Need help on Server 2003 setup...HELP!

[botepeople]

We have been doing peer to peer setup for years now. We're looking into doing exhange server for collaboration tools/calendars and better managed email server...

looking into better filing of our CAD/photos/spreadsheets/etc. files

we have under ten users at the plant and 3 out of states...looking for them to log in remotely to check their emails and work on mfg/accounting/inventory software..

we're using solidworks, newly bought and not totally setup yet

I'm looking at windows 2003 small business...a good idea? due to huge inital costs of all softwares+3 workstations+1 server, that's pretty much it on the $$.

IThe server is an asus k8n-dl with dual 246 (2.0ghz) cpu's + 2gb of ECC ram...and running on 1 150gb raptor drive...I think it's a good start? anyone care to comment?

My BIG question here is how to get a how-to guide to install server+exhange??? I'm comfortable with plenty of computers and softwares, but the server-client thing, i've never done before...

HELP! thnx

Phil

 

[RebateMonger]

First, congrats on asking first before doing. It's MUCH easier to do a server install the correct way rather than making mistakes and trying to fix them later.

Harry Brelsford's SBS 2003 starter book is a good way to start. It'll walk you through, step-by-step, how to properly install SBS 2003.

SBS MUST be installed correctly, or it'll be a non-functional mess. Those who install SBS for a living will recommend that you do a couple of practice installs, working through all the common mistakes, before doing a final SBS install.

Once correctly installed, SBS 2003 is a fantastic product and is reliable and easy to maintain. But do yourself a favor and read a good hands-on book like Brelsford's.

Regarding Exchange, it's automatically installed and configured. When you join the client computers to the Domain, Outlook 2003 is automatically installed and configured to work with Exchange. It really can't be simpler. But pay CAREFUL attention to the instructions when joining PCs to the Domain. Use the ConnectComputer wizard and understand how it works.

 

[botepeople]

thnx for the tips...I'll give the book a try!

Can windows xp x64 run with 2003 server?

Phil