What to do with a 2003 Standard Server?

[Dijital]

Alright guys I'm going to install Server '03 tonight I'm thinking but I'm curious as to what kind of things I should do with it, and would prefer any visual tutorials that you guys can recommend. Should also note that my 'server' will bea Pentium III 933MHz with 512mb RAM. Suggestions?

[MazX_Napalm]

Low power computer.... not so good for a DC, but as a web server it would be ok. Or ftp or even a secondary dns server.

If you are in a CAD house then installing Adobe Distiller is an option. Allows AutoCAD users to "plot" to EPS files and deposit them on the server. Watched folders in Distiller then convert the EPS to a PDF. Great for batch plotting.

Or just a simple file server.

Lastly you could use it for backing up data. The server collects data from the other servers / pc's / NAS's .... and gets it ready for backing up. This reduces the load on the main servers as disk to disk copy is a lot faster than disk to tape. Once the data is assembled it can then be backed up to tape.

[Dijital]

I should note this is just a home server and more or less for me to starting learning the ins and outs of server 03, get my feet a bit wet if you will.

[MazX_Napalm]

Ok, yes you could setup a "proper" server if it is just for learning.

Firstly get some imaging software. There is free stuff out there. This is going to save you a lot of time everytime you screw up. Create images along the way just before a major change.

Server 2003 is very easy to setup, even as a DC. It is wizard driven and not easy to screw up. MS website is full of step-by-step guides. They cover almost every step. CBT Nuggets does some very good video tutorials.

[Dijital]

Great, what kinda servers/services would you recommend implementing and that would be easy enough to setup?

[glazzz]

File Server or Print Server. If you really want to, use it as a DCHP/DNS/FILE/PRINT server for your workgroup

[Dijital]

I forgot that I have a AMD Athlon 1.4GHz with like 1gb ram or 2 not sure, may use that instead.

[bobbba]

if you really want to learn 2003 server, set it up as a Domain Controller and Active Directory.

[alwood]

If you want to learn Windows 2003 infrastructure, setup virtual infrastructure with DC and several workstations based on VMWare or Virtural PC. Install Active Directory and DNS. These are core features and without experience in working with them you will not go much deep into how it works. The only problem here with your setup is memory but you can toggle VMs off when needed. I also recommend setting up Exchange server and start working with profiles and mailboxes. New Exchange has many improvements. You will be interested.

[neufuse Veteran]

  MazX_Napalm said:

Low power computer.... not so good for a DC, but as a web server it would be ok. Or ftp or even a secondary dns server.

If you are in a CAD house then installing Adobe Distiller is an option. Allows AutoCAD users to "plot" to EPS files and deposit them on the server. Watched folders in Distiller then convert the EPS to a PDF. Great for batch plotting.

Or just a simple file server.

Lastly you could use it for backing up data. The server collects data from the other servers / pc's / NAS's .... and gets it ready for backing up. This reduces the load on the main servers as disk to disk copy is a lot faster than disk to tape. Once the data is assembled it can then be backed up to tape.

oh psh, that would work perfecly fine for a small domain controller under 25 people... as long as your not replicating... We had Windows 2000 domains running 100 people replicated across 3 DC's on P3 500MHz systems a few years ago...

Edited March 21, 2007 by neufuse

[Dijital]

Any other suggestions?

[JK1150]

You could try setting up an active directory. I recommend this guide:

http://petri.co.il/how_to_install_active_d...indows_2003.htm