server 2003

[chrbb]

Silly question probably but.... now new server with newly purchased server 2300 64bit up and running, I want to use the old server (it's basically a desktop computer with 2 harddrives) as a classroom computer to replace god awful w98 p11 computer.
How do I get legitimate os for it, as cheaply as possible, as ever! Is there an upgrade or downgrade route for server 2003? Or could I even demote it from dc or reinstall and just run it with server 2003 on?
I've also got a spare computer with 2000 pro that I want to use in the same way.

[FN-GM]

If you just re-install the current OS you will be fine. If it is Windows Server 2003 or 2000 you can use it as a normal client.

[Michael]

Even if you did get a legitimate operating system to install, you're going to have to format as there's no upgrade/downgrade route from a server OS to a desktop OS.

Alternatively (as you say), you could re-install 2003 server and have it connect to the domain as a member server, which sort of acts "workstation like", but ideally XP would probably be better.

You can buy educational rate licenses either from your Local Authority or local software supplier.

[webman]

If licence cost is an issue, you could always run Edubuntu for free.

[FN-GM]

But if the computer has being running as a server wouldn't it already have a licence? What licence type is it? If its OEM you might as well use what was already running.

[chrbb]

It's not oem, I may as well install it on the spare hardrive and keep the original intact as a just in case the new server goes belly up!

I've just looked at edubuntu, does it join a windows domain and can you use already purchased school software on it? Sorry digressing now.

[FN-GM]

You can use Samba with Edubuntu and then you can add it to a domain. You could also look at SUSE Linux that has it integrated so you don't need to install Samba if you don't know much about Linux. I would use SUSE 10.2 not 10.3.

As for running Windows software you could try Wine

[chrbb]

Think I'll stick to windows - OFSTED returning in early Dec! Need it up and running by next Thurs.