Can XP act as a Server

[Advocate]

Might be a draft question but can XP act as a server? I have an XP office machine which I want others to be able to access both in the office wirelessly and remotely,also want them to be able to share files and a wireless printer - I know it would be easier with server os but I dont have one for this instance. The other machines are all various versions on win7 on laptops.

[krisd32]

XP will only allow 10 other users to connect to it at once. so i'd bear that in mind.

[FN-GM]

If you upgrade to windows 7 the connection limit has been increased i think. Edited April 12, 2011 by FN-GM

[matt40k]

XP will only allow 10 other users to connect to it at once. so i'd bear that in mind.

 

10 connections - so mapping a printer and a network drive is two.

[localzuk]

All versions of Windows 7 have a 20 inbound connection limit, rather than 10 with XP.

[Hightower]

10 connections - so mapping a printer and a network drive is two.

 

Don't think it works like that. You can map as many drives and printers as you like. A connection is classed as a single computer connecting to the 'server'. 10 connections is 10 devices.

[CyberNerd]

an artificially enforced connection limit in Xp and windows 7 renders them both defective by design.

[dayzd]

an artificially enforced connection limit in Xp and windows 7 renders them both defective by design.

Well, you can argue that both ways.

 

XP and W7 are not designed to be server OSs. If you choose to use one as such, you can expect their to be limitations - 'artificially' engineered or otherwise.

[cpjitservices]

Why not use some sort of Linux server OS ? like Ubuntu Server ? It's free

[glennda]

Why not use some sort of Linux server OS ? like Ubuntu Server ? It's free

 

yeah as mentioned above - i would try some sort of linux distro and then use Samba for file/print services.

[cpjitservices]

chances are Ubuntu will have the drivers for the wireless printer in already so just plug in share and go - you may have to setup Samba for sharing - seems the easiest solution.

[CyberNerd]

Well, you can argue that both ways.

 

XP and W7 are not designed to be server OSs. If you choose to use one as such, you can expect their to be limitations - 'artificially' engineered or otherwise.

 

I don't generally expect that when I buy something (not just software) that the manufacturer should cripple it in any way, just so that I buy an 'enhanced' version that has no such artificial limitations. MS seemed to have pioneered a culture where it now seems acceptable!

 

As others mentions, Linux (even a desktop 'version') is probably the best bet here.

[matt40k]

Getting back on topic, do they need to use the machine - for example does it need to run MS Office\SIMS\something else that needs Windows? If so, Windows Server\Linux is out, I think a fancy NAS might be a good option if XP\7 won't do it.