Simple File Server for Small Business using Windows 2008 Server

Question

I am going to order a new server for my small business and all I need the server to do is to allow my 5 users to login to their computers and use the server as a file server. I don't need Exchange or SharePoint. I am guessing I need to setup a local Domain Controller and have the users login to it on their computers. After they login then I want to map a drive that would point to the server so they could use it as a file server.

What version of Windows 2008 server would you buy and is there a easily understood guide or book for setting up a Windows 2008 file server. I need to understand what I need to do on the server and on each client computer. All of the client computers are running Windows XP.

Thanks for any advice.

Wes

tommo666 · Answer

I would check out windows home server, don't be put off by the name as it's available for small businesses. It does file serving and the best feature is the backup. It will backup your desktops and provide bare metal restores saving hours of rebuild time. Link here I have used it since beta and it's great. I have restored my desktop and laptops in under an hour.

speedstep · Answer

You can get windows home server installed on a premade box.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9184599&type=product&id=1218049410829&srccode=cii_7240393

Or a NAS server

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/External_Hard_Drives/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&sku=A1370653&~lt=popup&~ck=TopSellers

Designed for storage, sharing and backup needs of a home or office network, the LinkStation™ Pro Duo™ Network Attached Storage from Buffalo™ Technology

wesmar · Answer

If I wanted to buy Windows 2008 in case we grew to a larger size organization (say 30 people) is there any good books or guides that anyone has used that were helpful? Thanks, Wes

Systems Management General

Simple File Server for Small Business using Windows 2008 Server

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