Windows 2003 Server v. XP P2P?

[BJH]

Hi all

Now I think that because I'm asking this question I shouldn't be getting
involved, but I like to learn.

We currently have a simple P2P network of 7 XPProSP2 machines connected via a
Switch and an ADSL Router. One machine acts as what I consider to be a simple
file server but it is groaning under the load at times.

We are considering a software package that will put an even greater load on
this file server.

Should I be considering a dedicated 'proper' file server and should this be a
Windows 2003 machine?

Are there any good web resources I can use to learn more about the use of
2003?

Can the existing XP machines co-exist with the 'server' or will they require
reconfiguring?

I've seen 2003 advertised with a 5 client license, does this mean that the
number of connections are limited to 5 or does each of the 5 client machines
require additional software installation?

And finally, what is a CAL?

TIA!

 

[Mike Rushton]

Your Win XPP machines should be able to work with a Server. Win2K3 is
the Microsoft Server OS that the are selling now.

You would have to set up a Domain on the server, and join the PC's
running XP to the domain.

CAL is Client Access License - the PC's need this to connect to the
server.

We have a Windows NT 4.0 network and are trying to move to a Windows 2k3
based network.

 

[Kurt]

Hi all

Now I think that because I'm asking this question I shouldn't be getting
involved, but I like to learn.

We currently have a simple P2P network of 7 XPProSP2 machines connected via a
Switch and an ADSL Router. One machine acts as what I consider to be a simple
file server but it is groaning under the load at times.

We are considering a software package that will put an even greater load on
this file server.

Should I be considering a dedicated 'proper' file server and should this be a
Windows 2003 machine?

Are there any good web resources I can use to learn more about the use of
2003?

Can the existing XP machines co-exist with the 'server' or will they require
reconfiguring?

I've seen 2003 advertised with a 5 client license, does this mean that the
number of connections are limited to 5 or does each of the 5 client machines
require additional software installation?

And finally, what is a CAL?

TIA!

The previous reply that you would "have to" set up a Windows domain is
incorrect. You CAN (and if you have more than 5 clients, you SHOULD) set
up an Active directory domain. That will centralize all of your user
accounts, computer accounts and allow you to delegate rights and
permissions from a central point instead of configuring it on each
workgroup client one at a time. It will also let you enforce policies
from that same server. Here are some things to consider:

1) Windows XP will run faster than server given the same hardware. If
your XP box is truly "groaning under the load", you don't want to put
server on it - you'll need a bigger, badder computer.

2) XP is limited to 10 simultaneous connections, and cannot be upgraded
to accept more.

3) Server comes with 5 CALS (Client Access Licenses), and you can buy
more - as many as you need.

4) Be VERY careful of which server version you buy. From the little bit
of information you've provided, the least-cost (standard) version is
likely all you'll need. Be especially aware of what is MISSING from the
various versions. For instance, Small Business Server (SBS) comes with
Exchange - do you really want to manage your own email server? And Small
Business Premium it comes with SQL server (but not SBS standard).
Neither SBS version comes with terminal services (excepting the
administrative RDP sessions). If you don't need Exchange or SQL, you can
save yourself about $2000 by buying standard - which does include
Terminal Services.

Once you go to Active Directory, you'll wonder how you ever got along
without it. It's that good. There's just plain nothing else like it. But
you'll need backup and disaster recovery planned out (you should have
that anyway). If you want to stay in a workgroup, Server 2003 is happy
to let you do that (except SBS which forces you to set up a domain). If
you're already at 7 workstations and you need better hardware to keep up
with what you've got, it makes sense to upgrade to Server along with
your upgraded computer so you'll have room to grow to 11 workstations.

Kurt

 

[Mike Rushton]

What I was meaning is either you do peer to peer or get a server or do
client server.

At one point in time we had Lantastic.

For its day it was a nice product. You could either set it up
peer-to-peer or dedicate a server. We had a server and also did peer
to peer.

We had thinnet RG-6 cable in a bus configuration. It was a small
workgroup of 8 computers.

I think this is the root of all our problems. We moved to a NT 4.0
domain, but still ran it like a workgroup.