line back then. I have been told by different people that I
should get Windows Server 2003, Windows 2000 or Wndows XP Pro. I am siding
with Windows XP Pro. Would this be a good choice or what should I do?

Windows XP Pro is limited to 10 inbound connections.
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=314882

With just 6 client computers, and just file sharing, you're probably OK. Any
more clients, or if you use multiple protocols, you could be pushing the limit.

Remember, Windows 2000 is nearing the end of its support life. I, personally,
would start with Server 2003, if I had more than 5 client computers and any
possibility of connecting more in the future. YMMV.

Cheers,
Chuck
Paranoia comes from experience - and is not necessarily a bad thing.