Choosing a Windows Server

More of both home computer enthusiasts and small businesses are looking to purchase a windows server. Reasons for buying range from the ability to support larger networks, allowing small businesses to connect offices in completely separate locations so that file transfers and copies can be made instantly, to the website builder who wants total control over their hosting.

Deciding what your needs are - or why you need a windows server at all - is the first step in choosing a windows server that will give you the most for your money.

Who Needs a Windows Server?

If you're not sure you need a windows server in the first place, here are some questions to ask yourself:

1. Do you need a network that can support up to 300 users every day to perform tasks like share important documents and files, access main printers and fax machines and generally share a limited amount of hardware?

2. Do you need the ability to connect to email and data from a central location? - And do you want to make sure the highest level of security and protection is available for them?

3. Do you run applications from several computers that need to access a single database? (One example is the small business shop, where a variety of employees need access to the shop's cataloging system.)

4. Does your business need to manage employee use of the Internet? (For the home user, the same question applies - do parents need to manage children's use of the Internet?)

5. Do you need the ability to connect to email, contacts, calendar and other important resources no matter where you're at?

6. Do you need to be able to actually connect to a "main" computer, even if you're in another state?

If you've answered "yes" to at least two of these questions, a windows server is likely a good solution for you. With the tools built into the latest versions of Windows Server, you can achieve all of these goals and more - all with the same familiar ease that Microsoft has built into its operating system.

Windows Server Editions

There are currently four "editions" of windows servers. They break down into a standard and premium version of two different servers: Small Business Server, and Essential Business Server.

For most home users and small businesses, the choice to stick with the less-expensive Small Business Server is an easy one. It hosts all the tools and abilities you need, without tacking on a lot of corporate-sized extras that you don't. Beyond that, it comes down to what you plan on doing with your windows server.

Standard Small Business Server

The "Standard" Small Business Windows Server is a good fit for most home users. It allows you to connect up to 75 users and/or devices, and serve as a primary network and email management solution. More plainly, this means that up to 75 people can share documents, email, and files all based on your server securely and easily.

One thing that all of the windows servers have in common is extremely easy implementation. To get your server running, you're guided with step-by-step wizards. These are extremely familiar to anyone who has installed a Windows operating system, requiring the entry of basic information and clicking "Next" buttons. Another standard "ease" feature is the fact that everything in the windows server is carried by a single license - you're not required to play around with licensing on every computer that connects to your server.

What can't the Standard edition do? It won't be able to manage use of the Internet, and it can't provide a website hosting solution securely. Trying to use the Standard server to host a website will allow normal visitors to access controls that pose a serious security risk.

Bottom line: The standard edition is perfect for home users that want to easily network the computers in their house, be able to connect those computers from remote locations (such as when you're away on a trip and need to access files on your home computer using a laptop) with nothing more than a username and password, and keep everything pretty secure as long as you don't open the server up to "outside" traffic.

Essential Small Business Server

A fairly big step up from the standard edition, this windows server is really aimed at the small business. It also allows you to connect up to 75 users and/or devices, and will do a fantastic job of running a secure network with email, file and document sharing, and even remote desktop capabilities.

One major advantage the essential version has over the standard is the fact that a website can actually be hosted in-house and securely. The premium edition includes an additional copy of both Windows Server and SQL Server, so you can host a company website without any real security risks. There is a small risk that the performance of your internal network could be affected and slowed down, but if ran properly this shouldn't be a concern for the average small business.

The essential version also supports access to the server from mobile devices, so you and your employees can work with documents, files, and check emails not just remotely from a laptop but right from devices like cell phones, PDA's, and more.

Another thing that small businesses will love about this edition is the easy way that the overall health and security of your network can be monitored: color-coded icons allow you to see, at a glance, just how secure or "healthy" every aspect of your server and network are.

Bottom line: If your server needs include a website hosted in-house, this is the way to go. This solution allows you to connect offices based all over a city - or the country - to a single network, and even access devices in those remote locations. Sitting in Colorado, your company could print important documents in New York. And it's all done securely and easily, requiring nothing more than a username and password.

Sources:
Hostway website - http://www.hostway.com/windows-server/index.html?AutID=Hostway+Dedicated+Servers_Windows+Server+2008_windows%20server
Microsoft Technet website - http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/updatemanagement/bb466194.aspx
http://apcmagpro.com/winserver2008_bannan.htm
Microsoft's Press Pass Press Release - http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2006/mar06/03-23UNIXMigrationMomPR.mspx