which server software to use

I am installing a network server for about 20 computers. The server
is basically just for file sharing and storage (i.e. we're not using
any database programs requiring SQL).

Do I need Microsoft Server 2003 or can I get away with running XP
Professional?

Also, rather than installing mirroring hard-drives, I was
contemplating installing a second server (identical to the first)
and doing a full file copy every night. That way, if the
motherboard dies on the main server, I can just change the computer
name and IP on the backup server and it's business as usual.

I would appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks.

P.S. another problem - about 25% of the computers in our office are
still using Win95/98. This may be a problem with Microsoft Server?

> I am installing a network server for about 20 computers. The server
> is basically just for file sharing and storage (i.e. we're not using
> any database programs requiring SQL).
>
> Do I need Microsoft Server 2003 or can I get away with running XP
> Professional?


XP will allow ONLY 10 concurrent connections. I would suggest setting up Win
2k3 server now, unless your company is planning on getting smaller.


> P.S. another problem - about 25% of the computers in our office are
> still using Win95/98. This may be a problem with Microsoft Server

No Problem at all.


hth
DDS W 2k MVP MCSE

"David" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:CF25A55D-036F-4584-8EF0-(E-Mail Removed)...
> I am installing a network server for about 20 computers. The server
> is basically just for file sharing and storage (i.e. we're not using
> any database programs requiring SQL).
>
> Do I need Microsoft Server 2003 or can I get away with running XP
> Professional?
>
> Also, rather than installing mirroring hard-drives, I was
> contemplating installing a second server (identical to the first)
> and doing a full file copy every night. That way, if the
> motherboard dies on the main server, I can just change the computer
> name and IP on the backup server and it's business as usual.
>
> I would appreciate your thoughts.
>
> Thanks.
>
> P.S. another problem - about 25% of the computers in our office are
> still using Win95/98. This may be a problem with Microsoft Server?
>

Use Linux with Samba - its free



David wrote:
> I am installing a network server for about 20 computers. The server
> is basically just for file sharing and storage (i.e. we're not using
> any database programs requiring SQL).
>
> Do I need Microsoft Server 2003 or can I get away with running XP
> Professional?
>
> Also, rather than installing mirroring hard-drives, I was
> contemplating installing a second server (identical to the first)
> and doing a full file copy every night. That way, if the
> motherboard dies on the main server, I can just change the computer
> name and IP on the backup server and it's business as usual.
>
> I would appreciate your thoughts.
>
> Thanks.
>
> P.S. another problem - about 25% of the computers in our office are
> still using Win95/98. This may be a problem with Microsoft Server?
>