Setting up my first server w/ server2003. Is there a guide somewhere to get me started?

[dalearyous]

basically i got an athlon 1.2ghz machine with gig of ram and 40 gig hd im going to make into a server. i got server 2003 from my school and want to setup the unit as a server. i live in a "frat" like house (10 guys downstairs and 9 girls upstairs) and i want to setup a server to do the following: (if its possible)

combine dsl and cable internet connections into a load balancing setup.
monitor internet traffic to each computer (so i can see who is using the most)
obviously have the server assign IPs to all the computers
share files
share printers
anything else that would be fun to mess around with (such as temporarily blocking people to the internet that i don't like, heh)

the current setup is this: i have dsl feeding wireless router which is connected to 8 port switch. this covers the bottom half of the house

the top half has cable internet to wireless router to 16 port switch.

is there a guide on how to setup basic server to do these certain tasks? are all these tasks possible? the load balancing is important incase one internet goes out we will have the other to back it up. i have a router that could do it now but it was only 70 bucks and has some issues sometimes.

edit**
to give you an idea of how adept i am in networking...ive had my own network since i was 14 (6 years now) and can do just about anything that any "home user" would ever want to do.

 

[dalearyous]

anyone

 

[imported_pak9rabid]

As long as you're in the mood for learning, I'd recommend ditching the server 2003 bullshit and installing Linux on this box. You can do everything listed above plus way more. Learning to do this stuff in Linux will have a learning curve greater than server 2003, but it will be FAR worth it. If you manage to get Linux down in a server environment, your chances of getting a high paying job in the IT world increase dramatically. I don't think any server should run Windows unless absolutely necessary. In my opinion, Windows is a wasteful environment for a server. The need for a GUI on a server is unnecessary and wastes resources.

You should download the most recent version of Fedora Core and install that. That's a good Linux distribution that's easy to learn on (ftp://redhat.taygeta.com/pub/RedHat/fedora/core/5/i386//iso/). You can download all of the CD's there in ISO format.

Hit me up if you want to go this route. I'm willing to provide as much help as you need, just PM me and we can communicate thru IM from there.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: pak9rabid
....n my opinion, Windows is a wasteful environment for a server. The need for a GUI on a server is unnecessary and wastes resources.

Uh....OK.

If that works for your clients/employers, that's kewl. My clients want Server Operating Systems that host the business tools they need, are reliable, and are easy and inexpensive to maintain. They don't want to pay for a full-time IT person and they often want to make minor changes (add accounts and mailboxes) by themselves.

I guess we have different clients.

 

[RebateMonger]

You aren't going to easily be able to do "load balancing" of your DSL and Cable connections. If all you want is to switch back and forth between the connection, then that can be most easily done with a 2-input router. They aren't that pricey.

Server 2003 with ISA 2004 installed will meet your other needs, including monitoring Internet usage and controlling who can use the Internet. You can get a free 180-day trial version of ISA 2004 from Microsoft, and there are free online tutorials and labs on how to configure and manage it.

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger

Originally posted by: pak9rabid
....n my opinion, Windows is a wasteful environment for a server. The need for a GUI on a server is unnecessary and wastes resources.

Uh....OK.

If that works for your clients/employers, that's kewl. My clients want Server Operating Systems that host the business tools they need, are reliable, and are easy and inexpensive to maintain. They don't want to pay for a full-time IT person and they often want to make minor changes (add accounts and mailboxes) by themselves.

Technically it _is_ true though - a GUI on a server has no purpose. It reduces reliability rather than adds to it, and minor admin tasks like managing mailboxes and printers can be done through web interfaces.

I guess we have different clients.

But the OP doesn't have a client, he has a 1.2Ghz athlon, probably with 256MB memory. Running windows server on this hardware would leave only 50-100MB for use by applications whereas a CLI linux setup could leave 200MB or more free.

If all you want is to switch back and forth between the connection, then that can be most easily done with a 2-input router. They aren't that pricey.

Or you could just do it with Linux.

You can get a free 180-day trial version of ISA 2004 from Microsoft

Or you could get Linux free forever from almost anywhere

OP - I would definately run Linux on this hardware, mostly because of performace, but that's only because I already know how to use it... You would have to learn how to set up IPtables (firewalling, traffic control) and Samba (file sharing) to get it going. If you do choose to use windows, I've always found the Microsoft site to be the best place to get this kind of info. As rebatemonger says, they have some good online tutorials.

 

[imported_pak9rabid]

Rebate Monger, I understand the need for a Windows environment for END USERS. For a server, however, I would never touch Windows unless there was an absolute need for it that I cannot forsee (maybe for an Exchange server, but from what I understand you can use Linux for this nowadays as well (http://freshmeat.net/projects/osmer/ for more info on thtat)). I'm looking at this purely from a technological standpiont. I understand the need for a server OS in the business world that is easier for the average user to maintain, thus being more cost effective, but this is going to be in a home environment, not a business, so that is irrelevent in this case. In any event, Windows not only consumes are large amount of hard drive space, but it also has a much larger memory footprint than a properly configured Linux-based server. Not to mention Windows is expensive as hell, comared to Linux which can be obtained for free. I've been running Gentoo for my home server as a http, ftp, samba, nfs, and cups server and it's rock solid. The only time the box is rebooted is if I need to install a new kernel, or if the power goes out.

