Getting a server help!!!

[gouldish]

I work for a small non-profit Human service agency. We have 25 computers on a per to peer network. We would like to go to a server. What is the best specs for my organization:

Database server 1-15 users
File and Print sharing for up to 25 computers 100 users
internet sharing is now done by a router on the network.
we currently contract out for the web server
I want central administration for security.
Will be going to a windows 2000 (advanced)? Server
Right now we have a mixed platform Windows 98SE / Windows 2000. Hoping to change everyone over to windows 2000.
What is the best server to get the best performance on a very limited budget. We are looking for reilability and endurance.
I am hoping to get it for well under $5,000.

Memory:
Hard Drive: 1, 2, 3 more, configuration?
Controller:
Tape Backup:
HD Blackplane:
Power supply:
other?

 

[bluewhaleCA]

I used to have clients who were non-profits... and our own network here is similar in size.. I have usually gone to IBM because their service is great. However for a bit of savings I suggest Dell. ( half our workstations are Dell ) I just pulled a system together... 2 Ghz Xeon, 1 gig of RAM, one Processor, W2K Server ( you do NOT need advanced IMSHO <g> ) 2 10K RPM 36 Gig drives..3 year next biz day service WITH software support ( suggested if you haven't worked with W2K Server often: Microsoft charges $250 per incident for support ) ... Oh: also has a 20/40 Gig tape drive with Backup Exec software. This quote came with 5 licenses for W2K Server users, so you would have to buy more to match the number of users.. but still...

Other thoughts:

Leave the internet sharing on the router. Better that dumb hardware do this than your server, which is after all run on Microsoft Software <BG>

do NOT run IIS on your primary server. It is just too insecure. And you don't want people hacking on the server you use to keep people working. We will be bringing our own web site/email in one day ( once I make time to learn more about Linux/Apache et al ) however for now we have it hosted for $150 a year. As we do not do active web business, only use it for advertising, it works for us.

Hope this helps!

Paul