Stupid question on Microsoft CALs

darkconz

Member
Aug 4, 2004
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Hi there,

From my institution, I was provided with some Microsoft softwares that I am allowed to test on my own test beds for educational use only. I obtained a copy of Windows 2003 Server and I am interested to test it out in a real network situation. As I can tell, I need CALs for the client PCs. This is my first time doing server/network related stuff and if anyone could tell me what CAL is really for? Say if I purchase the 5 CAL pack for Windows 2003 Server from my local stores, do I just buy it for the sake of legally using the software or where do I have to enter the CALs (obviously I?ve never bought CALs before?)?

On the 2 test beds I did, I performed a fresh install of W2K3 Server on one desktop and joined the domain on the other desktop. However, I wasn?t supplied with any CALs with this key I installed Win2k3 with so I am not sure even if I have to buy CAL, where would I enter the numbers?

Haha I am a little confused =\ Thanks for replying.
 

RebateMonger

Elite Member
Dec 24, 2005
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Server 2003 comes with a minimum of five CALs built-in. There are three different CAL licensing modes, so you have to decide which licensing mode is best for you. This is all "legal" stuff, since CAL licensing doesn't actually WORK in Server 2003 (except for SBS 2003 and Terminal Services licensing, which DO work). Licensing mode is determined during installation. License keys are entered in the Server.

It's not clear what sort of use you are planning for these servers. Microsoft has Trial versions of the servers that are good for six months and wouldn't require any licenses or purchases as long as you have less than five users or devices connected.
 

darkconz

Member
Aug 4, 2004
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Because for this version i have provided by my institution, there were no fields for me to input any CALs during the installation. I was only asked to select Per server or Per seat and with Per server, I was able to enter how many cocurrent connections I have. So I am wondering what is it that really comes with the package when I buy Win2k3 Server.

Thanks for the reply tho RebateMonger
 

RebateMonger

Elite Member
Dec 24, 2005
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Originally posted by: darkconz
Because for this version i have provided by my institution, there were no fields for me to input any CALs during the installation.
You don't input CALs during installation. You only choose between "Per seat" and "Per Server" modes. If you are going to have more than a couple of servers and if you have many Users accessing all of your servers, you'd normally NOT chose "Per Server" mode, since it can greatly increase the number of CALs you'd need. The licensing mode decision can be complex and requires looking at how each server will be accessed by Users or Computers.