As I said earlier, Windows is a good OS for end users due to it's ease of use. My ideal network combines both Unix and Windows machines; some variant of Unix running on servers and Windows running on workstations. I'm a firm believer of using the right tools for the right job.

In any event, dalearyous you are in a prime situation to learn the ropes of Linux. I wish I had a network composed of 19 users at my house.

Again, if you really decide to go the Linux route, PM me. I would be more than happy to offer any help that you'd need.

 

[Goosemaster]

1. windows route will be easier and more familar.

2. google 'experts exchange' or just go to microsoft.com and search for the particular task you are tryng to acomplish. Their knowledgebase is quite vast.

3. windows, at least on your machine, will use up a great deal of resources that could be better used elsewhere.

4. Linux is harder. Frankly, if you've never used it, it is a LOT harder.

5. Linux is free and VERY VERY capapble. It also uses minal resources if you don't isntall a graphical user interface(gui) and stay in the comman line interface (cli)

6. linux will quickly do what you need.

-Setting up samba (windows file and printer sharing) and setting up dhcp invloves install a few packages and editing a few text files.

-monitoring traffic can be done with MANY MANY tools.


First, decide what you will go with based on the responses in this thread.

 

[imported_pak9rabid]

Although Windows has good documentation online, Unix-based OS's have good documentation installed locally on the box itself, the man pages. If you need documentation for almost anything in a Unix-based OS, just type in `man <package name>'. For example, to pull up documentation to learn how to use iptables to configure your firewall, you'd simply type in `man iptables' from the command line and like magic, you are presented with a discription of what the program does and a detailed list of it's usage synopsis.

 

[dalearyous]

thanks for the posts. based on the machine and what i want to do im leaning more towards linux server. so what if its harder, im almost done with school and will give me something to learn this summer along with PHP.

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: dalearyous
thanks for the posts. based on the machine and what i want to do im leaning more towards linux server. so what if its harder, im almost done with school and will give me something to learn this summer along with PHP.

Well that decides it. There are basically 2 main web application platforms; Windows/IIS/MSSQL/ASP and Linux/Apache/MySQL/PHP - commonly known as a 'LAMP' server. If you're gonna learn PHP you will want to know Linux.

 

[JackMDS]

You got caught with the on line Forum concreteness that follow the believe that what I know/Use Rulez.

The realities of life are the hundreds of thousands of people and places that are using Windows Server systems can not be all wrong (and stupid), neither the one that use Linux.

Most of the comments above are Not wrong, however, they tend to represent the narrow view and specific interest of the posters and not necessarily taking into consideration your needs.

You should defines your goals and needs and follow them as you see fit.

Here is a Site with good basic coverage of Windows2003

http://labmice.techtarget.com/windows2003/default.htm

Here is a collection of links that might help:

http://www.wown.info/articles_tutorials/Windows_2003/ Articles & Tutorials: Windows 2003 ( Scroll down to the second headline ).

Windows Server 2003 Support Center.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;winsvr2003

Configure a NAT Server in Windows Server 2003

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324264

Configure Windows Server 2003 to Function as a Router.]http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;323355#2

Internet Connection Sharing in Windows Server 2003.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324286

Win2003 - Internet Connection Sharing and Related Networking Features.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treevi...aintain/security/ws03mngd/33_s3ics.asp

Turn On the Internet Connection Firewall Feature in Windows Server 2003

http://support.microsoft.com/default.as...cid=kb;en-us;317530&Product=winsvr2003

:sun:

 

[dalearyous]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
You got caught with the on line Forum concreteness that follow the believe that what I know/Use Rulez.

yes i know this exists and i take that into consideration when making decision. about the PHP i know linux hosts PHP but i wasnt planning on using my server to host my webpage because i'd have to get a static IP from my ISP and thats expensive here.

edit* ok i wouldn't have to but it makes things a whole lot easier.

 

[imported_pak9rabid]

dalearyous, you can actually use a service like DynDNS (www.dyndns.org) to point a domain name to your server at home that is on a dynamic IP, voiding the need for a static IP to host your own web site off of your own server. This is a free service. I've been doing this for years with my cable connection and it works great. Also, if you're wanting to learn PHP, then i'd DEFINATELY go with a LAMP setup like Atheus mentioned above. I also happen to know a good amount of PHP, so if you need help there, hit me up. I've coded a lot of ****** using PHP, including a web interface that I coded from scratch for my Linux-based router so that I can check status and configure it.

You're making a wise choice deciding to put Linux on this box. Not only will it run much more smoothly than a Windows-based server (well, once you get over the initial phase of breaking stuff ), but the knowledge you'll gain from doing this will be priceless.

Like I said earlier, I'd be happy to help you out with this.

