What do Client Licenses Really Mean?

[GizmoFreak]

I'm looking to set up a very simple Windows fileserver. Can't go Linux.

People will just be accessing files and folders on it via the Network Neighborhood. The catch however is that I need it to accomodate more than 10 simultaneous users accessing files. So that throws Win 2k or XP Pro out the window.

So I was looking at Windows Server os's. It seems there are several Client License packages running from 5 to 25 to more. If I don't need the server to host a domain, do I still need to spring for more than 10 licenses? Is the client license just the number of computers that can simultaneously log into the domain hosted by the server? Or is there no difference?

I just need to share a folder on this server and have 20 or more people be able to access the files simultaneously via Network neighborhood.

Please help. Thanks

 

[ITJunkie]

The CAL's allow how many can connect to server shares. If you have more clients than licenses, someone will have trouble connecting to and/or mapping drives to the server. Whether or not the same applies in a workgroup I am not sure.

Your best bet is to just pay for the CAL's you will need.

Why can't you go Linux? Linux with Samba setup is a great alternative for those who don't have the fundage for MS licenses. It's reasonably easy to setup and its cost is next to nothing (cost of server only). IMHO

 

[GizmoFreak]

Can't go Linux due to bureaucratic tape I can't wade through here.

I want minimal hassle from the powers that be.

Yeah, I'm really curious to know if you need all those CAL's for a workgoup. There is a considerable price difference obviously.

 

[Winchester]

Look at Small Business Server, it is cheaper

 

[Nothinman]

Technically you need them to be legal, but last I saw you just told Windows how many you had and it took your word for it.

 

[GizmoFreak]

But if I bought a 5 pack license, would more than 5 people be able to simultaneously access files on the server?

 

[Nothinman]

Not legally, that's the point of the CALs, otherwise what good would they be?

 

[GizmoFreak]

How about functionally?


Because with Windows 2000 or XP, it allows a maximum of 10 connections. The 11th guy can't get connected...

 

[Nothinman]

Because you're using the workstation version of the OSes, Windows 2000 Server will work, Pro won't, just like Win2K3 will work but XP Pro won't.

 

[GizmoFreak]

Sorry, still not clear.

So if I buy Windows 2003 Small Business Server w/ 5 CAL, let's say, then will 10 users in the same workgroup be able to download files from this server simultaneously?

 

[Nothinman]

I don't know about SBS specifically, but last I saw with both NT and Win2K Server you told the OS how many CALs you had and it just took your word for it. Also I believe each Win2K Pro counts as a client license, but I'm not sure since I try to avoid MS Licensing as much as possible.

 

[GizmoFreak]

Hmm, in that case, we have an Windows 2000 Pro license for each user...
So then could I just get the Windows Server with 5 CAL's and then allow the additional 15 users to connect via using their own Windows 2000 Pro license?


Argh, this is pretty confusing

 

[Nothinman]

Argh, this is pretty confusing

Welcome to MS Licensing.

 

[GizmoFreak]

Hmm, in that case, we have an Windows 2000 Pro license for each user...
So then could I just get the Windows Server with 5 CAL's and then allow the additional 15 users to connect via using their own Windows 2000 Pro license?


Argh, this is pretty confusing