win2000 server edition

[halve]

I just recently got my hands on a copy of windows 2000 server. I was thinking about upgrading my server pc with it.

Here is my home layout as of right now. My server is running windows xp professional, it shares out internet to 3 other pcs at my home, runs apache2, and mercury smtp/pop3. I have no complaints with windows xp pro, the firewall is very easy to use and works for me.

The only reason I would like to try windows 2k server is because I think it would be a good thing to learn how to use. I would like to setup domain login, and maybe ms exchange for a email package. My only real worry is that I do not have a firewall setup in front of the 2k server. I dont think 2k comes with a built in firewall?


But then again, maybe I should just take the time and learn FreeBSD/

What do you guys reccomend?

Thanks much

halve

 

[mikecel79]

Win2k Server is very powerful but it is significtly more complicated that XP Pro. They share a lot of common features but the Server features are very complex. If you want to setup a Domain you'll need to install Active Directory which if your unfamiliar with it is very complex. You'll also need to setup DNS then. You need to know what your doing in order set this up. If you want to use Exchange you'll also need to setup AD. Exchange is another program that is very complex also. I suggest you do some reading on Microsoft's site before you jump into this.

You can always install a firewall on Win2k Server also. BlackIce works nicely.

Mike

 

[LiLithTecH]

What type of hardware will you be installing it on?

Win2k Server is very resource intensive and you may find WinXP more robust with
your current setup.

 

[halve]

The server would run a 900mhz duron, with 640 mb ram. I have setup a dns before, but never active directory. Do you know of any good literature on Active directory or win 2000 server for that matter?


Thanks much

Halve

 

[mikecel79]

Go to TechNet and do a search on Windows 2000 Server and on Active Directory. There will be TONS of information on how to do it. TechNet is great, lots of info. Active Directory is very powerful but takes a while to master.

I have this setup at home a Dual PII 266 256MB running Win2k Server SP3, and Exchange 2000 Server. It is my File/Print/E-mail/NAT/DNS and runs a small website and I do some testing and development on it also. It runs perfectly fine on this and it's very stable. It acts as the server for the other 3 machines on my network also. It's going to be upgraded soon with more diskspace to serve as my MP3 server for an AudioTron.

If you got anymore questions just let me know.

Mike