Windows Server Software

[WireGuy1950]

What are the benefits of using Windows 2000 Server vs Windows XP on a small business system?  The system is about 12 computers sharing files, data bases, and Internet connection.  No e-commerce, no web hosting, no order taking etc.

How difficult would it be to upgrade Windows 2000 Server to Windows 2003 Server?

[Spoiler]

It all comes down to what do you what to do with your workgroup. Ask yourself things like...

is everything working?
Do you expect to get more computer/workstations soon?
Do you have to share files offen?
Do you have things like printers that you need to share?
Do you have someone who is skilled in Active Directory and knows how to setup a server?

Most of the time a small group of computers like what you have really doesn't need to add a server. But if you expect to add more machines and you think that you will be sharing a lot more things than adding a server maybe the way to go.

As far as upgrading to 2003...its not to hard to do if you have the know how and work out any problems that may come up. If this is your first server than I would just go right to 2003.

[WireGuy1950]

Thanks for the reply.

We already have the server with Windows 2000 Server. 

I had a request to add Quick Books 2008 for multiple users and they only support Windows 2003 Server and or Windows XP.

I need to upgrade at least one computer to Windows XP (we currently use mostly Windows 2000), but I was debating what to do about the server.

By default I am the IT department, I'm okay with the regular computers but nervous about attacking the server with all our drawings and manufacturing data base on it.