What is Windows 2000 Server?

[ddeder]

Is this the same as Windows 2000 Professional?

Also, if you can share printers via a network without any special software, why would one need a special printer server?

 

[Sukhoi]

No, it's the next higher up version from Win2K Pro. 🙂 Much more expensive too.

You only need a special printer server if you don't want the networked printer running off a PC that someone is also using.

 

[HJB417]

can be setup as a full function software router

 

[ddeder]

So what does Windows 2000 Server give you that Windows 2000 Pro does not? Which would make more sense for a small business with 10 or fewer computers?

 

[ktwebb]

On a LAN that small you could run a pro box as a simple file or print server. There are several things server gives you that pro does not. I guess the most important thing would be as a domain controller. Active directory services, things like a full featured IIS, ability to run exchange server, SQL, etc, etc.... Sounds like for your needs, pro would be adequate.

 

[CrazyHelloDeli]

Just remeber that 2KPro can only service 10 max similtanious connections for shared resources.

 

[ddeder]

So if I eventually have 12 computers on my network, I will have to go to Microsoft 2000 Server?

 

[lowtech1]

So if I eventually have 12 computers on my network, I will have to go to Microsoft 2000 Server?

You don't have to upgrade to Server edition. It means that only 10 concurrent connection can happen at a time. It is seldom that greater than 30% of client computers need live connection to the server at any given moment, therefore you could have greater than 10 client computers?except that you have to login and out of the server everytime you need to access it.

The other posibility is to run a Linux server because you don't have to paid $1300.00 for Win2k Server with 5 CAL. I can't remember MS pricing off hand, but I think it could cost you an addtitional $100.00 extra per connection on top of the standard 5 CAL bundle.

 

[Woodie]

Keep in mind that "connection" in MS's view means each connection to the "server". So, if user1 connects to a share, and then connects to the shared printer, that's two "connections". Assuming that every user did that, you could only have 5 users.

W2K Pro will severely limit your ability to use the device as a server. W2K Server has no such limitation. (there is licensing, but you can get that.)

The server edition is also configured out of the box to optimize it's performance as a server, rather than a workstation. Just a little thing.

With 12 users...I would expect you to need the real Server pretty soon, so you might as well buy it now, and only configure it once.

--Woodie