upgrade 2000 network advice

[rocknrollstar]

Hi, we currently have 30 desktops and over 50 laptops at our junior school, all XP Pro sp2 clients, and an ageing Win2k server.

 

Due to building works, we are having a new rack of switches put in, and I'd like to upgrade our server. A few questions:

1- Should I go to 2003 or 2008? What the cheapest? Do I need a license for each client?

2- What's the min spec you would have for a new server? Currently the server handles everything needed for the network (e.g. shared files and printers/AD/DHCP/DNS).

3- anyone recommend any companies? Although I manage the school network, I'm not sure I could setup and install a new server. (is there a migration tool to take the settings from the old to the new server?).

 

Budget is less than £1500.

 

Thanks in advance.

[Michael]

1. Licenses you purchase now would be for Server 2008, but I would recommend you stick with the more mature Server 2003 with SP2.

 

2. Minimum specification would typically be a Core 2 Duo/Xeon 2GHz, 2GB of RAM (memory), 400GB+ SATA II Hard Drive(s), Gigabit Ethernet (1000Mbps). Most of the big OEMs would be your best bet. Check what warranties they offer as standard.

 

3. As for migrating roles etc... I would probably in your situation upgrade the 2000 Server to 2003 Server, then transfer the 5 roles (including the schema), Global Catalog, DNS and DHCP