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File Server - Best Windows OS?

Z

ZzBloopzZ

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Sep 18, 2004
Messages
1,330
What do you think would be the best Windows OS for my file server? My LAN consists of 5-6 computers.

System Specs:
P3 1GHZ - W/ Slot 1 to Socket 370 Slocket Adapter
Asus P3B-F
Crucial 512MB PC133 CL2
WD 8GB 5400RPM 2MB (System Drive)
4x WD 250GB 7200RPM 8MB (Storage)
Promise Ultra100 TX2

It'll run just these tasks:
  • Store Music, Movies, Software
  • Small FTP (1-2 Users)

I've gotten mixed suggestions. Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2003 Server Standard Edition and even Windows XP Pro. What should i use? :confused:
 
Windows 2003 is the best IMHO. Build exactly for this purpose.
 
If you already have 2003 then go with that. If you are actually going to have to purchase a 2003 license then just use XP because it's cheaper and performance will be just about the same when you are dealing with so few users/computers.
 
ZzBloopzZ said:
What do you think would be the best Windows OS for my file server? My LAN consists of 5-6 computers.

System Specs:
P3 1GHZ - W/ Slot 1 to Socket 370 Slocket Adapter
Asus P3B-F
Crucial 512MB PC133 CL2
WD 8GB 5400RPM 2MB (System Drive)
4x WD 250GB 7200RPM 8MB (Storage)
Promise Ultra100 TX2

It'll run just these tasks:
  • Store Music, Movies, Software
  • Small FTP (1-2 Users)

I've gotten mixed suggestions. Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2003 Server Standard Edition and even Windows XP Pro. What should i use? :confused:
Click to expand...
Just out of curiousity, why have you not tried to use linux? It's free afterall
:p
 
aug1516 said:
If you already have 2003 then go with that. If you are actually going to have to purchase a 2003 license then just use XP because it's cheaper and performance will be just about the same when you are dealing with so few users/computers.
Click to expand...

i second winXP.. You are only going to be using it for storing files and the such, so all you need is a shared folder and you're set!
 
Xilikon said:
Windows 2003 is the best IMHO. Build exactly for this purpose.
Click to expand...

Nice. Plus i got spare copy of legit 2000 and 2003 server laying around.

I'll go with that 2003 Server :c)
 
Finsta said:
Just out of curiousity, why have you not tried to use linux? It's free afterall
:p
Click to expand...


Because even with the advances out there in linux.. it's a lot more of a hassle to put winXp pro systems into using a linux based file server than putting a set of windows clients onto a windows file server.

Such things as samba, or linux usage in general, may be something he has no experience with..

Besides.

His question was "Best windows OS"

Stay on topic. Don't troll. Be constructive.

Answer his question with your choice of best WINDOWS os, or say nothing


And.. on that note.

Windows 2003 is the most advanced file server offering from windows at this time. So.. It would be the best to use.
 
Laforge said:
Because even with the advances out there in linux.. it's a lot more of a hassle to put winXp pro systems into using a linux based file server than putting a set of windows clients onto a windows file server.

Such things as samba, or linux usage in general, may be something he has no experience with..

Besides.

His question was "Best windows OS"

Stay on topic. Don't troll. Be constructive.

Answer his question with your choice of best WINDOWS os, or say nothing


And.. on that note.

Windows 2003 is the most advanced file server offering from windows at this time. So.. It would be the best to use.
Click to expand...

That was beautifully said. Almost had tears.

Was getting mad with these people suggesting Linux, FreeBSD etc. When i specifically said Best Windows OS.

I installed Windows 2003 Server this morning and i'm loving it. I'm surprised how fast its going on a 450MHZ. (Havn't thrown in the 1GHZ yet)
 
I strongly suggest having a domain set up, if for no other reason than to get rid of the hassle of manually having to add users to each computer.

What kinda deal you getting on that OS? Some kinda academic/developer package on it, or did you actually go out and shell out the money to get the full version of 2003?




Now, to pick a bone -

Laforge said:
Because even with the advances out there in linux.. it's a lot more of a hassle to put winXp pro systems into using a linux based file server than putting a set of windows clients onto a windows file server.
Click to expand...
It's still a valid suggestion, once you consider the cost that most people have to pay to get a legit copy of Windows Server.
Such things as samba, or linux usage in general, may be something he has no experience with..
Click to expand...
...and the adverage joe has experience with Windows Server? Windows is easier to admin than Linux and harder to admin well.
Besides.

His question was "Best windows OS"

Stay on topic. Don't troll. Be constructive.
Click to expand...

The fact that he was asking the question in the first place means that he doesn't really know what he wants. If you think this is trolling, you must still be new on the internet. It was a constructive reply - Linux is a valid alternative to Windows for a basic server (you may debate on how well it does the job, but it definately would fill the role).

Answer his question with your choice of best WINDOWS os, or say nothing
Click to expand...

Actually, that's not the way it works. For starters, this is a public forum and when asking for free advice, you can't tell me what I can & can't say (that's the admin's job). It's not like somebody came in and said "M$ WINDOZ SI TEH GHEY!!#$ LUNIX IS L33T!!" they just said "Just out of curiousity, why have you not tried to use linux? It's free afterall" and Server 2003 retails for over $400. In this case I'm not suggesting it goes this way but, in general, it's perfectly valid to suggest a better solution to the problem when somebody is asking how to do something the Wrong Way.
 
I personally use win2000 pro for everything, so my vote goes for that. It may not be the best per se but its the one im most familiar with at the moment, and it works perfectly for me. also I tend to like small yet very reliable operating systems that have the features I want and let me install programs for what i dont want the os to do. For example I have an FTP server I like using, and I like using MailEnable standard for mail servers, and apache for web, etc etc. for how I run servers, for ME, windows 2000 pro is the best server, so it's what I use. use what works for you. trial and error. try something, and if it doesn't work well, try something else. find what you like to use and stick with it until it no longer works well or your needs change.

Just my opinion.
 
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