install MS exchange server (concept question)

[Larry K]

Hello,

I'm looking for some step by step instructions --- or maybe some validation/confirmation of my setup -- meaning, is it valid?

anyway,
I have 2 xp pro clients and a windows 2003 server machine

I want to run MS outlook on the clients and put exchange on the server.

I don't want exchange to run my email, as I will pop the mail... .my hosting provider will manage my email. (I don't want my server responsible for my email being up or down)

I want my server (the exchange server) to have 1 COPY of my mail (pst file or folder or whatever it is), even though my client computers will access the single copy of the mail folder.

make since?---- I have 2 client PCs with outlook who access the server copy of the email. (no syncing email,etc)

basically, I have 1 user - (me), that will access the exchange server from 2 different PCs. Each client machine can access the same email account, at the same time. Send/recieve email at same time, etc.

has anyone done this?
can it work this way?
any help would be appreciated and/or comments on this type of setup

THANKS

i bought a book by Jim Boyce -- Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 - Inside Out --- lots of great stuff, but does not appear to have my answers?????

thanks