Networking from small to medium

[siouxfire]

Our office currently has a network of PCs running Windows 98 and Windows XP machines. We started with 10 which was fine; we used an XP machine as a 'server' as the applications we use over the network are pretty basic(well, VERY basic). Now, we have 22 machines so we've hit our limit. We don't want to create two separate networks in the office. If we purchase a Windows 2000 server, does this mean we'll need to buy licenses for all our machines? If so, is there an alterative that cost-effective and simple?

[tdvit]

when you say you reached your limit. what did you reach your limit with?

[siouxfire]

Windows XP stops me from linking more than 10 PC's to a single network domain. It's possible to just set up another domain, but that's pretty awkward.

[tdvit]

so I persume you only need to share data? if so why not just setup a share on your xp machine and map everyone to it. nobody would have to log in to it if you grant everyone access to it. If this is not a viable solution for you then just by windows 2000 server. you would have already bought client licenses with your machines but even if you havent you wouldnt need to purchase seperate licenses. I hope bill gates does not read this!!! If you do install 2000 server, during the setup just choose license per server as opposed to per seat and you will be fine. make sure you keep all your pc's and server up to date on www.windowsupdate.com - good luck! Mick

[j2buttonsw]

As stated XP (and Windows 2000 Pro) have an upper limit of 10 concurrent connections. You are not running a domain as you don't have a domain controller (ie a server product), you are running a workgroup. It doesn't matter how many workgroups you set up or what you call them, you will only get 10 concurrent connections. Therefore, the short answer is yes, buy a Windows 2000 server. This is expensive but there are plenty of plus points: centralised administration (just setup accounts on your new domain rather than going to ech idividual computer), Active Directory (your centralised domain database), group policy objects (setting security privaledges and remotely installing software etc), etc. If you buy SBS 2000 you can have a domain up to 50 clients and you have proxy (internet sharing), SQL and exchange (email solution) built in for a reasonable price. As far as licensing goes, you will need a license for each computer that connects to the server but you can always turn off the licensing service. Oh, and get it installed by a professional such as http://www.integrationinnovators.com

[j2buttonsw]

BTW, you could download the free Linux server OS but expect to pay top dollar for Linux support (if you can get it) unless you are keen enough to work it out for yourself (and iron out compatability issues).