Introduction to Windows Server

[Mhaddy]

This is my first foray into Windows Server, and I need a little guidance on selecting the correct version. I don't need anything too advanced, just a stable OS capable of running a client/server application accessible by 7 users across 2 locations.

In fact, I'm not even sure Windows Server is right for me - Server 2003 versus 2008 versus XP or Windows 7. I'm rather lost.

 

[VinylxScratches]

XP and 7 aren't server class.. they only allow 10 concurrent connections.

Only OS worth getting is 2008 R2 Std in windows land.

What are you trying to program or run? You might be better off with a *nix variant.

 

[Mhaddy]

I guess it's the "server class" that I'm lost on. Are the only differences concurrent connections? Given I have <10 users currently, I could run XP/7, it wouldn't allow for growth in the future.

The software I'm looking to run is a point of sale, inventory, and accounting package called Windward System 5: http://wws5.com/

What upgrades/features/benefits do I get from 2008 R2 Std that I would not find in say, 2003?

 

[Chiefcrowe]

2008 R2 has many features that could be useful, many of which are listed here:
https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Windows_Server_2008_R2

One other thing to keep in mind is that 2003 is already at the end of it's mainstream support cycle:
http://support.microsoft.com/lifecy...&alpha=windows+server+2003+R2&Filter=FilterNO

So, personally I would recommend only using server 2008 R2 or higher. You could also try small business server if you don't have as many users.
https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Windows_Small_Business_Server

 

[Lifted]

Sounds like SBS is what you want. SBS 2011 Essentials is half the price of 2008 R2 Standard and doesn't require CALs. It's limited to 25 users and 25 PC's.

 

[Mhaddy]

Chiefcrowe - thank you for the links and Lifted, sounds like you're right: SBS 2011 looks like a pretty good fit. I had a chat with the Windward guys and the only key feature I need is the support of terminal services as the second location will be connecting to the application remotely. SBS 2011 I think supports this.

Given the "ma and pa" style of business, features like AD, virtualization, web services, pushing out of patches and so forth aren't required... though nice to have in the future.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Do not even think of using XP or 7 for server applications, even if it's just file sharing. I had an imaging server up, I figured Win7 would be enough, and it constantly hit the connection limit, and other flaky issues. Installed 08 r2 std, and the box was solid.

 

[Lifted]

Chiefcrowe - thank you for the links and Lifted, sounds like you're right: SBS 2011 looks like a pretty good fit. I had a chat with the Windward guys and the only key feature I need is the support of terminal services as the second location will be connecting to the application remotely. SBS 2011 I think supports this.

Given the "ma and pa" style of business, features like AD, virtualization, web services, pushing out of patches and so forth aren't required... though nice to have in the future.

If you're looking for RDS (Remote Desktop Services - no longer called Terminal Services) you cannot do this with SBS Essentials or Standard. It requires Premium which is more than you need to spend. Cheapest route is to go with 2008 R2 Standard and a CAL for each user using RDS. A 5 pack of CAL's will run you $300 which isn't so bad. Server 2008 R2 Standard is $800 and already includes 5 Server 2008 R2 CAL's (not the same as the RDS CAL). You'll need to purchase a couple more as you have 7 users accessing the server (1 for each user).

You will definitely want to verify that the application you are looking to host is supported under 2008 R2 RDS.

I'm actually not sure if RDS will run without AD being present. I've never tried. It might be possible but you should check on that as well unless somebody else here can verify that configuration is possible. Regardless, a basic AD setup for 7 users isn't too time consuming.

 

[Mhaddy]

If you're looking for RDS (Remote Desktop Services - no longer called Terminal Services) you cannot do this with SBS Essentials or Standard. It requires Premium which is more than you need to spend. Cheapest route is to go with 2008 R2 Standard and a CAL for each user using RDS. A 5 pack of CAL's will run you $300 which isn't so bad. Server 2008 R2 Standard is $800 and already includes 5 Server 2008 R2 CAL's (not the same as the RDS CAL). You'll need to purchase a couple more as you have 7 users accessing the server (1 for each user).

I have my user numbers a bit off -- there are 3 in head office, 2 in the remote, and 1 for the vendor for support.

The way Microsoft packages its software is so very confusing. Here's the list I'm working from. Here's what I believe to be the correction options: Server 2008 R2 Standard ($760) that comes with a 5 user CAL (perfect for HO) and 3x RDS CAL ($115x3). Is this correct?

You will definitely want to verify that the application you are looking to host is supported under 2008 R2 RDS.

Already emailed the vendor, thanks for the reminder!

I'm actually not sure if RDS will run without AD being present. I've never tried. It might be possible but you should check on that as well unless somebody else here can verify that configuration is possible. Regardless, a basic AD setup for 7 users isn't too time consuming.

I will be looking at this as a learning experience, I'm sure I can handle it. And if not, there's always this forum .

 

[Lifted]

Looks good to me. Purchasing an RDS CAL for the vendor is probably overkill. They can always log on using an administrative account for maintenance, and from there they can connect to a logged on users session to provide support for the remote staff.

 

[Mhaddy]

Very cool, thanks Lifted.

 

[IamDavid]

Kind of a thread highjacking but:
I'm looking to replace my old WHS and see nothing special with WHS 2011. Any benifits withSBS? I host files to access when traveling and backup 5pc's/workstations regularly.

 

[Mhaddy]

So my server has arrived (HP ProLiant ML110 G7) and I just finished installing Win Server 2008 Std R2 (yay). I'm working my way through the initial configuration tasks and I'm wondering where to start with the rest of server configuration. I understand that I might want to install a few roles like the network policy and access services if I want to get VPN setup, and Remote Desktop Services to allow my 1-2 users in the remote office to connect to the server.

But in terms of ensuring the system is properly hardened, do I need to set up active directory, do I need an antivirus program, how to make the server 'push' out Windows Updates to other computers on the network... I'm a bit flustered. I'm working my way through the MS TechNet, the system help and the free eBook MS was giving away when you signed up to a mailing list (Introducing Windows Server 2008 R2 by Charlie Russel and Craig Zacker) but I'm wondering if anyone here has any helpful tips or guides that they can share to help me on my way?

 

[SViscusi]

But in terms of ensuring the system is properly hardened, do I need to set up active directory, do I need an antivirus program, how to make the server 'push' out Windows Updates to other computers on the network... I'm a bit flustered. I'm working my way through the MS TechNet, the system help and the free eBook MS was giving away when you signed up to a mailing list (Introducing Windows Server 2008 R2 by Charlie Russel and Craig Zacker) but I'm wondering if anyone here has any helpful tips or guides that they can share to help me on my way?

Updates are managed using WSUS http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/bb332157so take a look through that section and see if it's right for you.

I'm very much a Server 08 noob, but I do believe installing the Terminal Services Role on an 08 machine with ad installed pops up a warning. It should work though.