First of all, this may not be the correct place for this query - please let me know where is, if it isn't.
Anyways, I currently have 8 XP Pro PCs running on a peer to peer network & the time has come to start considering moving this onto a client / server setup. I have had a look at some of the regular offerings from the likes of MS & Dell, but between hardware & software I am already figuring the price is going to way surpass what funds are available.
I have never used Linux or open source stuff in the past, always going down the regular routes, but now find myself looking for some reliable hardware & software to get some sort of cost effective solution.
All I really need is something that can store & server user identities/settings, serve documents, serve a couple of multi user application databases & distribute external & internal mail.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Anyways, I currently have 8 XP Pro PCs running on a peer to peer network & the time has come to start considering moving this onto a client / server setup. I have had a look at some of the regular offerings from the likes of MS & Dell, but between hardware & software I am already figuring the price is going to way surpass what funds are available.
I have never used Linux or open source stuff in the past, always going down the regular routes, but now find myself looking for some reliable hardware & software to get some sort of cost effective solution.
All I really need is something that can store & server user identities/settings, serve documents, serve a couple of multi user application databases & distribute external & internal mail.
Any advice would be appreciated.