Small Business Server Needed-Which OS or Nas Software?

[itakey]

I want to set up a simple small business server and can use some help determining what might be the best route. Considering something like FreeNas/Nas4Free, or Windows Server. I currently run Windows 7 on my main computers.

Needs:
-Share files between computers in the office. Nothing major, and nearly all the files that need to be shared live on one hard drive
-House multiple hard drives with files, backups, redundancy, etc
-Ability to back up windows computers for redundancy
-Ability to backup hard drives with files on them for redundancy
-I want to have my archive Outlook PST files live on a secondary drive, but they need to be accessible so they can be indexed so I can search old email.

Right now I use a Windows XP machine and when I need to share something I simply share it on the network. I would like to have some control over what users can see shared, and what they cannot.

I'm considering Windows Home Server 2011 since its cheap (About $50), and was told it is supported for 2 solid more years, and will do everything I am asking and more. I figure i'll just upgrade to the more expensive versions later.

I've also considered FreeNas or Nas4Free, but if Windows Home Server 2011 is an easy setup, I'd rather go that route since I am limited on time these days.

Anyone have any feedback to help me decide?

EDIT: I searched around and see that some people recommend running Windows 8 Pro and that it would do all I need. Is this true?

 

[Anteaus]

Ubuntu or Debian Server if you want free and a learning curve. Windows Server 2012 Essentials if you have money and want a familer interface but with a learning curve. Personally, I wouldn't go with WHS 2011 because it is the last of it's line and doesn't support UEFI or GPT out of the box without a hotfix; therefore, you could have problems with installation with some recent hardware configurations. Even without any problems support is a dead end. Based on your criteria, I think WS2012E is what you will want in spite of the expense for a good out of box experience.

http://arstechnica.com/information-...home-server-is-dead-but-we-shouldnt-mourn-it/

Just food for thought. Good luck.

 

[itakey]

Ubuntu or Debian Server if you want free and a learning curve. Windows Server 2012 Essentials if you have money and want a familer interface but with a learning curve. Personally, I wouldn't go with WHS 2011 because it is the last of it's line and doesn't support UEFI or GPT out of the box without a hotfix; therefore, you could have problems with installation with some recent hardware configurations. Even without any problems support is a dead end. Based on your criteria, I think WS2012E is what you will want in spite of the expense for a good out of box experience.

http://arstechnica.com/information-...home-server-is-dead-but-we-shouldnt-mourn-it/

Just food for thought. Good luck.

Thanks for the details. I'd love to mess with a linux distro of sorts, but unfortunately my time is slim these days. So your vote I take it goes to WS2012E. Think Windows 7 Pro or Windows 8 Pro have the functionality I am after, or should I def go with WS2012E? I was trying to save some money since I've been getting by with an old Windows XP machine for the most part, and the sharing requirements around here are pretty simple.

 

[Anteaus]

Others here can probably answers your questions as to whether Windows 7 or 8 Pro can do what your asking, but it sounded like you are looking for something can do what you need out of the box. If you are just looking to move some files around I'm sure it's fine. Windows Server actually has dedicated backup tools that can handle what you want, but I agree it's expensive at least relative to a desktop licenses. Relatively speaking, it is still affordable compared to Windows Server Standard which is twice the price just for the base license and more for the CALs.

I'll defer to the pros around here for more details.