What Should I Buy?

[Grandpa0594]

We are currently running Windows XP PRO as our "Server" on a small 5 station network. We are just using file sharing and nothing else. However, we now have a need for 3 laptops to connect via remote Terminal Services. The thought was to move the server to Windows 2003 Server and set it up per User. I've done this before a number of years ago and I have do problems setting up the server. What I wonder though is first of all, is this the right direction to go; and second, do I need to invest $600 for Windows 2003 with the 5 user CAL, or is there a trimmed down release of 2003 Server? Thank you in advance.

 

[58sniper]

You need Windows Server 2003, the appropriate user CALs (3), and Terminal Server user CALs for each use that will connect via Terminal Server.

Pat Richard MVP
Plan for performance, and capacity takes care of itself. Plan for capacity, and suffer poor performance.

http://www.ucblogs.net/blogs/exchange/

 

[edvinh]

You might also want to look at SBS 2003, alot more bang for your buck, IMHO, for a small network it should do the job you need being that TS is included.

Cheers

 

[58sniper]

TS isn't included. You can do Remote Web Workplace, which lets you connect to the workstation from outside, but you can't do regular terminal services, and SBS will block it from being installed if you try.

Pat Richard MVP
Plan for performance, and capacity takes care of itself. Plan for capacity, and suffer poor performance.

http://www.ucblogs.net/blogs/exchange/

 

[Grandpa0594]

What I found out so far is that first SBS does not include Terminal Services. However, in searching I see there are a number of software packages out there that allows TS to run on Windows XP, thus eliminating the need for me to upgrade the unit. (XP Unlimited, WINConnect, Etc.) Anybody have any experience with these?

 

[Zelandakh]

A Windows 2003 Server would be ideal for you.