Setting up a Server and using Windows Server and have a quesiton

[hellomynameis]

When I choose the software, I always forget what the reason for CAL's is for.

This server is just going to be a file server, and it needs to be accessed by 25+ station at any given time.

So can I just buy this verison of Windows Server
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116098

 

[dbwillis]

Yes, buy that version of the server OS

Cal's go by Device or User, depending on how you want to set it up.
Examples :>
50 users on 2 shifts, with 25 desks/computers, you can use 25 device cals this way
25 executives, each with a PDA, laptop and desktop, you can use 25 user cals this way

Then buy these 25 device cals
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16837116229
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16837116228

for another $790

 

[t00thless]

Just a file server? Why not try linux

 

[swatbat]

Do they have another server running active directory, dns etc and this is an addon? Is this going to do anything at all besides host files? With that many users I would go with a domain(active directory) for management. Also do you already have the hardware?

If you already have a domain on the network and just need to add storage look into Windows Storage Server. You need to buy it with hardware(ie prebuilt server). The nice thing about Storage server is that it does not need CALs. Downside is that it pretty much is only a fileserver and print server. May be a better option.