Win Xp Professional or Win server 2003 1

[Manthis]

Hi,
I would like to know if I can Install a pc with win xp pro (SP2) to be a file server, or have to purchase win 2003 or similar to do so?
Is there a BIG difference on performance and security or can I use win xp pro as my server without worrying to much about these issues?

thanks!

p.s. I will install this machine to be the server of 16 pcs on a lan.

 

[mattjurado]

For a home workgroup, XP Pro might be fine. For a business environment, you should run a server OS. Not only is performance better, but the server will properly handle communications for all the machines, and keep problems to a minimum.

If this is strictly for document file storage, I suggest using a Linux OS instead of Microsoft, will save you hundreds in software costs. The samba package is just as fast, but if you haven't done Linux before, this will require some research and patience on your part for proper deployment.



Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[bcastner]

You should also know that XP Professional will only support 10 connections from your worksations.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314882

 

[Manthis]

Ok, thanks guys.... I guess I´ll have to go for the win 2003 option, even though I don´t have much exeprience with it. (on the other hand, I´ve never worked with Linux)

thanks a lot for the help.

 

[NickFerrar]

Red Hat Linux costs more than Windows 2003 for us

As for experience, if you're familiar with 2000/XP GUIs then you'll know your way around most of Windows 2003. Also the "Help and Support Center" built-in to Windows 2003 is light years ahead of previous Help versions.

 

[mattjurado]

Red Hat isn't the only version of Linux, SuSE Pro can be had for next to nothing to run a fully functional file server. Just an option for him to spend $100 for software versus several hundred or more.

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.