Terminal Server + Domain Controller ... i know

[binky]

At one of my schools (it only has 30 really old machines) I have just bought them a new server (Dell, Dual Core Xeon 2.4Ghz, 4GB RAM, 160GB SATA...). As all of their machines are really old, i though of putting Windows Server 2003 on this server with Domain Controller and terminal services setup for 30 clients. Apart from a 'security risk', would there be any other issues people could think of ? (i.e. not enough spec)

The other option is to install Windows Server 2003 on the box (as a domain controller) and then virtualize the terminal server (on the same server).

[kmount]

Make the RAM 8GB, install 64bit Server 2003 and you'll get on better.

Do they have an existing server? If so, could it not remain as the domain controller with some more memory so the TS Server is just that?

[binky]

I do have an older spare server (2.5Ghz single core, 512MB ram) that could be a domain controller (as its only going to serve the TS box). However, I don't have an extra funds to boost the RAM, but could the server (Xeon Dual Core 2.4Ghz, 4GB RAM) run Terminal Services well?

[kmount]

It all depends on what applications are being run really. - If they aren't particularly heavy then sure, yeah, it would be OK. More memory would REALLY help though.

Certainly install 64bit Server 2003 though to take advantage of the memory.

[ajbritton]

Rather than virtualizing the TS, why not virtualize the DC? In a small network with few machines, the DC would not be heavily loaded. Am I mad?