EggXpert

I am the shop manager for a small family owned collision repair facility.  The software we use for our file management and estimating just released a new version.  The system req. for the new version is for multiuser setups to be run on a Windows 2003 server.  Right now our setup is 3 windows xp computers, one has the "server" installation and 2 with "workstation" installations.

I have a semi-above average tech skill, but have never managed a actual server before.  Is it that different from running a office full of computers?  I have worked for a engineer and now for my father-in-laws shop and for both I have been the computer guy (I do not call myself a admin cause I know several and my knowledge does not compare to theirs).

I guess my main question is this:  What should I be looking for in a box setup? OS, (the software is 32bit only, any benefit from running that on a 64bit system?), processor, ram, drive setup etc...

I have a external eSata Venus T5 drive box, setup in RAID 10 for 1.5TB.  Can I still use this with my server?  Or would it be better to have a internal RAID setup?  What do you think of using Intel SSD drives?  Are they reliable enough for a server box?

Help!  And thanks in advance for your help.  Sorry for the plethora of questions...just trying to get a start in something I have never messed with before.

I am no expert in servers so I refrained from commenting.  Since it has be half  day with no response I would say other forums elsewhere might be more informative.  But I will put forth a suggestion.

I presume cost would be a consideration.  Since you currently have a three computer setup including the server.  Don't dismiss the possibility of using Microsoft's Windows Home Server (WHS) as the 32-bit OS.   It is based upon Windows Small Business Server 2003 SP2.  Should be able to handle the few computers you use with ease.  If you go this route, I am not sure why the Egg is not selling the Pack 2 version.  So I guess there will be a bit of Windows Online updating to Pack 2  occurring before you are ready to rumble.  PDF from MS    Free trial

Like I said, I am not expert, but I do not see why this is not your OS solution. As long as the components on your server have device drivers for Windows Server 2003 there should be no problem.  And the software from this vendor ought to work unless it uses something that has been removed from the Business Server in the production of WHS...it looks to me like the only major limitation between the two is WHS can only handle up to ten computers.

Min. system requirements (which with MS should be taken with a large grain of salt):

   * 1.0 GHz Intel Pentium 3 (or equivalent) processor
    * 512 MB RAM
    * 80 GB internal hard drive as primary drive
    * 100 Mbit/s wired Ethernet

Additionally, the following are required for installation of the operating system only

    * Bootable DVD drive or USB stick
    * Display
    * Keyboard and mouse

Well, I really do appreciate your answer...something is always better then nothing.  I will look into WHS then...I had not known about it at all.

Thanks!!!

I personally would stray from WHS for a business environment. It may work for you, but I prefer something more configurable and manageable for a SMB server... i.e. Server 2003 Standard. Since you've already networked your PC's and use one as a server already, you should be okay.

I'd also recommend creating a new separate server so that you don't have to rely on the old workstation. You should be able to make a server with scheduled external backups (i.e. tape or Rev drives), Server 2003, a decent CPU, ECC RAM, and RAID 5/6/10 drives for $2500 and up depending what you want. Alternatively, of course you could order a pre-built one.. you don't need anything crazy.

Edit: Almost forgot there's also Small Business Server 2003 for a cheaper option. Should do everything you need and then some.

Looking at what I need, I think you are right about Server 2003.  I had looked at the SBS software, but the software company for my estimating system says that the requirement is Server 2003, and they will not support me if I am running anything else.  I need to keep the ability to get support from them, I pay them enough each year already.  Now that being said, if I am running SBS instead of the full Server, is there that much difference so that the average tech support agent would get a flag thrown up if he is helping me over the phone?  The cost difference is significant enough to consider it.

What do you think of this hardware:

ASUS TS100-E5/P14 Barebone, E8400 3.0Ghz, 4GB Ram  I am thinking of 4 raptor drives setup in RAID 10 (the shop owner hates waiting for applications to load, windows to open etc...)

Any other suggestions? And thanks in advance.

No, to me that looks like a good, quick, basic file server. I would recommend the Velociraptors over the Raptors though, I've had reliability issues with the Raptor drives while the Velociraptors are newer, cooler, and faster.

When it comes to the SBS edition, as far as I know there are only a few downsides compared to the Server 2003 Standard. If used in a domain it has to be at the very top of the forest (main DC). Not sure if you even plan on doing that or if you just use a workgroup, in which case it wouldn't matter.

Maybe someone else can chime in and confirm that, but as far as I know the company who supports Server 2003 should also support SBS 2003... to them there wouldn't be any difference.