operating system for server

[rainyday]

now... if i wanted to build up a network... and wanted to start with the server... which operating system should i use for my server?

 

[Worked4me]

Hey rainyday,

Please specify if this is for school or if you are thinking about
implementing this in a business environment.

If you want to do it for school everyone is downloading
the free Windows 2003 Server Enterprise Edition which
is limited to a 180 day trial.
https://microsoft.order-5.com/windowsserver2003evaldl/addrform.asp

This is the product overview for Windows 2003 Server
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/evaluation/overview/family.mspx

If it is a small business than you should consider using the
Microsoft Small Business Server versions these are a list
of retailers off of PriceGrabber but you obviously could
purchase it from anywhere.

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=1185290

This is the product overview for SBS 2003.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/evaluation/overview/default.mspx

I am refering to Microsoft products here you could consider Linux
versions of Server. There is a larger learning curve to manage and support a network environment in Linux.

I prefer Microsoft Server platforms for the functinallity, ease of administration, and immense amount of support available to
resolve any problems that will arise.

Good Luck.

 

[nak-1]

Yes, there is a learning curve with implementing a Linux server, but once you've got it running you probably won't need all that support you get for windows.

It took me about 2 weeks to get my linux server running from scratch. I haven't had to touch it since, and that means about 6 months.

Then there's the rather obvious fact that Linux is completely free.

Plus the learning curve you go through setting up a linux server will probably leave you with a much better knowledge of the priciples involved.

Get your hands dirty and do it for free...

Of course, if you are setting this up for a business then take the option which will be up and running faster and which your management structure is more likely to believe in, winblowz...

In a business situation total cost of ownership will probably be lower for Linux, however in the short term it will probably be more expensive as expert knowledge is expensive to bring into your business.

I have also seen technologies like Citrix implemented very well. Really cheap for your workstation costs, but you still have to pay those exorbitant Microsoft licensing fees....

Basically if you can avoid Microsoft do so, as their software is bloated, runs bad and is mindbumbing to use.

 

[NYY DYNASTY]

if you just want an operating system...nothing major...

windows 2000 server