 

[spikespiegal]

I'd recommend ditching the server 2003 bullshit and installing Linux on this box

I'd recommend not listening to propoganda by another penguin head that can't support such a simple OS to maintain like Win2003.

your chances of getting a high paying job in the IT world increase dramatically.

Like China, Russia and India? I hear Linux based Internet Hosts and Pop Mail Server admins pay top dollar as well {smirk}.

The need for a GUI on a server is unnecessary and wastes resources.

Of course. That's because an entire Windows Domain that's properly configured can have an assistant administrator that has no real formal training in IT help out, but this in not true with Linux system. The Liux system might be cheaper because often there's no license fees, but you need to pay somebody to support it.

Most of the small Windows networks I've worked with can have Sally the secretary or Bob from development set up new users because AD integrates so smoothly. This is tresspassing on the nerd-turf as I call it which is why Windows is based so much by the Linux community.

My conclusion is if Linux is better than Windows because it's free, then I shouldn't have to pay a LInux admin a dime either. Fair is fair.

 

[imported_pak9rabid]

your chances of getting a high paying job in the IT world increase dramatically.

quote:
The need for a GUI on a server is unnecessary and wastes resources.

Like China, Russia and India? I hear Linux based Internet Hosts and Pop Mail Server admins pay top dollar as well {smirk}.

Lets not forget the US (http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20050406-040914-1985r.htm)

The Liux system might be cheaper because often there's no license fees, but you need to pay somebody to support it.

Yea, like your systems administrator which you'd (hopefully) have even with NT servers..

Most of the small Windows networks I've worked with can have Sally the secretary or Bob from development set up new users because AD integrates so smoothly. This is tresspassing on the nerd-turf as I call it which is why Windows is based so much by the Linux community.

Yea, and the same can be accomplished with tools such as Webmin (http://www.webmin.com/) thru a webpage..

My conclusion is if Linux is better than Windows because it's free, then I shouldn't have to pay a LInux admin a dime either. Fair is fair.

The fact that Linux is free is just one of many reasons why it's a better choice for a server. Personally, if I'm working with a set budget I'd rather more money go to the admin than some company that can't manage to make deadlines..

 

[JackMDS]

If you would run an honest survey in public forums you would find that the people that are at the top of the profession (like few of the long time participant on this forum) Would recommend Windows or Linux according to the issue at hand, and would Not be part of Only this or Only that.

Most of the Only Penguin Pusher are using it at Home, or in small businesses that are a captive audience. I.e. the business owner knows Nothing about computers and does Not understand that while he gets the distribution free it cost him much more to support it.

:sun:

As For the Actual Topic: Setting up PHP to work on Windows Server 2003.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
As For the Actual Topic: Setting up PHP to work on Windows Server 2003.

Yup. php is just another scripting language. They all run on Windows if you want to use them.

I've set up phpBB on my home XP Professional box, just for yucks. But I wouldn't trust it on my own SBS Server. Keep phpBB updated. It's a favorite for hackers. There have been some account exposure vulnerabilities, and I've seen some unpatched phpBB boards that have been totally owned.

btw....ASP.NET 2.0 is really nice for web and application design.

 

[imported_pak9rabid]

I wasn't ever a fan of VB-based languages. I took a web services class last semester where we coded everything in ASP.NET. I prefer PHP over ASP only because I come from a C/C++/Java background, and PHP has a C-style syntax. Both scripting languages are fine and you can use either platform to run either of these languages. The concepts were interesting, as it was the first time I had been exposed to .NET and SOAP. To be honest, though, we spent more time getting IIS to work right than actually learning about writing web services. We were supposed to learn how to work with web services in the .NET framwork and with Java using websphere, but we spent so much time on the .NET part of the class because of problems with IIS that we never really had time to get to writing and consuming web services with Java . Ah well...maybe I'll pick that up later down the road.

 

[blemoine]

Linux is free if you know how to use it or you are capable of learning how to use it. IF not Linux can become very expensive. BTW pak9rabid what do you charge for your services? you could train a golden retriever to maintain a Windows Server.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: blemoine
you could train a golden retriever to maintain a Windows Server.

Maybe. But it'd have to be a SMART golden retreiver.

 

[spyordie007]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger

Originally posted by: blemoine
you could train a golden retriever to maintain a Windows Server.

Maybe. But it'd have to be a SMART golden retreiver.

Dont try anything new; there are enough Jr. Admins out there as it is that cant handle it.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: RebateMongerMaybe. But it'd have to be a SMART golden retreiver.

Actually, you can train Cats as well, http://www.petniks.com(Scroll half a page down).

You would see there a Golden and a Yorkie, the Yorkie is much smarter than the Golden.

:sun:

 

[imported_pak9rabid]

blemoine, which services are you in the market for..I can do a wide variety of things .

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
You would see there a Golden and a Yorkie, the Yorkie is much smarter than the Golden.

The only problem with Yorkies is they have a problem with subnetting.

Last year, I helped my Australian Shepherd get his BrainBench certificate in NT Network Administration.

I told some people on the Deals Forum where I used to hang out, and a few of them got PO'd at me. They thought that was devaluing their own BrainBench certifications.