Server newbie for a small business

[james3200]

Dear All,

 

We are looking for some advice on using a server in our business. Our company has 5 employees who would need access to using the server and with the option of going to 10 users in the future.

 

The server will be used for general storage and applications. Currently we use paperport for our files and orders so we all work off this, and it is not a huge amount of information as it is generally just documents. We would however like to perform regular back up of the information.

 

Can we run paperport and other applications such as outlook express from our server via the office computers and we all log in to have access, is this how it basically works with microsoft server?

 

Many thanks,

 

James

[FN-GM]

Well is it setup as a domain controller? Also what clients are you using you can only add professional OS clients such as Windows NT, Windows XP Professional, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows Server 2000, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista Business & Windows Vista Ultimate. What OS is your server? Windows Server 2003 SBS?

[PeterW]

Microsoft small business server 2003 R2 is a good solution for this, you can find info here

 

Microsoft Small Business Server Home

 

Small Biz Server.net

 

most versions include 5 cals and you can add cal packs starting from 5 user/device cals.

 

You have remote web workplace and have the option of the premium version if you need sql 2005 workgroup and isa 2004.

 

Have a good look at the sites I have posted above there is some usefull info there.

[james3200]

Thanks for the replies,

 

As for the OS for the clients they would all be on Vista business, and we don't currently have a server or decided on the OS yet..

 

Had a quick read of the links now, cheers, and basically i see that Windows Small Business Server 2003 Premium comes with most of the stuff we need, and we can just use the server to hold the store files of our various programs like paperport and use remotely / backup which are our main concerns.

 

Next is the hardware, looking to spend no more than £2000 for the server and small business server. What type / brand could you recommend, is dell any good?

 

Thanks,

James

[FN-GM]

Yes dell are ok and are affordable

[FN-GM]

Are you also aware that you might have trouble with getting certificates to work with Windows Vista on Windows Server 2003, have you considered windows XP for clients?

[Geoff]

Dell, HP, IBM Fujitsu, etc. Basically any big name brand will be fine.

[FN-GM]

I have 2 IBM rack mount servers for £100 each all you will need to do is get the licences but I think one might have a COA for Windows 2000 Server or Windows 2003 I’m not sure tho, I will have to check. PM me if your interested I will tell you the exact spec.

 

PS: They have lots of space for hard drive so might be good for storage as well.

[james3200]

Just ordered 5 new Vista desktops so at the moment i think that will have to do unfortunately, thanks for the offers also but i think the owner may want to go with new most likely, PM me the model / spec etc though

 

The attachment is one that i just priced up from dell, anything else that we would have to get such as back up software etc..?

 

James

dell_server.pdf

[FN-GM]

You can use windows backup for what you want. You know can downgrade from Windows Vista to Windows XP for free and then upgrade when your ready. I know you can do this with Volume Licence, I’m not sure with OEM. Can anyone put some light on the subject?

[OutToLunch]

You know can downgrade from Windows Vista to Windows XP for free and then upgrade when your ready. I know you can do this with Volume Licence, I’m not sure with OEM. Can anyone put some light on the subject?

 

Vista Business/Ultimate OEM are ok to downgrade to XP Pro.

[FN-GM]

Thought so wasn't 100% sure, what do you do about the keys if your not on Volume Licence? I guess you telephone Microsoft.

[Nij.UK]

You havent spec'ed in a device to carry your backup. are you planning on doing backups to CD? i would suggest thinking about either DVDRW or tape solution.

 

Or did you spec this up and i completely missed it!

[FN-GM]

I would backup on an External hard drive because with a DVDRW you are limited on space.

[james3200]

OK the downgrade is handy.. may do that

 

No, i just realised that looking at the extra options on the last page.. also there are options which i missed out that i think would be needed, Dell Remote Access Card & network card. A dvdrw drive is included so we may just use that and upgrade at a later date. We have external hardrives so that could also be used like you say

 

Think that setup would do nicely. How easy is it to install and setup? never setup a server but am pretty computer literate, is it guided like most hardware?

[FN-GM]

I have only setup Windows Server 2003 Standard & Enterprise. Apparently SBS (Small Business Server) is really simple. To be honest its not that hard to set it up for Standard & Enterprise.

[PeterW]

SBS is wizard based you shouldnt really have many problems on initial setup, there should be a setup guide on the MS site link I posted. Also check out the forum on smallbizserver.net that should give you some clues as to the kind of problems you may encounter.

[StewartKnight]

windows XP can network upto 10 computers without having to use a server.

That might be a cheaper solution, without adding to Mr Gates retirement fund!

[FN-GM]

But you can make a network allot more secure with a server. How will the computers be connected to the network? Ethernet? Wireless? You also might want to note that:

 

Only one computer in a domain can be running Windows Server 2003 for Small Business Server.

Windows Small Business Server must be the root of the Active Directory forest.

Windows Small Business Server cannot trust any other domains. It cannot have any child domains.

Windows Small Business Server is limited to 75 users or devices depending on which type of CAL.

Terminal Services only operates in remote administration mode on the server running Small Business Server, and only two simultaneous RDP sessions are allowed. (Change from SBS 2000 policy)

To remove these restrictions and upgrade to regular editions of Windows Server, Exchange Server, SQL Server and ISA Server, there is a Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 Transition Pack.

 

But this probably wont effect you.

[james3200]

We do have a current network with XP in the office, but it is getting far to slow to work with as work picks up, i think the server is the way to go for us as we will be expanding in the near future also.

 

The computers will be connected via ethernet, guess we need an ethernet switch too then..

 

James

[FN-GM]

What speed is the ethernet at? I would recomend 100mbs. I agree the server is the way forward.

[FN-GM]

this switch should be ok for what you want http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/119339

[james3200]

It would be - 2x Broadcom® NetXtreme 5721 Single Port Gigabit Ethernet NIC, Cu, PCIe, guess that is at 100mbs?? also found this switch so that should do it

 

James

[FN-GM]

Yes that would do but from the experience of dell switches i have had never again for me! But do you need a new one?

[james3200]

Not really, i could have a look on fleabay to see what is around, any good makes for them then?