How do we set up a small business server 2003 and a windows server 2003 in a network.?

Question

Could you please give me some step by step methods, also guide me to buy any book, resource that will help

It is a network with 15 users and runs all basic services like internet, VPN, SQL database, Antivirus, tapes
Thanks

Answer 1

Tofu is mistaken - SBS can have 50 other domain controllers if you want - but the SBS server MUST be the FSMO master domain controller and so as such, you can only have ONE SBS server.

I would suggest you look over my SBS web page - I have links to numerous articles and documents on how to PROPERLY setup SBS and properly add clients and servers.

http://www.lwcomputing.com/tips/static/sbs.asp

If you don't already know, SBS is a different beast from server and should NOT be managed like a Windows Server (non-SBS system). Doing so (setting up improperly and managing improperly) can cause you MANY headaches.

Answer 2

SBS2003 is a straight forward process, pop in CD1 and it will guide you through, from DNS to AD and Exchange, its all automated.

As for 2003 Server, you will need to set up the DNS server, AD manually.

You can have both on the same network as SBS2003 allows only one domain controller active through out the network. if theres only 15 users, then you can get away with SBS2003 without any problems as it max out at 75.

Answer 3

It is designed to work that way! More than one machine is always good for redundancy, but not strictly necessary. If you use good hardware meant for servers you will be miles ahead in the performance and reliability department. Using a RAID setup for the boot-OS drive and another RAID setup for the data storage is very important. It will save a huge amount of your time and usertime by preventing downtime. A spare power supply and hard drives never hurt.