New to Server and have questions

[mercwrought]

Hi all. I have a few questions about what server 2003 can do and if it helps my situation. I have a small network (between 10 & 15 computers) at home & my friend’s house. Currently out network is broke apart with ½ on the DSL internet side and the other ½ on the Cable internet side. An associate of mine said that I could load server on a spare box with 3 nics and be able to combine the 2 networks. It is the exact solution I want, but I need to know a few things. First let me tell you what I have.

10 – 15 computers
All but one of them runs windows xp home
1 computer runs windows xp pro
1 DSL modem/part - router
1 cable modem (limit 2 ip address issued)
Both the DSL and cable connections come in the same room
1 linksys router (old)
3-6 hubs/switches 10/100
My old box that would loaded with server. It’s just a 466MHz.

My Questions

1. Will server allow me to manage both internet connections?
2. Will it allow me to compensate for fall over?
3. Will it allow me to combine the connection in to a faster connection?
4. Will it allow me to specify certain computers / programs / transmissions that I want to go out only on the cable internet connection?
5. Will there be a problem with the amount of connection that I am allowed in to the server?
6. Got any articles I can read about what I am attempting?


I want to thank you for all of your answers ahead of time.

 

[dkediger]

10 – 15 computers
All but one of them runs windows xp home

XP Home can't join a Windows domain. You would be able to use the server to provide internet to these computers, but it would only be in a raw, unmanaged form.