winserver2003 as an OS? winserverNT as an OS??

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From: Ares (ms673_at_hotmail.com)
Date: 03/07/04


Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2004 20:46:05 -0800

Ok, these are some very basic questions. I didn't know where else to post them, so here i go.

I'm going to be setting up a network of 4 computers soon in my home. I want to host a number of websites on one of the computers, which will be my server. These websites are asp based (vb) therefore i must use IIS. I'm willing to purchase windows server 2003 in order to do this. The problem i have is that i'm building all of these computers myself, and purchasing the server software too (expensive). I will not have a whole lot of extra money to purchase Operating System software to put into the other computers. Here's my delema. Of the 4 computers, one is the server, it gets winserver2003 automatically. Another computer will be getting win98, its just a pc for the kids. I have 2 computers left which will have no operating system (unless i pull more money from the money tree and purchase two copies of winXP). Here's my question.

Can i use my winserver2003 software (comes with 5 cals), install on the other two computers as an OPERATING SYSTEM only? I don't have a need to run the other computers as servers. Will winserver2003 work as an operating system for my other 2 computers, and would i be able to install things like office2000, msn messenger, winamp, other im's, other programs onto those computers? I guess my question is whether or not winserver2003 would perform as a standard operating system, or am i forced to consult with the elusive money tree and purchase separate operating systems?

Would WinServer NT double as an operating system if i used that instead? Any suggestions?? Respond here or feel free to email me. Thanks for your time.