new to servers

[EEDirect]

I am new to the Server 2003 and I want to setup a domain on a system so that all the employees can log into the server and I can give them the proper read & write levels they would need.
Is this asking more than a novice can do, or is there a straight forward how-to article and/or book that will speak clear english and teach me what I need to know?

 

[dvannoy]

Check Microsoft's website for there best practices on server 2003..that will have all the standard's that MS recomends.

 

[rvnguy]

EEDirect,

Are you a "Server Novice" or a PC Novice?

If the former, this is not more than you are most likey capable of, with a good plan and a step wise approach.

How many clients are we talking about here? If there are around 25 or less, and the organization do not envision doubling in the next 5 years, MS Small Business Server might be an excellent introduction to the "client/server" networking model.

If you are currrently or plan to be larger than about 50 in the next 5 years I would recommend that you start with 2003 Server from the start.

The main difference is that SBS runs all services within a single or on one server, while the std 2003 server separates these major functions. i.e. MS Exchange runs on a separate server. For larger organizations keeping the critical data separate from other functions just makes sense from security and other views.

You might find these links helpful in your decision process:

Server 2003

Comparison

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/evaluation/features/compareeditions.mspx

Books

http://www.microsoftbookstore.com/Results.aspx?SolutionID=3&Solution=Windows Server

Windows Server 2003 Reviewer's Guide

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/techinfo/overview/reviewersguide.mspx

Help in Design for Small IT

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/itsolutions/smbiz/sitsol/default.mspx

Small Business Server:

Small Business Server Home

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/default.mspx

Planning

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/techinfo/planning/default.mspx

rvnguy
"I know everything..I just can't remember it all